As autumn paints northwest Vermont in vibrant hues, there’s no better way to enjoy the season than on the trails. From gentle lakeside walks to challenging mountain summits, the Burlington area offers hikes for every skill level. Whether you’re a local or visiting, these trails showcase Vermont’s natural beauty, crisp fall air, and the active lifestyle that defines the region.

 

1. Mount Philo State Park – Charlotte, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~ 30 minutes (18 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A 1.9-mile round-trip hike with panoramic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. This short but rewarding trail is great for families and beginner hikers looking for a quick nature escape.

2. Red Rocks Park – South Burlington, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~ 10 minutes (3 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A short, scenic walk along Lake Champlain, offering a mix of forested trails and dramatic cliffs with water views. Perfect for a peaceful stroll that is nearby to the city of Burlington.

3. Camel’s Hump – Huntington, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~ 45 minutes (24 miles)
Difficulty: Challenging
Description: One of Vermont’s highest peaks, with various trail options. The Burrows and Monroe Trails are popular 6 to 7 mile round-trip hikes that offer stunning 360-degree views. Ideal for experienced hikers seeking a full day of adventure.

4. Mt. Mansfield via Sunset Ridge Trail – Underhill, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (25 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Description: A 6.5-mile round-trip hike to Vermont's highest peak. Sunset Ridge offers open ridgeline views and a challenging yet rewarding ascent. Perfect for those looking to experience breathtaking alpine vistas.

5. Niquette Bay State Park – Colchester, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~25 minutes (12 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A network of trails through peaceful woods leading to Lake Champlain's shores. The longest trail is around 3.5 miles, making it great for a relaxing, scenic hike with beautiful water views.

6. Stowe Pinnacle Trail – Stowe, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (36 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A 3.7-mile round-trip trail offering panoramic views of the valley and Mt. Mansfield. The fall foliage is especially beautiful, making this a popular hike during the season.

7. Sterling Pond Trail – Smugglers’ Notch, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (38 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A 2.5-mile round-trip hike to a serene mountain pond. The trail is steep at first but levels off, offering a rewarding view at the top. Great for those looking for a moderate hike with a peaceful water feature.

8. Pelot’s Point Natural Area – North Hero, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (40 miles)
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A 2.6-mile loop through pastures, woods, and along old railroad tracks. With opportunities to see wildlife and views of Lake Champlain, this is a peaceful, nature-immersed hike perfect for families and bird watchers.

9. Eagle Mountain – Milton, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~35 minutes (20 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A 2.1-mile round-trip hike with meadows, woods, and scenic views of Lake Champlain from the summit. This moderate trail is perfect for a quick, peaceful escape into nature with rewarding lake views.

10. Libby’s Look Trail – Bolton, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~35 minutes (25 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: A 1.5-mile round-trip hike with stunning overlooks of Camel’s Hump and Bolton Valley. Though short, it’s a hidden gem for those looking for a quieter trail with fantastic fall foliage views.

11. Snake Mountain – Addison, VT
Distance from Burlington: ~50 minutes (35 miles)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Description: A 4-mile round-trip hike with expansive views of the Champlain Valley and Adirondack Mountains. This is an easy-to-moderate trail, making it a great option for a leisurely fall outing.

 

Fall in Vermont is a must-see, and these trails are the perfect way to experience it. From serene lakeside strolls to stunning mountain vistas, each hike offers a unique glimpse of the state’s natural beauty. Lace up your boots, soak in the foliage, and embrace the best of autumn in Northwest Vermont.

October in the Lake Champlain Islands is a season of celebration. From harvest festivals filled with local food and artisan goods to family-friendly activities and even a spooky haunted trail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to sip wine at a vineyard, cheer on marathon runners, or explore a festive market, the Islands offer plenty of ways to embrace the beauty and community spirit of fall in Vermont.

Kraemer & Kin’s Kintoberfest 

Kraemer & Kin kicks off the month with Kintoberfest on Saturday, October 4th, from 12–5 PM at Donaldson Park in Grand Isle. This festive celebration will feature craft beer from local breweries, wood-fired pizza, live music, and an artisan market. With games like cornhole, face painting, and plenty of family-friendly activities, Kintoberfest truly offers something for everyone to enjoy.

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Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market’s Harvest Fest

The Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market hosts its annual Harvest Fest on Saturday, October 11th, from 10 AM–3 PM at its new location, Allenholm Farm in South Hero. This annual celebration features 50+ local vendors with fresh produce, baked goods, maple, honey, wine, and artisan crafts. Visitors can also enjoy prepared foods, live music from Bramblewood, apple picking, and family activities like games and a free needle-felting workshop.

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Emmons Island Haunted Trail  

Get ready for spooky fun at the Emmons Island Haunted Trail on Saturday, October 11th, from 5–10 PM at 1 Island Meadows Lane in Grand Isle. Tickets are $20 or 12 perishable items. The trail promises plenty of scares and surprises, perfect for anyone embracing the Halloween spirit in the Islands!

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Harvest Festival at Snow Farm Vineyard

Head to South Hero for Snow Farm Vineyard’s Annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 12th, from 12–4 PM. Celebrate the grape harvest with live music, wagon rides, grape stomping, wine tastings, food trucks, and more. With free admission and activities for all ages, it’s a fun-filled fall day for the whole family!

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Champlain Islands Marathon

Cheer on runners at the Champlain Islands Marathon on Saturday, October 19th. This annual fall event takes participants along scenic loops on West Shore Road, passing farms, orchards, cottages, and Lake Champlain. Runners can choose the full marathon with two loops or the half with one, making it a perfect way to enjoy Vermont’s autumn scenery.

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October is the perfect time to experience the Lake Champlain Islands. From local flavors and live music to festive markets and haunted fun, these events capture the best of autumn in Vermont. Mark your calendar and enjoy all that fall in the Islands has to offer!

In August 2025, the Northwest Vermont housing market saw notable shifts for single-family homes across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties. The median sales price climbed to $565,000, up 9.1% year-over-year, while buyers acted quickly with homes spending a median of just 10 days on market. Closed sales held steady at 189, and sellers received 99.7% of their list price, showing continued strong demand. Inventory remained tight with 398 active listings and 203 new listings, keeping months of supply at just 2.1. Whether you’re thinking about selling or buying, now is a critical time to understand how these trends impact your goals. Contact us today to learn more about your local market.

If you’re selling a home, especially a lakefront property in Grand Isle County or on Lake Champlain, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is the best local partner you can choose. Here’s why.

1. Decades of Local Expertise

Coldwell Banker Islands Realty has been serving Grand Isle County since 1996, giving them over 29 years of experience in the local real estate market. Locally owned and operated in South Hero, Vermont, they have a deep understanding of the community, local zoning rules, and the many nuances of island and lake living. While they primarily focus on The Islands, their expertise extends across Franklin and Chittenden counties with agents specializing in those specific areas.

2. True Lakefront Specialists

They’re known as The Lakeshore Experts. Their agents don’t just sell real estate; they live Lake Champlain life. They know everything from shoreline protection regulations to water depths and quality, docks, moorings, and permitting. That level of niche knowledge makes a huge difference in successfully marketing lakefront homes.

3. Powerful, Proven Marketing

CBIR offers a comprehensive marketing program to showcase your property and maximize its exposure. The program includes a proven combination of traditional and cutting-edge digital methods, including social media, online, print, and video. This ensures your property will be seen on multiple channels and reach both local buyers and national/international prospects.

4. Luxury & Global Reach

If you’re selling a high-end or second home, CBIR takes it to the next level with bespoke marketing. Their Luxury Property Specialists leverage the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury® program to present your home on a world-class stage. They combine local know-how of Lake Champlain with global marketing strategies to attract qualified buyers.

5. Your Advocate From Start to Finish

Selling a home can be complex, and Coldwell Banker Islands Realty acts as your trusted advocate through every step. Their agents guide you in preparing your home for the market with personalized recommendations that highlight your property’s strengths. They craft a dynamic pricing strategy based on real-time market data and decades of local experience, ensuring your home attracts serious buyers without leaving money on the table. Combined with CBIR’s top-tier marketing, your home is presented in the best possible light to thousands of potential buyers across Vermont and beyond.

Bottom line: If you’re selling in Grand Isle County, especially a lakefront home on Lake Champlain, Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is uniquely qualified. With long-standing local experience, a global brand, and a laser focus on waterfront properties, you’ll have a team that knows the market, protects your value, and maximizes your exposure. See what our clients have to say about working with us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling your Vermont home this fall? Make the most of the autumn market by blending essential maintenance with seasonal curb appeal improvements. Here are five key ways to get your home ready:

1. Boost Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter. Refresh your front door by painting it a neutral color if needed, and add simple seasonal decor such as a potted mum or wreath. Rake leaves, trim overgrown bushes, and tidy up your garden beds to create a welcoming and well-kept exterior.

2. Clean Gutters and Spruce Up the Exterior

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage and pest problems. Remove leaves and debris, and consider pressure washing siding and washing windows. A clean exterior not only prevents issues but also makes your home look cared-for and inviting.

3. Inspect Your Roof and Trim Trees

Check for missing shingles, cracks, or damage before winter weather hits. Trim back branches near your home to prevent limbs from falling on the roof during storms. Taking care of these tasks now can avoid costly repairs later and give buyers confidence in your property's upkeep.

4. Service Fireplaces and Safety Systems

Have your chimney and fireplace serviced before listing. This gives you time to address any issues and gives potential buyers peace of mind. Also, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed. If you sell a property in Vermont, it must have functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in place before closing.

5. Prepare Windows and Outdoor Spaces

Wash windows and remove screens to showcase your windows and the view. Keep patios, porches, and outdoor areas clear of fallen leaves and clutter. Add subtle fall touches like pumpkins or planters to make outdoor spaces feel inviting and highlight the lifestyle your home offers.

For more expert home maintenance tips or personalized advice on getting your home market-ready this fall, reach out to a Coldwell Banker Islands Realty agent today. Let us help you keep your home in top shape, whether you’re staying for the season or preparing to sell! Visit our services providers page to learn more about local service providers.