Dream of seeing breathtaking views of Fall colors? Then you need to visit Vermont in October! Many New England states like New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont offer the best places to find fall color in the United States.
On our road trip through the green mountain state, my favorite thing was the scenic drive. The mountain views with Vermont Fall foliage are unbelievably beautiful! There were many times when I pulled over on a dirt road to admire the beauty and take photos.
The best way to explore Vermont is by renting a car and driving through the scenic byway to the small towns. Our original itinerary included flying into Burlington (where we rented the car), then driving to Stowe, then Woodstock, then driving to southern Vermont. The towns are approximately 1-2 hours away from the next town we wanted to explore.
We changed our itinerary last minute and decided not to drive to southern Vermont due to time constraints and decided to go back to Burlington to explore the city.
Our Original Dog Friendly Itinerary In Vermont
Below you’ll find the best dog-friendly things to do in Vermont in October during Fall and the best places to visit in Vermont to see peak foliage in Fall with your dog. Plan to see the best Fall colors and do fall dog-friendly outdoor activities such as apple picking, exploring corn mazes, hiking, and finding the best cider donuts and craft beer.
This ultimate guide will help you plan your own Fall trip to Vermont In October with the Entire family including your furry family member!
October In Vermont: Things To Do In Dog-Friendly Vermont In The Fall
When Is Peak Foliage Season In Vermont?
The best time to visit Vermont for Fall colors depends on the weather and varies from year to year. After much research, a great time of year to see peak foliage in Vermont is between late September to early October.
I decided to take a trip to Vermont on the last weekend in September and the Fall colors were just starting to show. It’s always better to go earlier in leaf-peeping season than to miss it altogether. I recommend booking a trip to see peak Fall in Vermont within the first two weeks of October.
Use a Peak Foliage Report to help you plan your trip.
How Far In Advance Do You Recommend Booking A Fall Foliage Trip In Vermont?
It’s recommended to book a Fall foliage trip in Vermont as early as 6 months to a year in advance. This is especially true if you are traveling with a pet.
Vermont is a popular destination in October, making hotel rooms and Airbnb rentals book out fast. There are a limited amount of dog-friendly hotels, inns, and Airbnbs. You will have more choices of dog-friendly hotel rooms if you book earlier.
For me, it was a last-minute trip that I booked within months and it was difficult to find dog-friendly place to stay in all the small towns. I looked at neighboring towns such as Killington to find pet-friendly lodging.
It’s recommended to book a Fall foliage trip in Vermont as early as 6 months to a year in advance. This is especially true if you are traveling with a pet.
Explore Stowe, Vermont & Surrounding towns (Waterbury, Vermont)
Stowe was the first town we visited in the green mountain state and it had all the charm of a small town. The main street has many things such as coffee shops, inns, gift shops, farmer’s market, and more!
Dog-friendly Activities To Do During Fall In Stowe
There are many dog-friendly fall activities you can do in Stowe, Vermont. Many are free and some have a small fee.
-Stroll through the town of Stowe
Take your dog for a walk through the town of Stowe where there are many things to take in from coffee shops, The Country Store, the Stowe farmer’s market, and more!
You’ll also see the famous Stowe Community Church. But the best place to take photos is from a distance at the parking lot of “Salon Salon.”
-Ben & Jerry’s
Visit Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor to get a favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor or try a new flavor. Stroll through their Flavor Graveyard to see what flavors have ceased to exist.
Dogs are welcome to the outdoor ice cream parlor and Flavor Graveyard. Unfortunately, they are not allowed on the factory tour.
-Cold Hollow Cider Mill
3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd.
The best cider donuts are made at Cold Hollow Cider Mill and are worth the stop! They have a bakery where you can see them freshly make the donuts, a market, and a restaurant. I recommend getting at least 2 of their cider donuts and the apple cider.
Dogs are only allowed in the outdoor area with picnic tables.
-Stowe Gondola Skyride
7416 Mountain Rd.
One of the more unique Fall activities you can do with your dog is to ride the Stowe Gondola Skyride at Stowe Mountain Resort. The gondola takes you up to the top of Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain and highest peak in the Green Mountains in Vermont. It’s a great way to enjoy the Fall foliage from a unique perspective.
Tickets are about $37 in person or you can purchase them for a little cheaper online. Keep in mind, you can’t purchase same-day tickets. Please check their website on days with bad weather because they close down the Gondola Skyride.
The ride is dog-friendly. My dog was hesitant to get on the gondola as it continues to move and I had to carry him. He was a bit nervous about the noises and cold at the top of the mountain. I recommend a sweater for your small dog if they get cold easily.
There is a restaurant at the top of the mountain but it isn’t dog-friendly.
-Smuggler’s Notch
Route 108
Smuggler’s Notch is a mountain pass in the Mount Mansfield State Forest. Drive the winding roads and enjoy the scenic route from your car. Stop at Smuggler’s Notch State Park for beautiful views.
-Golden Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge)
One of the many beautiful wooden bridges found in Vermont, The Golden Brook Covered Bridge is said to be haunted.
-Stowe Recreation Path
The Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.5 mile long trail for walking or biking. There are many access points along the path where you can park. Thompson Park across from Percy Farm corn Maze a great place to access the path.
-Hike: Moss Glen Falls & Stowe Pinnacle Trail
Dog-friendly Hotels To Stay In Stowe, Vt/ Where To Stay
Field Guide Lodge– Offers a hyggie cozy space with three dog-friendly Cottage Suites with private exterior entrances for dogs under 70 pounds. There is a pet charge of $50 per dog per day. Dogs are never permitted in interior public spaces.
Trapp Family Lodge– offers 8 pet-friendly rooms in their Main Lodge for dogs under 50 lbs for a $75 nightly pet surcharge. Dogs are not allowed in public spaces of the Lodge
The Lodge at Spruce Peak– Welcomes two dogs with a combined weight of up to 100 pounds for a fee of $100 per night.
Stoweflake mountain resort
Explore Burlington, Vermont In The Fall
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city and a great place to explore if you’re looking for more of a city feel. Lake Champlain is certainly a highlight in Burlington.
Dog-friendly Activities To Do During Fall In Burlington
-Walk or bike the Burlington bike path
A great spot for dog lovers, the Burlington bike path offers many recreational paths for dog walking.
-Catch a sunset at Lake Champlain
The Burlington Waterfront Boathouse is a great dog-friendly restaurant to catch a sunset at Lake Champlain, overlooking the Adirondack Mountains.
Dog-friendly Hotels To Stay In Burlington, Vt/ Where To Stay
DoubleTree by Hilton Burlington
Explore Woodstock, Vermont In The Fall
Woodstock is a quintessential New England town similar to Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls. There is a general store, Inn, antique store, covered bridges, and more. The small town is a tourist attraction but is worth discovering with your furry friend.
Dog-friendly Activities To Do During Fall In Woodstock
–Stroll through the town of Woodstock
Grab a coffee from Cafe Mont Vert and walk your dog through the town of Woodstock. Explore the trails leading into town, the neighborhood homes around town, and the Inns that are decorated for the season.
–Sugarbush Farm
Sugarbush Farm is a working farm full of maple trees. You can learn how maple syrup is made at the farm. Get a free sample of maple syrup and cheese. Dogs are welcome on the maple walk and in the sugar house only but not the tasting room or farm gift shop. It’s open year-round.
-Middle Covered Bridge
There are many covered bridges in Woodstock. The Middle covered bridge is the easiest to find, located right in town where you can’t miss it.
-Take Photos At Sleepy Hollow Farm
There are many iconic farms in Vermont; Billings Farm, Jenne Farm and Sleepy Hollow Farm to name a few. They are the most picturesque farms in the fall!
Note: Billings Farm is a popular activity to do in Woodstock but unfortunately the farm isn’t dog-friendly.
It’s worth the drive out to 3207 Cloudland Rd to see the beautiful Sleepy Hollow Farm in person. But please note the farm is a private residence. Please respect their property.
-Hike The Quechee Gorge Trail In The Neighboring Town
The neighboring town of Quechee is worth the short drive to hike the Quechee Gorge Trail, found in Quechee state park. If you don’t have time for a hike, view the gorge from the Route 4 bridge.
Dog-friendly Hotels To Stay In Woodstock, Vt/ Where To Stay
Woodstock Inn– All-sized dogs are welcome to stay in the Garden Level rooms for a $150 pet fee. Guests may leave their pets in their hotel room alone so that they can enjoy the restaurants. Dog treats, dog bowl, and plush dog beds are available upon request.
Explore Southern Vermont
Although we didn’t make it to southern Vermont on our Fall road trip, Bennington and Manchester are worth the drive through the Green Mountains!
Dog-friendly Activities To Do During Fall In Southern Vermont
-Equinox Preservation Trust
Explore the colorful miles of trails with beautiful views of the pond.
-Covered bridges
With over 100 covered bridges in Vermont, there are many covered bridges to be found in each town. In Bennington County, you can find The Silk Road Covered Bridge and Burt Henry Covered Bridge.
-Visit Farmers Markets
Dog-friendly Hotels To Stay In Southern Vermont, Vt/ Where To Stay
Equinox Golf- Resort & Spa-Dogs under 80 lbs are welcome for a one-time per-service fee of $130.
Other Dog-friendly Lodgings And Activities To Consider In D0g-Friendly Vermont
-Dog Mountain
-Paw House Inn
-Mountain Top Inn
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