Stone Valley in the Fall
Top Picks in the Stone 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 Stone Valley offers in autumn.
Proctor, Vermont
Wilson Castle
Amid Vermont’s classic old barns and tidy historic homes, this place stands out like—well, like a castle. Built in the 1880s for $1.3 million, Wilson Castle was built by a Vermont doctor for his English wife, who longed for a mansion as grand as those in her own country. An architectural sampler of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque influences, it features 32 rooms, two turrets, 13 fireplaces, and a façade of English brick and French marble. After passing through more than a dozen owners, the castle was purchased in 1939 by AM radio pioneer Herbert Wilson, and it remains in his family. Offering public tours as well as special nighttime “investigations” into reported paranormal activity, Wilson Castle is perfect for visitors seeking a spooky destination this Halloween season.
Poultney, Vermont
Slate Valley Trails
Founded in 2015, this volunteer-run trail network has been growing strong ever since. Today it invites riders to explore more than 50 miles of multi-use trails across Poultney, Castleton, and Wells, including public land as well as a scenic chunk of private property known as Endless Brook. Most of the paths are purpose-built single-track mountain biking trails, which are maintained by hand as much as possible to preserve the natural experience. Whether it’s family-friendly trails like Bumper Cars and Loopy Loop or more advanced options like Hunker Down and Cliff Hanger, there’s something here for riders of any skill level. Plus, it’s free and open to all.
Rutland, Vermont
Whoopie Pie Festival
One of New England’s signature treats has a very simple recipe: two cake-like wafers plus a cream filling. But there’s so much more to enjoy about whoopie pies, as this up-and-coming festival demonstrates. On a Saturday in mid-September, the streets of Rutland bustle with dessert lovers who come for the magicians, musicians, street acrobats, food trucks—and whoopie pies, of course. At the center of it all is the unveiling of a whopper of a whoopie pie. Created by Killington’s Dream Maker Bakers, the 2024 version weighed in at 1,187 pounds, breaking the world record (1,062 pounds) that had been set in Maine in 2011.
CAVING TOURS
– Poultney, Vermont
Adventurous travelers who’ve already climbed the tops of the Green Mountains can venture below them on a guided caving tour. In Killington, Appalachian Trail Adventures leads participants on personalized trips into Vermont’s natural cave formations, where even a little bit of light can reveal unexpected beauty: otherworldly rock formations, underground waterfalls, and more. The outing can last anywhere from an hour to a full day and be tailored to various skill levels, from first-timer to experienced spelunker. For fall visitors who want a hit of above-ground foliage color, ATA also has guided options for kayaking, rock scrambling and canyoneering, and sightseeing.
HATHAWAY FARM
– Rutland, Vermont
A third-generation family farm, Hathaway Farm hits all the right notes. There’s a farm store selling maple syrup from trees on the property, and yarn spun from resident Babydoll Southdown sheep. There are lots of friendly animals in the livestock barn, including Flossie the cow, potbellied pigs, and miniature donkeys. (Time your visit just right, and you might even catch the Singing Chickens Show.) But starting in midsummer and continuing through fall, Hathaway Farm outdoes itself with a massive 13-acre corn maze whose creative theme changes every year. On Saturday nights in September and October, visitors seeking an extra challenge can do the Moonlight Madness maze run.
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.
