Scenic Route 100 Byway — Fall in Love with Okemo Valley
This autumn, take the scenic route—literally. Vermont’s Scenic Route 100 Byway stretches 146 miles along the eastern edge of the Green Mountains, winding through the Okemo Valley and offering one of the most breathtaking foliage experiences in New England. Recognized by Yankee Magazine as one of “the most scenic drives in New England,” this route is your gateway to vibrant colors, rich history, and unforgettable local experiences.
We invite you to explore this magical aspect of the region—where every turn reveals a new vista, and every village welcomes you with charm and character. Covered Bridges, YES! Please see under Points of Interest.
Why Foliage Happens: Nature’s Annual Masterpiece
Fall foliage is triggered by shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures, which signal deciduous trees to stop producing chlorophyll (the green pigment). As chlorophyll fades, other pigments emerge:
- Carotenoids: yellows and oranges (found in birch, beech, and aspen)
- Anthocyanins: reds and purples (especially in sugar maples and red oaks)
- Tannins: browns (common in oaks)
Vermont’s crisp nights and sunny days create ideal conditions for vibrant color contrast, especially in the Green Mountains.
Keep an eye on the Vermont Foliage Report to catch peak color and plan your perfect fall getaway.
Best Places to See Foliage in Okemo Valley
The Route 100 Byway is a leaf-peeper’s dream. Here are some standout stops:
- Camp Plymouth State Park (Plymouth): Vista Trail offers sweeping views
- Lowell Lake (Londonderry): A serene loop trail with mirror-like reflections
- Echo Lake & Lake Rescue: Sparkling waters surrounded by fiery maples
- Slack Hill at Coolidge State Park: A quiet, elevated perch for panoramic views
See our foliage up close and personal on one of our hiking trails HERE
When to Visit for Peak Foliage
- Late September to mid-October is typically peak season in Okemo Valley
- First two weeks of October offer the most dramatic color, especially in higher elevations
Points of Interest (North to South)
- Plymouth Artisan Cheese – Historic, handcrafted cheeses made on the Coolidge homestead
- President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site – A beautifully preserved early 20th-century hill town and presidential birthplace
- Camp Plymouth State Park – Lakeside serenity perfect for leaf-peeping and picnicking
- Clear Lake Furniture – Custom wood furniture crafted with Vermont pride
- Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts – The oldest arts and crafts school in the U.S.
- Weston Playhouse Theater Company – Vermont’s oldest professional theater, offering world-class performances
- Okemo Mountain Resort – A four-season destination with scenic chairlift rides, hiking trails, and mountaintop views
- Magic Mountain Ski Resort – A local favorite with rustic charm and stunning fall vistas
- The Vermont Country Store – A beloved destination for nostalgic goods, local treats, and timeless Vermont charm
- Green Mountain National Forest – Endless trails for hiking, biking, and soaking in the fall splendor
- Covered Bridges – view the story from our Spring/Fall 2025 Magazine, page 56. Detailed locations below.
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🏞️ Okemo Valley Covered Bridges – Full List by Town
| Town | Bridge Name(s) | Year Built | Location / Road | Design Type | Notes |
| Brownsville (West Windsor) | Bowers Covered Bridge | 1919 | Bible Hill Road over Mill Brook | Laminated arch | Rebuilt after Hurricane Irene; NRHP listed |
| Brownsville | Best’s Covered Bridge | 1889 | Churchill Road over Mill Brook | Town lattice truss | Historic structure; NRHP listed |
| Reading (Amsden) | Amsden Covered Bridge | 1877 | Knapp Brook Road over Knapp Brook | Town lattice truss | Quiet rural setting; NRHP listed |
| Downers (Weathersfield) | Downers Covered Bridge (Upper Falls) | 1840 | Upper Falls Road over Black River | Town lattice truss | Greek Revival gables; restored 2008 |
| Salmond Covered Bridge | 1875 | Henry Gould Road over Black River | Town lattice truss | NRHP listed; scenic picnic spot | |
| Grafton | Kidder Hill Covered Bridge | 1870 | Kidder Hill Road over South Branch Saxtons River | Modified kingpost | 15° skew; restored 1995 |
| Shrewsbury | Brown Covered Bridge | 1880 | Upper Cold River Road | Town lattice truss | Rebuilt 2015; NRHP listed |
See our foliage up close and personal on one of our hiking trails HERE
Businesses to Explore
- Lodging: Stay at welcoming inns like Echo Lake Inn, Blue Gentian Lodge and The Inn at Waters Edge.
- Dining: Enjoy seasonal menus at Mildred’s Table at the Vermont Country Store, Mojo Cafe, HUB at Weston, and Calcuttas Sports Bar & Restaurant.
- Shopping: Browse handcrafted goods at The Wine & Cheese Depot, Depot Street Gallery, Green Mountain Sugar House, and The Vermont Country Store.
- Outdoor Outfitters: Gear up with Tygart Mountain Sports, Singletons General Store, and The Boot Pro Ski & Bike.
- Wellness & Relaxation: Treat yourself at The Castle Hill Resort & Spa, and Spring House Pool & Fitness Center.
Whether you’re chasing peak foliage, sipping cider, or strolling through historic villages, Scenic Route 100 Byway offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences. Support local, explore deeply, and let the Okemo Valley show you why fall in Vermont is simply unforgettable.
