Exploring Vermont in the fall with kids took us from the shores of Lake Champlain to the winding roads of Smugglers’ Notch, with time to wander through Burlington and Stowe and finish with ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s. The mountain pass was the heart of our road trip: forests lining the highway, rocks between the curves, and colors that shifted with each bit of light and mist.
In a single day, we had sunshine, drizzle, and just enough chill in the air to appreciate a cozy café. The girls wanted to get close to the water at North Beach despite the breeze; we found plenty of reasons to pause again and again just to take in the scenery. That mix of outdoor stops, short walks, and food breaks set the rhythm for our family getaway.
Watch the full experience on video
In our video, you can join us for a lakeside picnic, see the road wind through the mist, and discover the little last-minute changes that are all part of traveling with kids.
Burlington and North Beach: Starting Out by Lake Champlain
Burlington was our first stop. The combination of lakeside views and a walkable downtown gave us two distinct ways to start our day: wide open spaces along the water, followed by lively streets with cafés and shops to explore.
We picked North Beach for a picnic overlooking Lake Champlain. The water was crystal clear and sailboats dotted the distance. While it was too cold for most people to brave a swim, the girls wanted to dip their toes at the shore. For us, the brisk wind was a reminder that this beach called for jackets even in the golden light of fall.
Next, we headed to downtown Burlington. Its pedestrian zone, local shops, and outdoor tables offered a change of scene without demanding any fixed agenda. A welcoming café became just the refuge we needed as the chill crept in.
Switching between lake views and city strolls worked perfectly for us as a family. There was space for the kids to roam by the water, then a warm-up break before heading for the mountains.
Smugglers’ Notch: Scenic Driving Between Forest, Curves, and Autumn Colors
Smugglers’ Notch was the stretch where we were all glued to the window. This mountain pass, crossed by Vermont Route 108, is all about tight curves, dramatic rock formations, and trees arching close to the road. Here, the drive itself is as memorable as any stop along the way.
During our visit, reds, oranges, and golds peeked through the mist. A light drizzle kept changing the view of the forest: some sections opened out to sweeping vistas, others were draped in low clouds. We pulled over several times just to take it all in.
It’s worth leaving plenty of time for this stretch, and driving slowly to really soak in the scenery. If you want to get out for a walk or photos, look for designated parking areas; the hairpin turns require full attention, and not every spot is safe to stop.
Mount Mansfield: A Mountain Pause Along the Route
Around Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, the chill grew sharper. We watched the gondolas make their way above the forest, drifting through low clouds. We didn’t ride up, but stood for a while just watching them cross the brilliant fall landscape.
Along this part of the trip, we also set out on a short hike to a waterfall. Our shoes weren’t quite up to the terrain, making the walk a bit more of an adventure than we’d planned—complete with muddy feet and more than a few laughs at our less-than-perfect gear.
It was a simple lesson for the next hike: even a quick walk deserves the right footwear. With little ones and damp weather, it’s smart to check the path and level of difficulty before committing to a new trail on a day when you’re mostly on the road.
Stowe: A Laidback Village Stroll
After the winding mountain roads, we arrived in Stowe. Classic wooden houses, inviting shops, and mountains on the horizon made the town feel especially cozy. A few decorations had us thinking Christmas was already peeking out among the autumn leaves.
We wandered the streets with no set itinerary, stepping into shops here and there and searching for something warm to drink. At one point, we gently reminded the girls to lower their voices—a brief parenting moment in the middle of all this picturesque scenery.
During our visit, Stowe felt relaxed and easy to explore. After all the bends and mountain mist, we were grateful for the chance to walk, pause, and take in the village’s small details.
Ben & Jerry’s: A Sweet Ending Without the Guided Factory Tour
Our last stop was the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury. We’d hoped to take the guided tour, but it was fully booked, so we adjusted our plans.
We were still able to peek at the production area through big windows, stop by the gift shop, and, of course, sample the ice cream. We didn’t get to do the tour, but the girls found plenty to see and taste nonetheless.
If the factory tour is a highlight of your trip, it’s best to reserve ahead. We wrapped up our day with ice cream all around—and left with one more reason to come back.
Practical Information
📍 Location
This itinerary runs through Vermont, USA. We began in Burlington and North Beach on Lake Champlain, continued through Smugglers’ Notch and the Mount Mansfield area, then headed to Stowe. Ben & Jerry’s factory is in Waterbury. If you’re planning a road trip, mark each stop and allow extra time for strolls and scenic pauses, not just driving.
🧺 Picnic
North Beach features a sandy beach and picnic areas on Lake Champlain—perfect for an open-air meal. In fall, pack an extra layer to enjoy your stop even if the lakeside breeze picks up.
🍂 Best season
September and October are the classic months for Vermont’s fall foliage. Colors typically peak first in the higher elevations, then move into the valleys, but timing and intensity vary with the weather each year. Burlington and the mountains can be at different stages in a single visit. Check Vermont’s fall foliage report close to your travel date.
⚠️ Before you go
The Smugglers’ Notch pass on Vermont Route 108 closes for winter and can be impacted by snow or ice even in autumn. Check current road conditions at New England 511 and check the weather before heading out. If the pass is closed, you’ll need to adjust your route.
🎟 Admission
At North Beach, campground reservations are for overnight stays. For a beach visit by car, check municipal parking rates, which vary by season; pedestrian and bike access are free. For the Ben & Jerry’s tour, buy tickets ahead and look for updates about no-tour days. You can visit the scoop shop and store without booking the tour.
🕐 Hours
North Beach Campground runs from May 15 through October 15; these dates cover the campground. Check separately for beach access conditions before you visit. Ben & Jerry’s posts seasonal hours and tour availability on its website—be sure to look before planning your last stop of the day.
🌿 Environment and conservation
In Smugglers’ Notch and around Mount Mansfield, stay on marked trails and use designated pull-off areas. Please carry out all picnic trash, and bring layers, rain protection, and good shoes for hiking.
What This Getaway Gave Us as a Family
Looking back on our Vermont fall road trip, the vibrant forest colors return to us—along with quieter moments: the girls wading to the lake despite the cold, the pause for coffee, and those shoes we wished we’d swapped out before leaving.
Blending nature, small towns, and great food gave us the freedom to adjust our plans if needed. We didn’t get to do the tour, and the drizzle kept us company for part of the drive, but we also found time to look around together, laugh at our mishaps, and see what caught everyone’s attention.
We set out searching for fall colors. What we remember also includes a shoreline for play and the ice cream treat at the end.
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