When the Green Mountains catch fire with color, there's nowhere in New England quite like Manchester, Vermont. At the base of Mount Equinox, our historic resort has welcomed travelers since 1769, and autumn here is the season locals and guests wait for all year. Crisp mornings, blazing hillsides, apple scented orchards, and miles of private hiking trails right outside your door: this is fall as it was meant to be experienced
From easy strolls to moderate climbs, trails around Manchester show off Vermont's fall colors at every level. Walk the flat, scenic Equinox Pond Loop (2.5 mi) right from the resort, climb to the dramatic 125 foot cascade at Lye Brook Falls (4.5 mi), take in valley views from Prospect Rock (3.5 mi round trip), or pair a peaceful walk with a swim at Emerald Lake Loop (2.3 mi) near East Dorset.
Fall is prime season for trout on the Battenkill River. Book a lesson or guided outing with Trico, or with the Orvis Fly-Fishing School headquartered right here in Manchester, and fish the same waters anglers have loved for generations.
Play our par-71 championship course, redesigned by Rees Jones, while the fairways are framed in red and gold. Fall is widely considered the best, and least crowded, season to play, with stay-and-play packages available through the end of the season.
Slow down as the air turns crisp. Unwind at the spa with treatments inspired by the season, then head outside to the patio for sips and s'mores by the fire pit and long, quiet breaths of mountain air.
Take on Vermont's rugged backcountry behind the wheel of a Land Rover. The Equinox's private off-road course winds through forest and hillside terrain, offering hands-on instruction in all-terrain driving techniques
Explore Southern Vermont's fall landscape on two wheels. With trails ranging from scenic gravel roads to more technical singletrack, the area surrounding The Equinox offers riders of every level a chance to take in crisp air and vibrant foliage from a different vantage point.
Ride above the treetops for one of the best views of Vermont's fall foliage. Both Bromley Mountain and Stratton Mountain offer scenic chairlift rides to the summit, where panoramic vistas stretch across the Green Mountains in full autumn color. A relaxing, family-friendly way to take in the season without the climb.
Spend a crisp autumn afternoon at Mad Tom Orchard, just minutes from The Equinox. Wander through rows of heirloom apple trees, fill a bag with the season's best varieties, and take in sweeping views of the Green Mountains. A quintessential Vermont fall tradition for guests of all ages.
Experience Vermont's legendary fall colors from behind the wheel. Southern Vermont's back roads and mountain passes wind through some of the most spectacular foliage in New England, with vistas over the Batten Kill Valley and the Taconic Range.
Manchester Village and the surrounding Green Mountains come alive each autumn with harvest festivals, foliage tours, and small-town celebrations. A few local favorites to build a visit around.
Head to North Meadow Farms on Saturday, September 5th, 2026 for a full day of family fun. Enjoy games, a hayride to and from the farm, a bounce house, kids' crafts, live music, petting farm tours, great food, and local market vendors.
Browse handmade work from local and regional artisans at SVAC's Fall Craft Market, taking place October 6th and 7th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Enjoy a weekend of fine crafts, seasonal shopping, and Vermont's fall scenery on the beautiful SVAC campus.
Sample the season's best brews at Harvestfest's Brewfest, taking place Saturday, October 10th from 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The event features a lineup of local and regional breweries, live music, and festival fare, all set on Stratton Mountain with peak foliage as the backdrop.
Support local growers and artisans at the farmer's markets throughout the region this fall. Visit the Manchester Farmer's Market on Thursdays from 2 to 6 PM, the Dorset Farmer's Market on Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM, the Arlington Farmer's Market on Fridays from 4 to 7 PM, or the West River Farmer's Market on Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM
Start the holiday off right in Manchester. Lace up for the Running of the Turkeys in nearby Arlington, or tackle the Gobble Gobble Wobble 5K at Stratton Mountain — a scenic run (or walk) through the fall foliage that's perfect for the whole family. Then head back to The Equinox for our lavish Thanksgiving Brunch, featuring a bountiful spread of seasonal favorites.
Celebrate the season in downtown Manchester on Saturday, October 24th. Expect road closures throughout downtown as the streets fill with local vendors, Vermont food, apple cider, live music, pumpkin displays, and children's activities, all set against the backdrop of Vermont's fall foliage.
