Stick Season

As Vermont's famous fall foliage fades, the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows give way to a subtler beauty—stick season. This quiet period, between the end of leaf season and the first snowfall, is a unique time to explore Vermont’s landscapes in a more serene, crowd-free atmosphere.

The Beauty of Stick Season

Stick season reveals Vermont’s natural architecture. With bare trees, the forests open up, offering deeper views into the landscape that are hidden in other seasons. Rolling hills, stone walls, and winding rivers come into focus, giving you a raw, peaceful sense of the land’s character.

What to Explore in Stick Season? Some suggestions include…

1. Hiking Trails
   Enjoy trails where the lack of foliage unveils expansive vistas. Bring warm layers as temperatures can be unpredictable and be careful to manage your time on the trail - daylight runs out early this time of year!

2. Covered Bridges
   Without leaves blocking the view, covered bridges become even more picturesque, with clear sightlines across rivers and surrounding hillsides.

3. Local Breweries and Cideries
   Stick season is a perfect time to cozy up in a local brewery or cidery, sampling seasonal flavors like pumpkin beer, spiced cider, and hard apple cider.

4. Photographic Opportunities
   Photographers can capture the stark contrast of tree lines, stone walls, and fog-laden mornings. This is a unique time for moody, atmospheric shots of Vermont’s quiet beauty.

5. Small Town Exploration
   Explore towns like Woodstock and Norwich, where the seasonal quiet amplifies the charm. Local shops and cafes offer warmth and hospitality that make each stop special.

Stick season may not be as showy as foliage season, but its quiet beauty offers a chance to connect with Vermont in a more intimate way. So bundle up, grab a camera, and experience the understated charm of this hidden season.