Deerfield Valley in the Fall
Top Picks in the Deerfield Valley
Vermont is world-renowned for its bright, colorful fall foliage, making the season a celebration. Hand-picked by the editors of Yankee Magazine, these 5 highlights are just some of what the Deerfield Valley offer in autumn.
Wardsboro, Vermont
Gilfeather Turnip Festival
Around the turn of the 20th century, a Wardsboro farmer named John Gilfeather crossed a turnip with a rutabaga and created Vermont’s future official state vegetable: the Gilfeather turnip. Sweeter than its two parents and notably hefty, the Gilfeather is celebrated each October at what’s been called “America’s best turnip culinary event.” Folks drop by to pick up turnip seeds and sample turnip soup and other turnip-flavored treats. There are turnip-themed clothing and cookbooks for sale, a farmers’ market with a decided tilt toward turnips, plus live music and activities for kids. The star event is the weigh-in contest for the biggest Gilfeather turnip, with one recent winner tipping the scales at an astonishing 52 pounds.
Wilmington, Vermont
Mount Olga Trail
For a short hike in the Deerfield Valley that pays off in mega foliage views, make your way to Molly Stark State Park. Situated along the Molly Stark Scenic Byway, this park is small (148 acres), but its signature Mount Olga Trail is a big crowd-pleaser. The 1.7-mile loop leads past stone walls, over footbridges, and deep into northern hardwoods and evergreen forest. The final push to the summit of Mount Olga will get your heart pumping—and so will the panoramic views you’ll find there, courtesy of a former fire tower. On a clear day you can see not only the southern Green Mountains, but also the Berkshires in Massachusetts, and Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. Want to spend more time exploring Vermont’s fall colors? The Mount Olga Trail connects to hiking paths in the nearly 600-acre Hogback Mountain Conservation Area.
Regionwide, Vermont
Deerfield Valley Breweries
Vermonters know a thing or two about good beer, something the Deerfield Valley proves with its strong brewing scene. Wilmington’s Valley Craft Ales pairs easy-drinking ales, pilsners, and lagers with a robust live-music calendar; there’s an inn upstairs, too. In West Dover, the ever-changing lineup at the veteran-owned Snow Republic Brewery channels a ski-town vibe with names like Pond Skim (a German Kolsch) and Lift Line (a double IPA). And at Beer Naked, atop Hogback Mountain in Marlboro, brew fans can enjoy 100-mile views and wood-fired pizzas in addition to creative craft brews.
WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE WEST RIVER
– Regionwide, Vermont
For most of the year, the West River winds through Jamaica State Park at a pace that’s perfect for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. But every year in spring and fall, the Army Corps of Engineers releases water from Ball Mountain Dam, creating the opportunity for more of an adrenaline rush. The surge creates Class III and IV rapids on the West River, and outfitters such as Zoar Outdoor and Crab Apple Whitewater seize the moment by offering guided adventures in the temporary whitewater. The window is small and the trips are popular, so thrill seekers should reserve their spots early.
VERMONT WINE & HARVEST FESTIVAL
– Wilmington & West Dover, Vermont
By mid-September, the Deerfield Valley is already in high gear for an epic foliage show. And for more than 15 years, the season has been welcomed in high style with the Vermont Wine & Harvest Festival. The two-day event brings together attendees with all kinds of local talent: winemakers and cheesemakers, farmers and chefs, painters and potters. The schedule kicks off in downtown Wilmington with the Friday evening Wine Stroll and Soup Contest. The next day, festivities move to Mount Snow Resort, where 70-plus vendors offer uniquely Vermont art, food, and crafts. Leaf peepers can round out their experience by booking a scenic chairlift ride to the top of Mount Snow, where one of southern Vermont’s most expansive foliage views awaits.
More to See and Do
Places to Visit In Fall
Yankee Magazine’s editors hand-picked 5 places to visit in each Vermont region. Explore things to do in autumn statewide.
