Vermont Fall Foliage Season

New England has always been a tourist destination, in part due to having an abundance of quant small towns with lots of charm. It can be argued that Vermont wins the small-town prize amongst tourists, especially during the fall foliage season. Vermont boasts having some of the best Fall Foliage in the country.

People from all over the United States and the world travel here just to catch a glimpse of a spectacular mountainside view with a vibrant pallet of oranges, yellows, and reds. For nature enthusiasts camping is the best way to submerse one’s self in a sea of Autumn color. Many campgrounds close for the season before the fall colors are at their peak. Those who remain open often see a spike in reservations during peak foliage season, which usually occurs within the first or second week of October.

Tree Farm Campground in Springfield Vermont is a 91-site campground nestled in a white pine forest with pines over 125 ft. tall and is one of the few campgrounds that remains open after Columbus weekend. Folks who choose to stay at Tree Farm can enjoy foliage from their own large wooded site where leave and pine needles rain down from above, blanketing each site. For those who enjoy exploring, Tree Farm does not disappoint. With numerous trails, gardens, ponds, and hidden woodland wonders there is something for everyone.

The Tree Farm Campground trail system connects to one of Vermont’s newest State Parks, Muckross. Two paths lead to the property that was previously owned by past Vermont state senator, Edgar May. One path reviles a perfect spot of natural beauty and solitude overlooking a ten-acre pond, and is the home to the remains of what was once Edgar Mays cabin. If the other path is chosen it will lead to the old homestead of Edgar May where he used to host gatherings with other political and important figures throughout the country and the world. The old hydro dam still remains and was used to generate power to each of the 5 buildings on the property. This moderate hike is just 1.5 miles from Tree Farm Campground to Muckross and is most popular when the leaves change color.

Tree Farm is a popular campground for folks who are looking to establish a home base while exploring all that Vermont has to offer, From State Fairs, to covered bridges; apple picking to mountain view hikes; micro breweries to historic sites, all can be seen less than 60 miles from Tree Farm and in most cases much closer. Foliage is not the only draw to Vermont during the fall. There are numerous festivals taking place across the state from August to December. There is a festival for just about anything you can think of. Vermont has many old-fashioned town fairs, micro brewfests, macaroni and cheese festivals, arts and crafts shows, and much more. Two of the best festivals in the state take place just down the road from Tree Farm, The Vermont Steampunk Festival and the Apple Festival & Craft Fair. The Vermont Steampunk Festival at Hartness House Inn takes place in September and is unique to Springfield because it is the heart of the Precision Valley and was home to the Vermont Machine tool industry. The festival line-up includes steampunk inspired vendors, kid’s crafts, live music, a fashion show, absinthe tasting, food, and much more. The Apple Festival takes place in downtown Springfield at the Middle school on Columbus weekend. The Apple Festival has been a Springfield tradition for over 35 years and offers a wide variety of tables displayed with handmade items from local artisans, food, live music, and everything apple!

Apples are a main staple in Vermont and fall is the primetime for harvest all variety of apples. Apples are picked by Tree Farm visitors at nearby Wellwood Orchards. You can pick your very own or you can buy some already picked for you, among other tasty treats found in their store. If its Cider, boiled cider, or cider syrup you are looking for Springfield is also home to Wood’s Cider Mill, found just after you reach Wellwoods.

Downtown Springfield hosts a farmers’ market too! You can stop there every Saturday morning and pick-up baked apple pies, breads, and more! There are so many wonderful places to find apples and you don’t have to travel far from the comfort of your camper to do it. In the fall, you often don’t have to leave the campground at all to get your apple fix. Coffee and baked goods are offered FREE each Sunday from 9:30-11 at the common area in the lodge and more often than not folks are treated to homemade breads baked by the campground owners themselves, Elizabeth and Ben.

Perhaps the best-kept secret in Vermont during the fall is Tree Farm Campground itself. Home to the Streeter Family, Tree Farm has been family owned and for over 28 years by a family who has a fondness for the great outdoors, protecting nature, and who love to comfort and care for all those who visit as part of the family. Ensuring that folks enjoy their stay from beginning to end, current owners Elizabeth and Ben, pour their heart in soul into all they offer at the campground. Campground holiday activities are thoughtfully planned with camper input, and cater to the young and young at heart, especially their Fall end of the year Halloween Celebration. The biggest event of the year on Columbus weekend provides campers with good old fashion Halloween fun. Campers can take part in make making masks, limbo, musical chairs, donut eating contests, glowstick tag, pin the body part on the zombie, and a Halloween costume contest for adults and children! There is always something for everyone to do at Tree Farm!