How to View Fall Foliage Along Route 4 in Vermont

Vermont has spectacular fall folige along Route 4. In this article I will highlight the main attractions for experiencing the fall foliage from White River Junction to Lake Bomoseen.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin in White River Junction and head West along Route 4. This is a built-up area with restaurants and places to stay.

2. Stop at Quechee Gorge which is right on route 4. The best place to view the gorge is off the old railroad bridge which is now part of route 4. There is a large parking area at the bridge. The view from the gorge, which is 162 feet deep, is spectacular. In addition to looking off the bridge, you can walk along a trail that parallels the gorge. You can also visit gift stores and antique stores.

3. Continue West along Route 4 for just a short distance then turn off Route 4 by following the signs to the small village center of Quechee. It's also beautiful with a covered bridge, a waterfall, and a large park along the river.

4. Return to Route 4 and continue heading West until you get to the town of Woodstock, which is one of the most beautiful towns in the state of Vermont. Woodstock is a four-season vacation area with many things to do, places to stay, resturants, shops, historic buildings, a nice green, a covered bridge, and a small mountain. Mt. Tom is located just a very short walk from the town center. It's hiking trails start from a residential street where you can park. Hiking up Mt. Tom is a great way to view the area's foliage. The hike to the top is short, gradual, and not very strenuaous. It only takes about 45 minutes to get up at a reasonable pace. Most of the area is forest covered. You will not be able to view the surrounding area until you get to the top which has a spectacular view. You can see the town and the hills and valleys surrounding it.

5. Continue West along Route 4 which will take you through beautiful, country scenery.

6. Stop at Pico Mountain which is located right on Route 4 just after the town of Killington. Pico Mountain has a great alpine slide which is both a great deal of fun and a very special way to view the fall foliage. After a chair lift ride to the top of the mountain you take the slide down. You have complete control of the speed of your descent; you can go really fast like a thrilling bobsled run or very slow and leisurely.

7. Continue heading West on Route 4. This stretch of road borders the Green Mountain National Forest and has spectacular views. Continue on through Rutland (which has plenty of stores, restaurants, and places to stay). Keep going until you get to the Lake Bomoseen Area.

8. Visit Lake Bomoseen, a beautiful lake in a scenic setting which is especially nice during foliage season. Choose from many nice places to stop around the lake or in state park that is there.

Tips & Warnings

• In timing a foliage viewing trip to Vermont, it's best to check local conditions. Peak color can vary greatly from place to place and year to year.

[schmammel]

on 10/21/2009 The Lakehouse on Bomoseen has excellent food over the lake. Book your hotels early. Great article!