Weâre on the cusp of yet another highly-anticipated autumn season here in Stowe, Vermont, one of the most popular fall destinations in New England. If youâre searching for quintessential Central Vermont foliage, look no further than Stowe. Our peaceful, picturesque mountain town is not only a jaw-dropping natural haven, but youâll also discover everything from award-winning breweries to five-star restaurants within the city limits. Every fall, as you might expect, the Green Mountains transform into an awe-inspiring blend of crimson, amber, marigold, and emerald. Thereâs no better place to start and finish your days than historic Edson Hill. Our idyllic countryside inn sits on 38 acres of lush, colorful forestry.
Top 3 Self-Guided Central Vermont Foliage Tours
There are many ways to observe the most vibrant Central Vermont foliage during a well-deserved escape to Edson Hill. But we recommend embarking on a self-guided photography tour, a waterfall excursion, or a lengthy fall drive. Regardless of which avenue you take, youâll be greeted by vivid Central Vermont fall colors.
Capture the Green Mountains Through a Lens
The old adage, âa picture is worth a thousand words,â still rings true in the 21st century. While photographs are taken at an alarming rate nowadays, thereâs still something magical about a self-guided photo session amid heartwarming Central Vermont fall foliage. Weâve compiled five of our favorite fall hikes, all of which include spectacular lookouts, deep-forest serenity, and, of course, just about every color in the rainbow. Donât forget your hiking boots, fall coat, and a makeshift walking stick as many of these excursions require varying levels of physical exertion.
- Stowe Pinnacle: hard, 3.7 miles
- Lake Mansfield: moderate, 3.2 miles
- Sterling Pond: moderate, 2.3 miles
- Mount Mansfield: hard, 3.7 miles
- Sunset Rock: lookout
Nothing Beats âWaterfall Huntingâ in the Fall
Dams, unfortunately, have destroyed thousands of waterfalls all across North America since the late 1700s. But donât fret, because âwaterfall huntingâ has subtly become a nationwide sensation over the past couple of decades. There are dozens of breathtaking waterfalls within 60 miles of Edson Hill. Three particularly beautiful locales are just a short jaunt from Stowe: Bingham Falls, Moss Glen Falls, and Sterling Gorge Falls. Autumn is the best season to explore these three natural gems as the rivers and creeks are typically âdried up,â allowing visitors to walk the banks to the falls. The regionâs main attraction, arguably, is Moss Glen Falls, a secluded, peaceful natural beauty thatâs perfect for an afternoon picnic. Some of the prettiest Central Vermont foliage can be observed at Moss Glen (as seen in the photo to the right).
Hop into the Car and Drive
Whether youâre aiming to meticulously plan a fall drive or just go for a spontaneous mid-day cruise, the backcountry roads that wind and weave around Mount Mansfield are enclosed by dense forestry. This year, the folks at GoStowe.com pieced together an incredibly detailed list of 11 nearby fall drives, including a trip that loops from Edson Hill through downtown Stowe. Here are five our favorite Central Vermont fall foliage drives:
- Edson Hill and West Hill
- Stagecoach Road to Johnson
- Montpelier, Worcester, and Lake Elmore
- Elmore Mountain and Randolph Road
- Sterling Valley and Mud City
Experience Central Vermont in the Fall
Start and finish each day at rustic yet luxurious Edson Hill, a 23-bedroom boutique hotel on the edge of town. Our wilderness escape features a gourmet, farm-to-table restaurant, Gauthier-Stacy interiors, and an on-site trail network. After a full day of breathtaking Stowe waterfalls, mountain-top overlooks, and countryside drives, retreat to our historic inn for an evening of relaxation. When you choose Edson Hill, youâll always be steps from vibrant Central Vermont foliage. Book a well-deserved autumn escape into the Green Mountains by giving us a call today at 802-253-7371.