Fall Foliage in Vermont
Fall is the shortest of the four seasons in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, but the most spectacular. The air is crisp and cool. The countryside is vibrant with color.
Leave the interstate and follow the country lanes and backroads that wind their way through forests ablaze in yellow, orange, and red foliage. Better yet, get out of your car and bike or hike off-road along lumber trails and paths that run deep into the forests. Or canoe on rivers or quiet lakes reflecting autumn colors. The Northeast Kingdom has more lakes than any other part of Vermont.
Many of the small villages you pass through will be alive with harvest festivals, church suppers, bake sales, craft shows, tag sales, and entertainment ranging from rubber duck races to cow plop bingo. Given its location, Quimby’s uniquely offers the opportunity to see bordering Quebec and some of its charming small towns ablaze in their own foliage finest.
The forests in the Northeast Kingdom are always the first to change color in Vermont, usually from the end of September to very early October. Quimby Country, in Averill, is the perfect base to explore the area on both sides of the Canadian border, and the nearby Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge offers the renowned Lewis Pond Overlook, a regular “must go” destination to foliage fanatics.
Fall Foliage Tours in Vermont
Northern Vermont Fall Foliage Tour
One Hour, Thirty-Five Minute Route
From Quimby’s, get back on Rt. 114 West to Norton and South to Island Pond, which is one of the wildest stretches of roads in the Northeast Kingdom with plenty of swampy areas along the road that attract moose.
Then, head East on Rt. 105 along the Nulhagen River to Bloomfield. The higher elevations along Rt. 105 usually have spectacular color. You can stop in the Silvio O. Conte Wildlife Refuge visitor center in Brunswick along the way.
In Bloomfield, you can go North on Rt. 102 along the Connecticut River to Canaan where you can get back on Rt. 114 West to Quimby Country. The route is 68 miles and will take at least about 90 minutes, not counting stops.
Northern Vermont Fall Color Tour
Two Hour, Twenty-Five Minute Route
The forests in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom are always the first to change color, usually from the second half of September to early October. Best of all, you can see it from uncrowded roads, following country lanes and backroads that wind their way through forests ablaze in yellow, orange, and red foliage.
One of the most dazzling routes begins in St. Johnsbury, just off Rt. 91 on the Northeast Kingdom’s southern edge. Take Rt.2 East out of St. Johnsbury to Rt. 102 North along the Connecticut River. Go all the way to Canaan and from there take Rt. 114 West to Quimby Country in Averill, which is the perfect base to explore the area on both sides of the Canadian border. You can stay overnight in your own cottage on Forest Lake for as little as $200, continental breakfast included.
From there, you can bike or hike along lumber trails and paths that run deep into the surrounding forests. Paddle on quiet lakes reflecting the autumn colors. Or cross the border for dinner in the Eastern Townships. (Bring your passport.) All before continuing your foliage tour the next morning.
From St. Johnsbury to Quimby Country is a pleasant 90-minute drive, though you’ll find plenty of reasons to stop along the way in both directions. Many of the small villages you pass through will be alive with harvest festivals, church suppers, bake sales, craft shows, tag sales, and entertainment, ranging from rubber duck races to cow plop bingo.
Fall may be the shortest of the four seasons in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, but it’s also the most spectacular. The air is crisp and cool. The countryside is vibrant with color. Make your reservation at Quimby Country now. Call 802-822-5533or visit QuimbyCountry.com.
