When is peak fall foliage at Killington?

Peak foliage at Killington typically occurs between October 6 and October 14, though exact timing shifts year to year based on temperature and rainfall. Because of Killington's high elevation, color arrives roughly one to two weeks earlier than in the Vermont valleys below. Check our webcams for real-time foliage conditions.

Is the gondola running at Killington during fall foliage?

Yes. Scenic gondola rides operate through the fall foliage season, typically into mid-October. Hours and operating days vary — check the Mountain Report before your visit for current gondola status.

Is the Killington Bike Park open in the fall?

The Killington Bike Park typically runs through mid-to-late October, weather and conditions permitting. Trails may close temporarily after heavy rain or early snowfall. Check the Mountain Report or the Killington App for daily trail status.

What is stick season and when does it happen?

Stick season is the window after leaves have dropped but before snow arrives — roughly late October through mid-November at Killington. It's quieter, the trails are open, and the bare mountain has a stark beauty of its own. Hiking and some biking remain available during stick season depending on the time of your visit and conditions.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the Killlington gondola during peak foliage?

Yes. Peak foliage week (typically the second week of October) is one of the busiest periods of the fall season at Killington. We strongly recommend purchasing gondola tickets in advance online to guarantee your spot. Walk-up availability is not guaranteed on peak weekends.

Can I bring my dog to Killington in the fall?

Dogs are welcome in outdoor areas and on select pet-friendly trails during the fall season. Service animals are welcome year-round. Animals are not permitted on gondolas or chairlifts at any time. Review our full Pet Policy at killington.com/resort-policies for details.

What are Killington's resort hours during fall?

Operating hours vary by activity and by month during the fall season. Visit the Hours & Schedules page or the Mountain Report for the most current fall operating information.

Panoramic view of a colorful autumn forest with mountains in the background.

Fall Foliage Visits

The Premier Vermont Leaf Peeping Spot

Vermont's Highest Gondola View of Fall Foliage

No place in New England puts you higher inside the color than Killington. At 4,241 feet, Vermont's signature reds, oranges, and golds ignite the ridgelines weeks before the valleys below. Our gondola, trails, and mountain activities keep you out in it from the first blush of color all the way to bare stick season.

Book Your Fall Trip to Killington

Peak Foliage, Peak Savings

Book your Vermont fall getaway at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel between September 1 and October 31 and save 20% on midweek stays or 15% on weekend stays. Blackout dates apply October 2–3.

View the Fall Lodging Offer Browse All Lodging

Save on Activities with Your Lodging

Score discounts on Bike Park lift tickets, lessons, rentals, scenic gondola rides, and Adventure Center access when you book lodging through us.

See Package Details

The Best Times to Peep Leaves

When to Visit for the Foliage

The dates listed below are approximate and based on typical fall foliage patterns from previous years. Weather and other factors can affect the timing and progression of fall colors. For the most up-to-date look at current foliage color, check out our live webcams.

Illustration of two colorful leaves, one yellow and one light green, on a brown stem.

Phase 1 — Early Color

Dates: Late September – approximately September 27 through October 5

Color arrives first at the summit and upper trails. Maples at elevation flame orange and red while lower elevations are still green, creating a dramatic two-tone effect across the mountain face. Gondola rides during this window offer contrast that photographers chase for years.

What's open: Scenic gondola rides, full Bike Park, hiking trails, Golf Course, Adventure Center.

Two stylized maple leaves in red and orange on a branch.

Phase 2 — Peak Foliage

Dates: Peak week typically falls October 6-14

This is it. The entire mountain — top to bottom — burns with color. Reds, oranges, golds, and yellows saturate every ridgeline and valley visible from Killington Peak. Gondola cars fill up fast; book in advance. Weekends during peak week are among the busiest of the fall season.

What's open: Scenic gondola rides, mountain bike trails (conditions permitting), hiking, golf (weather dependent), Adventure Center, fall weekend events.

Pro tip: Midweek visits during peak week offer shorter waits and quieter trails without sacrificing any of the color.

A simple, stylized brown branch with two smaller twigs.

Phase 3 — Stick Season

Dates: Late October through early November — approximately October 20 - November 5

The leaves drop and the mountain opens up. Hikers and mountain bikers find new sightlines through bare branches. The air is sharp, the trails are less crowded, and there's a particular beauty to the spare, honest landscape before snow arrives. For many locals, stick season is the secret best time on the mountain.

What's open: Hiking, limited mountain biking (weather and conditions dependent), select dining.

Adventure Surrounded by Yellow, Orange, and Red

Fall Activities at Killington

A gondola cabin floats above vibrant autumn foliage in Killington, Vermont.

Scenic Gondola Rides

Ride Vermont's most spectacular chairlift to 4,241 feet and see the foliage the way it was meant to be seen — 360 degrees of blazing color across five states and into Canada on a clear day. No hiking required. All ages welcome.

Scenic Gondola Tickets Peak Lodge

A mountain biker jumps through autumn leaves on a forest trail.

Mountain Biking through the Color

The East's largest lift-serviced bike park doesn't close when summer ends. Rip 30+ miles of trail through tunnels of orange and red, with fallen leaves adding crunch to every corner. The Bike Park typically runs through mid-October, conditions permitting.

Bike Park Lift Tickets

Bike Park Season Pass

Autumn foliage with colorful trees and ski lifts ascending a hillside.

Fall Hiking

Killington's 15+ miles of designated hiking trails plus access to the Appalachian and Long Trails take on entirely new character in autumn. Crisp air, softer light, and color in every direction make fall the best hiking season on the mountain. Download the trail map before you go.

Hiking Map

Vibrant autumn foliage covers rolling hills and winding paths in a scenic landscape.

Golf with a Front Row Seat

Play Killington's 18-hole championship course surrounded by foliage. Mountain vistas that always impress become something else entirely in October.

Tee Times Golf Season Pass

A man and a boy joyfully ride a ski lift with colorful autumn leaves in the background.

Adventure Center

From the Beast Mountain Coaster to zip lines and ropes courses, the Adventure Center runs through mid-October. The coaster cuts through forested terrain that looks very different — and very good — in October.

Adventure Center Tickets

Adventure Center Season Pass

Test Yourself or Relax with Friends and Family

Fall Events in Killington

Two men crawl through mud under barbed wire in an obstacle course.

Spartan Race

September 19 - 20, 2026

Push your limits at the Spartan Ultra, Beast, Sprint, or Kids Race.

VIEW EVENT

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Killington Brewfest

September 26, 2026

Autumn foliage, live music, and the finest craft beers in the region.

GET TICKETS

Families and children decorate pumpkins at a fall festival in a sunny outdoor setting.

Harvest Faire

October 10, 2026

Celebrate fall in Killington with music, activities for all ages, food, & more!

LEARN MORE

DOWNLOAD THE KILLINGTON APP

Real-time lift & trail status
Real-time lift wait times
Events & Activity Information
Online Ordering for Dining
Track your Ski/Bike Day & Season

Live Webcams & Weather
Real-Time Operational Alerts
Find and Track your Friends
Dynamic Messaging with Friends & Family
Sync your Strava account to monitor your physical activity

Available on the Apple App Store Available on the Google Play Store

Fall Foliage at Killington