November in Vermont is a time of transition—a subtle shift from the lively, bustling days of fall into the quiet serenity of winter. With the vibrant foliage fading into muted tones, the air crisp and sharp, and the landscape preparing for its winter rest, this is a perfect time to explore the Green Mountain state’s more tranquil side.
The crowds of leaf-peepers have left, and what remains is a peaceful stillness that settles over Vermont’s forests, lakes, and towns. For those seeking solitude and natural beauty without the rush of summer or the spectacle of fall, November offers a chance to experience the state in a way that few others do.
The back roads of Vermont, which are stunning year-round, take on a particularly quiet charm in November. Touring these winding routes allows travelers to see the last remnants of fall color, with the bright reds and oranges fading into soft yellows and browns. A drive along Route 100, Vermont’s iconic north-to-south route, offers sweeping views of small farms, stone walls, and the occasional covered bridge, all set against the backdrop of a quietly fading landscape. As the mist rises from the valleys in the morning, the roads are empty, save for the occasional deer grazing along the edge, undisturbed by the usual influx of visitors. There’s a sense of peace here, where time seems to slow down and the pace of life feels more in tune with nature.
For those who prefer to get out of the car and onto the trails, Vermont’s hiking paths are just as serene in November.
Hiking in Vermont during November offers a rare opportunity to experience the state’s natural beauty in its quietest, most contemplative form. The brisk air, the subtle scent of fallen leaves and pine needles, and the muted colors of the late fall landscape create a peaceful atmosphere that invites introspection and connection with the land.
While the vibrant foliage of October has passed, the landscapes of November still offer plenty to marvel at, especially for those who appreciate the bare bones of nature: the jagged rock formations, the distant mountain peaks, and the serene quiet that settles over the trails once the busy autumn rush has subsided.
One of the best places to enjoy Vermont’s fall hiking is in the Green Mountain National Forest. The higher elevations here are the first to show signs of winter, with light dustings of snow often appearing by mid-November. As you ascend the mountain trails, the crisp air fills your lungs, and the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves is a reminder of nature’s cycle. Trails such as the Appalachian
Trail that cuts through this region or the more accessible Long Trail offer sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and ridgelines. While the views might be somewhat muted as the trees shed their leaves, the bones of the landscape—the smooth granite outcroppings and the distant ridgelines dusted with snow—are particularly striking in the starkness of late fall. The soft crunch of your boots on the dry leaves beneath your feet adds a layer of sound to the stillness, each step connecting you to the earth.
The quieter trails of the Northeast Kingdom, like the trails surrounding Lake Willoughby, offer a unique experience in November. The lake, framed by mountains that rise sharply from its shores, glows under the low November light, reflecting the changing sky. Hiking here feels like stepping into another world, as the trail winds through wooded areas that are just beginning to reveal their winter shape—gnarled branches stretch above like twisted fingers, and the soft carpet of moss underfoot still retains its verdant hues despite the fading warmth.
The air is still, the kind of silence you can only find in the deep wilderness, and it allows your senses to heighten. You can hear the faint rustle of a squirrel gathering acorns in the underbrush, or the occasional gust of wind through the evergreens, as the trail climbs and falls along the contours of the land. The serenity is palpable, and for a moment, you feel as though you are the only person in the world.
For a more challenging adventure, the trails surrounding Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, offer a tougher yet rewarding experience. As November brings cooler temperatures, the higher elevations can begin to feel winter’s touch, and there’s something special about summiting a peak with the last remnants of fall clinging to the rocks. The ascent is steep, with portions of the trail marked by rocky outcrops and switchbacks that test your endurance.
But as you near the summit, the effort is worth it.
From the top of Mount Mansfield, you’re gifted with panoramic views of the Green Mountains and the distant White Mountains of New Hampshire, all coated in a soft, pale light that can only be found in late fall.
The landscape seems to stretch forever, with patches of dark evergreens dotting the hillsides and the first signs of winter’s snow beginning to paint the mountaintops white. The air is thin and crisp, and you can feel the quiet of the vast expanse around you.
It’s a perfect moment to reflect on the solitude of Vermont’s wilderness in November— serene, undisturbed, and vast.
The trails around Stowe offer a variety of experiences in November, from the more strenuous hikes to peaceful walks through the valley. For those looking for a relaxing escape, the Stowe Recreation Path is a great option. This nearly five-mile path follows the flow of the West Branch of the Little River, winding through open fields and quiet forests. In November, the path becomes a
tranquil route, with most of the fall visitors already gone. The river, now flowing freely after the autumn rains, rushes over smooth stones, creating a peaceful background hum that accompanies your footsteps. Here, the colors of late fall are striking—the browns and golds of the leaves, the dark greens of the evergreens, and the steel-gray sky
above. The path is easily walkable, with gentle inclines and well-maintained bridges over the river, making it an ideal hike for those who want to immerse themselves in Vermont’s quiet beauty without venturing too far off the beaten path.
For those who seek solitude in a more remote setting, the trails of the
Camel’s Hump Wilderness Area are perfect. Camel’s Hump is known for its distinctively rounded peak, visible from miles around, but its surrounding wilderness area offers some of the most serene and untouched landscapes in Vermont. November is a quiet time here, and the trails are far less crowded. As you hike through the
dense forests, the sound of your boots on the damp earth is the only noise that punctuates the silence.
The trail winds through mossy glades, with ancient trees stretching high above. The scent of pine and cedar is ever-present, filling the cool air with a refreshing sharpness. As you make your way through the woods, the only company might be a few bold squirrels or the occasional hawk gliding silently overhead. The lack of leaves on the trees gives you the chance to spot distant views of the Green Mountains as they rise against the pale sky, their outlines softened in the mist.
Hiking in Vermont in November is about more than just the physical journey; it’s an opportunity to be fully immersed in the state’s natural world at a time when the landscape is preparing for winter’s rest. The sense of serenity that comes from the quiet trails—whether you’re gazing out over a distant vista or listening to the gentle stream of a nearby brook—creates an experience of connection with the land that feels deeper and more profound. The air is still, the crowds are thin, and the landscape, though stripped of much of its autumn color, is full of beauty and tranquility. It’s an ideal time to reflect, recharge, and embrace the stillness of the season.
As Vermont’s landscapes settle into the quiet rhythms of late fall, wildlife becomes one of the most compelling reasons to venture outdoors. November offers a unique opportunity to observe the state’s wildlife as they prepare for the winter months. With the trees mostly bare and the underbrush thinning, it’s easier to spot the animals that call these woods home. The crisp, cool air carries the sounds of the forest clearly, and the stillness of the season makes every sighting feel special, almost like a private moment with nature.
One of the most prevalent creatures in Vermont’s November forests is the white-tailed deer. As the rut—their mating season—peaks, deer are more active, especially during the dawn and dusk hours. The sight of a buck with his antlers raised, marking his territory, or a doe leading her young through the underbrush, is not unusual in these days leading up to winter. Many of Vermont’s hiking trails, like those at the Green Mountain National Forest, are prime locations for deer sightings.
The trails’ proximity to the woodland areas, where deer often forage for acorns and leaves, offers the perfect environment for observing them. As you walk quietly through the forest, the quiet rustle of leaves might give away their presence, a subtle hint that you’re sharing the woods with these elusive creatures.
Wild turkeys, often overlooked for their more majestic deer cousins, are another common sight in November. These large, ground-dwelling birds can be found roaming through the woods or along the edges of fields, where they scratch through the leaves in search of seeds and insects. As the days grow shorter and colder, turkeys begin to flock in larger groups, creating a spectacle of feathers and clucks as they move together through the forest floor. They are a reminder of the natural bounty of the season, and their presence on quiet trails, like those near Lake Willoughby or in the forests of the Northeast Kingdom, adds another layer of life to the serenity of Vermont’s late fall. The rustling of their large wings as they take flight is a sound as powerful as it is startling, a reminder that the forest is full of life even as the weather cools.
For those with a keen eye and a bit of luck, November also brings the chance to spot a moose. Vermont’s moose population has been growing, and the animals have become more common sightings in some areas, particularly in the northern parts of the state and along remote backroads.
These large, solitary creatures begin to shift their habits as the temperature drops, often moving closer to marshes or riverbeds where the food is abundant. If you’re traveling through places like the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area or along the roads around St. Johnsbury, keep your eyes peeled for a moose standing like a sentinel at the edge of a pond, its long legs reflected in the still water. The sight of such a massive creature in its natural environment is awe-inspiring, and the peacefulness of the surrounding landscape only heightens the sense of wonder. A moose sighting is often fleeting—a quick glance through the trees or a shadow moving across a field—but it’s a moment that can stay with you long after.
In addition to the larger mammals, November also marks the time when birds begin to migrate south. For birdwatchers, this is an exciting time, as the forests and wetlands of Vermont become staging grounds for migrating species making their way to warmer climates.
Watch for the flocks of Canada geese flying in their characteristic V-shaped formations, their calls echoing in the still air. You might also see flocks of chickadees and nuthatches, who stick around through the cold, foraging for seeds and insects on the bare branches. Vermont’s wetland areas, such as those found near the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge, are prime locations for bird watching, especially as migratory waterfowl stop to rest along their long journeys. The quiet and stillness of November makes spotting these birds all the more rewarding, as they move with purpose but remain part of the landscape, barely disturbing the silence that envelops the state.
For the more seasoned wildlife enthusiast, Vermont also offers a glimpse into the hidden world of the nocturnal creatures that stir under the cover of darkness.
As the nights grow longer, animals like owls, foxes, and even the occasional coyote become more active, and their presence is felt more than seen. The screech of an owl echoing through the trees or the soft footfall of a fox padding across the forest floor are subtle signs of life that speak to the unseen side of Vermont’s wildlife. These creatures, who prefer the quiet cover of night, can be spotted with a bit of patience and a keen ear, offering a different kind of adventure for those willing to embrace the night’s serenity.
As Vermont moves further into winter, the animals of November begin to settle into their winter routines. Some animals, like the white-tailed deer, will grow quieter as they prepare for the harsher conditions of winter, while others, like the turkeys and birds, will continue to move through the landscape. The calm before the snow is a time to appreciate the serenity of the state’s wildlife, a time to listen for the sounds of animals moving through the woods and watch for their shapes in the distance. For those who take the time to pause, the wildlife of November provides a quiet but rewarding way to connect with the natural world in Vermont.
If you prefer being on the water, it’s not too cold yet to discover that Vermont’s lakes and rivers offer a peaceful escape in November. While many lakes are quieter this time of year, they hold a beauty all their own.
Lake Champlain, often bustling with summer boaters, is calm in the colder months, its surface glistening under the weak November sun. Early morning fog rises off the water, and the air is so still that it seems to stand at the edge of the shore. The quiet is profound here, interrupted only by the occasional splash of a fish breaking the surface or the call of a distant loon. Paddling along these serene waters is a peaceful way to connect with Vermont’s natural beauty, where every stroke brings you further into solitude.
For those who prefer a different form of outdoor adventure, Vermont’s famous covered bridges provide another great opportunity to experience the state’s charm without the crowds. These historic structures, often tucked into corners of the countryside, take on a special aura in the late fall, when the roads are quieter and the surrounding landscape seems to stand still. Bridges like the one at Smuggler’s Notch or the Middlebury Covered Bridge are picture-perfect in November, framed by fading fall colors and the smell of damp wood and earth. Here, you can pause, take in the view, and feel the quiet serenity of Vermont seep into your bones.
Biking is another great way to take in Vermont’s outdoor offerings in November. With many of the state’s rail trails stretching across picturesque landscapes, biking along these paths is an easy way to absorb the beauty of the season without exerting too much energy. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail are just two examples of the many paths that allow cyclists to glide through the quieter corners of Vermont. The soft, muted colors of the late fall landscape pass by, and the occasional breeze cools your face as you pedal along these flat, well-maintained routes. The experience is one of peaceful motion, where the rhythm of the bike and the serenity of the surroundings combine to create a perfect escape from the busy world.
As the days grow shorter and the first snow begins to dust the higher elevations, the transition to winter in Vermont is subtle but beautiful. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities begin to appear in November, particularly in places like the Trapp Family Lodge or Sleepy Hollow Inn. The first snowfall brings with it a quiet stillness to the woods, and hiking trails transform into snow-covered paths perfect for these activities. The crisp, fresh air fills your lungs, and the crunch of snow beneath your feet or skis becomes a familiar, calming sound as you explore the quiet beauty of Vermont in winter’s early days.
November in Vermont is a time of peaceful reflection, where the state’s natural beauty takes on a slower, more serene pace. Whether you are hiking through the Green Mountains, paddling on a quiet lake, or simply soaking in the stillness of a covered bridge, this is a time to embrace the solitude and serenity that Vermont offers.
It is a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and appreciate the quiet beauty of the land before the full force of winter takes hold. In Vermont, November is not just the end of fall—it is a quiet beginning, a time to explore the natural wonders of the state before they are hidden beneath the snow.
For more information
- fs.usda.gov/greenmountain
- vtstateparks.com
- alltrails.com/us/vermont
- northeastkingdom.com
