Vermont Fall Foliage Drive

Nearly 80% of Vermont is forested, with cities few and far between. The state's interior is a rural playground for leaf peepers, and it's widely considered to exhibit the most intense range of colors anywhere on the continent. Its tiny towns and hamlets—the few distractions from the dark reds, yellows, oranges, and russets—are as pristine as nature itself.

Begin this drive in Manchester Village, along the old-fashioned, well-to-do homes lining Main Street, and continue south to Arlington, North Bennington, and Old Bennington. Stop just a mile south along Route 7A at Hildene. The 412 acres of explorable grounds at the estate of Abraham Lincoln's son are ablaze with color, and the views over the Battenkill Valley are as good as any you can find. Drive south another mile along 7A to the Equinox Valley Nursery, where you can sample delicious apple cider and doughnuts amid views of the arresting countryside. A few more miles south along 7A is the small town of Arlington.

Best Time to Go

Late September and early October are the times to go, with the southern area peaking about a week later than the north. Remember to book hotels in advance. The state has a Fall Foliage Hotline and an online interactive map (802/828–3239 www.foliage-vermont.com).

Planning Your Time

The drive from Manchester to Bennington outlined here takes just 30 minutes, but a relaxed pace is best suited to taking in all the sights.

From Route 7A in Arlington you can take two adventurous and stunning detours. One is pure foliage: follow Route 313 west a few miles to the New York State border for more beautiful views. Or head east 1 mile to East Arlington, where there's a delightful chocolate emporium. (You can continue even farther east from this spot to Kelly Stand Road leading into the Green Mountains—a little-known route that can't be beat.) Back on 7A South in Arlington, stop at the delightful Arlington Dairy Bar for a Vermont creemee.

Farther south in Shaftsbury is Clear Brook Farm, a brilliant place for fresh produce and pumpkins. Robert Frost spent much of his life in South Shaftsbury, and you can learn about his life at his former home, the Stone House. From South Shaftsbury take Route 67 through North Bennington and continue on to Route 67A in Old Bennington. Ride the elevator up the 306-foot-high Bennington Battle Monument to survey the season's progress across four states. Back down from the clouds, walk a few serene blocks to the cemetery of the Old First Church, where Robert Frost is buried, and contemplate his autumnal poem, "Nothing Gold Can Stay."

Need a Break?

Arlington Dairy Bar. Along 7A waits a big red dairy barn surrounded on all sides by Vermont's color-changing landscape. There are few greater ways to enjoy fall foliage than leaning on the hood of your car with a double scoop of local pumpkin and maple walnut ice cream, or a chocolate-dipped Vermont creemee. 3158 Rte. 7A, Arlington, Vermont. 802/375–2546; www.facebook.com/ArlingtonDairyBar.

Clear Brook Farm. This 25-acre certified organic farm sells its own produce, in addition to plants, baked goods, and other seasonal treats. 47 Hidden Valley Rd., Manchester, Vermont, 05262. 802/442–4273; www.clearbrookfarm.com. Late Apr.–mid-May, daily 10–5; mid-May–Aug., Mon.–Sat. 9–6, Sun. 9–5; Sept. and Oct., Mon.–Sat. 10–6, Sun. 10–5.

Equinox Valley Nursery. This nursery carries fresh produce, seasonal snacks, and cider doughnuts. There's family-friendly fall activities—a corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin carving—as well as the property's 300-odd scarecrows. 1158 Main St., Manchester, Vermont, 05254. 802/362–2610; www.equinoxvalleynursery.com. Free.