Every fall, we have guests arrive at the inn with the same question: where can we go to see the best foliage views?
Most expect us to send them on the popular scenic drives or busy mountain overlooks. While those are great, there’s another way to experience the stunning Vermont fall foliage that many people don’t even know exists: climbing one of Vermont’s historic fire towers. These preserved lookouts offer some of the most dramatic, unobstructed panoramas in the state.
We have five fire towers within a short drive of our Vermont bed and breakfast, ranging from easy walks to more challenging mountain climbs.
The Story Behind Vermont’s Fire Towers
But first, a little history. Vermont’s fire towers have been watching over the state’s forests for more than a century. Built in the early 1900s as part of Vermont’s wildfire prevention efforts, 38 towers once helped spot smoke across the mountains. Today, 14 of those towers are still standing, and many have become favorite hiking destinations for the views they offer.
1. Bolton Fire Tower
Vista Peak Trail, Bolton Valley Resort
Just about fifteen minutes west of us at Bolton Valley Resort, the Bolton Fire Tower sits at 3,150 feet and rewards hikers with wide-open views of Camel’s Hump to the south, Mount Mansfield to the north, and the Worcester Range to the east.
The Vista Peak Trail begins near The Backcountry and Nordic Center and is a 3.1-mile out-and-back hike. The trail follows a wide gravel road for much of the way, though it becomes steeper and rockier as you get closer to the top.
In the fall, this is a beautiful place to see the changing leaves from above. The hills below fill in with layers of red, orange, and gold, creating the kind of Vermont view many visitors hope to find.
Hiking access is free, but if you’re looking to spend more time exploring Bolton Valley, you can also purchase a pass for the mountain biking trails, take a scenic lift ride for another perspective on the fall colors, or grab a bite to eat at one of the dining options down at the base.
2. Hubbard Park Observation Tower
58 Tower Loop, Montpelier
Hubbard Park offers over 200 acres of grounds to explore, with more than seven miles of hiking and walking trails, picnic areas, and of course, the historic stone observation tower.
Built from local stone beginning in 1915, the 54-foot tower sits at the highest point in the park. The walk to the tower is short, making it a wonderful choice if you just want to stretch your legs, enjoy the fall colors, and take in a beautiful view without spending the whole day on the trail. Climb the stairs to the top, and you’ll be rewarded with a view of Vermont’s Capital below and the surrounding mountain ranges beyond.
If you have extra time, plan to wander a few of the park’s trails, pack a picnic to enjoy near the tower, or pair your visit with coffee or lunch downtown in Montpelier.
3. Mount Elmore Fire Tower
Elmore State Park, Elmore
Located just past Stowe on the shore of Lake Elmore, the Fire Tower Trail climbs about 1.75 miles from the state park entrance to the summit, taking you through a beautiful hardwood forest before opening up to sweeping mountain views from the top of the fire tower.
Looking west, you can see across the Lamoille Valley toward Mount Mansfield and Madonna Mountain, while the eastern view reaches toward New Hampshire’s Presidential Range on a clear day.
Elmore State Park does charge a small day-use fee, and the park is typically open through mid-October, which lines up perfectly with the leaves changing. If you’re planning to visit several Vermont State Parks during your stay, you may want to look into a Vermont State Parks season pass, which offers unlimited day-use entry throughout the season.
4. Spruce Mountain Fire Tower
L.R. Jones State Forest, Plainfield
Spruce Mountain is perfect if you want to spend a little more time on the trail. The Spruce Mountain Hiking Trail is about 4.4 miles round trip, following an old logging road through the forest before climbing toward the summit. The trail becomes steeper and rockier as you approach the top, but the fire tower waiting above makes the effort worthwhile.
The current steel tower was moved to Spruce Mountain in 1944 from Bellevue Hill in St. Albans, replacing an earlier tower that was built in 1919.
From the top, the tower offers a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding area, including Camel’s Hump, the Worcester Range, and the mountains of central Vermont.
5. Bear Hill Fire Tower
Allis State Park, Brookfield
Located about forty minutes south of the inn near the historic floating bridge in Brookfield, this is the most accessible option on our list.
You can drive the summit road right to the base of the tower, or, if you’d like to stretch your legs, take the one-mile Bear Hill Nature Trail through the surrounding forest
From the top, you’ll find one of the widest panoramas in central Vermont. On a clear autumn day, views stretch toward Killington and Pico to the south, the Green Mountains to the west, and the White Mountains to the east.
A Few Tips for Your Fall Hike
- Timing the Leaves: Peak foliage around Waterbury usually lands between the last week of September and the second week of October. Higher summits like Spruce and Bolton will often change a little earlier than the trees down in the village.
- What to Pack: Even on a mild 60-degree October day, summit platforms are completely exposed and significantly colder and windier than the trailhead. Bring a warm fleece or jacket in your pack.
- Footwear: The stairs on these towers can be steep, narrow, and wooden. Wear comfortable shoes with good tread, and take your time on the way up and down.
Your Vermont Fall Adventure Starts Here
After a day on the trail, there’s nothing better than coming back to a comfortable place to kick off your boots. When you return to the Old Stagecoach Inn, you can grab a cold Vermont craft beer from the Library Pub, work on a puzzle in the parlor, or head up to your room to refresh before dinner in the village.
Book your stay and experience Vermont’s fall foliage from a whole new perspective, above the trees at one of these historic fire towers. We’d love to welcome you this season and help you map out the best scenic drives and hikes while you’re here!