Vermont fall foliage: Take this Killington-area leaf-peeping trip

Clover Whitham
Burlington Free Press
Autumn colors at Quechee Gorge.

Central Vermont is a superb place for a day trip to view Vermont's colorful autumn leaves. It helps that there is a multitude of attractions and eateries along the way.

Here is a suggested leaf-peeping tour suitable for everyone from senior citizens to families to someone seeking a day of peace and relative solitude.

Feel free to take any detours to lengthen or shorten this three-hour loop. Any turn you make is sure to be picturesque. 

Central Vermont foliage tour: Driving directions

These directions take you on a 130-mile loop trip starting in Woodstock and taking you through Northfield Falls and Killington. 

Visit idyllic Woodstock: The journey starts in Woodstock, the kind of town people envision when they think of an idyllic Vermont town with its colonial architecture surrounding a central green (River Street, Woodstock) There are boutiques, galleries and art shops, a toy store and an 80-year-old bookstore. Just outside of downtown, you’ll find several working farms and cheesemakers that offer tours (and samples!).

Maple-bacon chicken wings and mac and cheese at Worthy Kitchen in Woodstock.

Check out these covered bridges: There are plenty of attractions to keep you busy all day here, or add in the stunning destinations in the nearby gorge and town of Quechee and you’ve got a full weekend.

But let’s hit the road. There are three covered bridges nearby: the Lincoln Covered Bridge on U.S. Route 4 near the Lincoln Inn and Restaurant in West Woodstock; Middle Bridge on Mountain Avenue near the intersection with North Park Street in Woodstock; and the Taftsville bridge near the intersection of Vermont Route 12 south and U.S. 4.

To see foliage from a country highway, head north on Vermont Route 12. In Northfield you’ll find five public covered bridges, three in close proximity on Cox Brook Road.

The Route 100 mountain trek: Follow Cox Brook Road, which turns into Moretown Mountain Road, to Moretown where you’ll hop on Vermont’s famed Route 100 and head south through the mountain towns of Waitsfield and Warren. 

Vermont Route 100 runs along the eastern edge of the Green Mountain Forest. As you drive through the picturesque towns at the foothills of the mountains, you’ll see why it’s an official scenic byway.

The wonders of Killington: If you're out looking at colorful Vermont leaves, it's highly unlikely skiers will have descended upon Killington Ski Resort (right?). Nonetheless, Killington in early-to-mid autumn presents an eyeful of spectacular views and plenty of things to do while you're taking it all in.

Fall foliage is seen in full force during the Vermont high school boys golf state championships on Wednesday at Green Mountain National Golf Course in Killington.

Back to where you started: When you're through with Killington's attractions, take U.S. 4 east back to Woodstock. 

For the adventurous: In Northfield, take Route 12A to Roxbury where you’ll find Warren Mountain Road, which turns into Roxbury Mountain Road, otherwise known as the Roxbury Gap.

This is a mountainous, partially dirt road that promises excellent vistas and more than a little exciting driving.

Side trip: When you are in Northfield, continue north on Vermont Route 12 to Montpelier. The Statehouse is open to visitors   daily except Sundays with free guided tours. Nearby is the Vermont History Museum. And though this is America’s smallest state capital, the city has many restaurants, shops and recreation trails. 

Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock.

Smart stopping points

Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Historic Park: This is one of Vermont's most historic mansions, situated in what is Vermont's only National Historic Park. 54 Elm Street, Woodstock

Northfield’s covered bridges: Four of the five public bridges are in Northfield Falls. The Slaughter House Bridge (Slaughter House Road) is off of Vermont route 12. Just north of there is Cox Brook Road, where three bridges stand. Southwest of Northfield Center, east of Vermont 12A on Stony Brook Road is the Stony Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Moseley Covered Bridge. 

Employee Becca Thompson preps for opening Canteen Creemee Company in Waitsfield, last week. Charlie Menard, longtime chef at Inn at the Round Barn, opened the creemee stand on Vermont 100.

Where to eat in Central Vermont

Mangalista: Woodstock has a surprising number of restaurants, you probably can’t go wrong in a town that lives the farm-to-table mantra. Mangalista, a high-end reservation-only restaurant,  gets a coveted 5 stars on Yelp. One reviewer this month said, “Guaranteed you won't regret it.  From top to bottom, this place is incredible.” 61 Central St., Woodstock.

Worthy Kitchen: For more casual fare, head to Worthy Kitchen, brought to you by the crew behind the famed Worthy Burger in South Royalton. You’ll find burgers here, too, as well as fried chicken and a version of mac and cheese made with roasted garlic cream and aged Plymouth cheddar. Plus plenty of craft beer. 442 Woodstock Road, Woodstock.

Falls General Store: Online reviewers rave about the thin crust pizza, sandwiches and “out of this world” pastries at the Falls General Store, 7 Cox Brook Road, Northfield Falls.

Pizza being made at American Flatbread in Waitsfield.

American Flatbread Waitsfield Hearth: This is the original American Flatbread  that grew to include the popular Burlington and Middlebury restaurants and a frozen pizza line. Dinner served 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. but the wait list starts accepting names at 4 p.m.; While you wait, you can enjoy the scenery of the Lareau Farm on which the restaurant sits. 46 Lareau Road, Waitsfield.

Canteen Creemee Company: The ice cream at Canteen Creemee Company is truly epic. Just look at its Instagram page for proof. A sundae will certainly fill you up, but if you’re going to be good and not go straight to dessert there’s also some excellent fried chicken and kimchee grilled cheese. 5121 Main St. Waitsfield.

Long Trail Brewing Co.: At Long Trail Brewing Co., you can of course sample the beers, but you can also grab lunch or dinner at the brewery’s restaurant, 5520 U.S. Route 4, Bridgewater Corners.

Long Trail Brewing Company

For the kids

Billings Farm and Museum: Visit the Jersey cows, sample cheese and learn some new things at museum. 69 Old River Road, Woodstock,

Hike Mount Tom: An easy hike, about 2.75 miles, starting at Faulkner Park on Mountain Road, Woodstock.

Red Wagon Toy Co.: This toy store is located at 41 Center St., Woodstock 

Moss Glen Falls, Granville

Best Instagram spots

Taftsville covered bridge: It's located near the junction Vermont 12 south and U.S. 4., Woodstock 

Moss Glen Falls: A waterfall along Vermont 100 in Granville,