With the leaves starting to turn our bright colors, I am eager for fall outdoor activities to be in full swing. Don’t let me fool you, I do enjoy an 80-degree day lakeside with my feet in the water and a book in my hands but fall in Vermont is unlike any other season.

Each year when the leaves begin to change color, the air becomes crisper, and apple cider fills the shelves, I find myself acting like a tourist in my very own state. To give you a little taste of what fall in Rutland County looks like, here are my top 5 fall activities that you must try:

Apple Picking at Mendon Mountain Orchards

October is the perfect month to grab the kiddos, your significant other, or your friend and head to the Mendon Mountain Orchard located along Route 4. The orchard which spans 24 acres has been owned by the same local family for 3 generations. With 15 different apple varieties, there is something for everyone! Don’t have time to walk the orchard and pick your own? Don’t worry! A store located on the property not only sells apples but baked treats, maple syrup, and honey.

Take a Gondola Ride to Killington’s Peak

Pack a picnic, an extra layer, and your camera and head for Killington’s K-1 Express Gondola. The mile-plus-long gondola ride will drop you off at roughly an elevation of 4,241 feet. The fall foliage views will be breathtaking as you hike the additional half-mile to the very peak of Killington. An additional 15 miles of hiking trails can be accessed if you choose to walk down on foot. Located at the top of the gondola is the Peak Lodge which offers a sit-down option for food and drink.

Spend an Afternoon at Hathaway Farms & Corn Maze

Looking for a more family-friendly activity? Check out Hathaway Farms & Corn Maze nestled into the base of the Green Mountains right here in Rutland! Open 6 days a week, the farm offers a variety of activities including a 13-acre corn maze, wagon rides, livestock barn, snack shack, and a story walk. The farm shop carries a variety of fall necessities from pumpkins and gourds to hay bales and straw.

Play a Round of Golf at any of Rutland County’s Golf Courses

Rutland County is home to many great golf courses offering both 9- and 18-hole rounds. Check out Neshobe Golf Course, Stonehedge Golf & Foot Course, Green Mountain National Golf Course, Proctor-Pittsford Country Club, and Rutland Country Club. The cool fall air in Vermont is perfect for spending hours on the course, catching up with old friends, and making new ones.

Carve a Pumpkin from Winslow Farms

Winslow Farms is located along Route 7 in Pittsford. The Winslow family has operated the fall and winter attraction for over 30 years. This is the perfect place to pile the kiddos into a wagon and explore the large pumpkin patch for the perfect pumpkin. As the weather transitions from fall to winter, the farm will also sell cut-your-own trees for the holiday season.

While these might be my top 5 favorites for fall in Rutland County, there are so many more hidden places to explore and take advantage of fall in Vermont, especially if you’re looking for something a little spookier such as the Benson Haunted Hayride or the Pittsford Haunted House.

If you are still looking for some recommendations on things to do this fall, don’t hesitate to give us a call and we would be happy to share some more staff favorites!

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