Vermont Seasons

Maple Season

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A SEASON OF TRANSITION

Steam rising from sugarhouses is the first sign. Early spring in Vermont, typically mid-March through April, is known as the beloved maple season, a transitional time between winter and warmer spring days.

This time of year, mountain peaks are still snow-covered and the valleys are thawing. On a sunny 40-degree day, T-shirts are not uncommon. “Creemee” signs pop up along the roadside and car windows open up to take in the sweet scent of the season.

Take the Winding Trail

Fishing

When the ice melts back into the water, rivers start swirling and fish start biting. Vermont is home to 92 species of freshwater fish. Here are some of Vermont’s 800 lakes to explore.

Cast a Line

Shopping

Artisan makers and independent shops are in every Vermont town. General stores stock maple syrup from the sugarhouse on the outskirts of town and artwork from local painters.

Shop Local

Scenic Drives

Byways, back roads – even our highways are scenic. Along the way, signs may invite you to take an alternate route. Lean in; it’s worth the detour.

Take the Scenic Route

Early Spring Hikes

As the snow melts and the ground thaws, the trails are soft and fragile. Hiking at lower elevation during maple season helps preserve the trails.

Find a Trail

Paths and Rail Trails

Vermont is home to New England’s longest rail trail, stretching 95 miles from east to west. This is just the beginning of Vermont’s accessible paths that connect towns and scenic views.

Hit the Trail

A person loads wood into a boiler in a maple sugarhouse while steam fills the room. Behind them, bottles of syrup are visible.

Vermont’s Sweetest Season

Pure Vermont Maple

All that steam around the state is rising from about 3,500 sugar makers, total. Some are still collecting sap from buckets the traditional way, while others tap 14,000 maple trees on their farm, connecting them with miles of tubing. However it gets there, that sap is boiled down into syrup and drizzled on pancakes and swirled into cocktails. Vermont is the No. 1 maple producer in the U.S. – and when something says “pure Vermont maple,” you know they mean it; it’s the law.

Maple is Kind of Our Thing

A person on a snowboard splashes down into a man-made pond at a ski resort in late winter. Crowds wearing colorful clothing celebrate.

Mark Your Calendar

Maple Season Events

Pond skimming is an annual rite of spring in Vermont, where skiers and snowboarders attempt to skim across a pond. Spectating is just as much fun, but bring your raincoat – pond skimmers like to make a splash. Every year in March, sugar makers across the state open their doors for tours and tastings. Maple Open House Weekend offers a closer look into how Vermont’s sweetest export is made. At farms, lambs and goat kids are being born, and some farms host events to interact with them.