Stick Season: Why It's Vermont's Most Underrated Time of Year!

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Stick season, Vermont’s hidden gem, is tucked between the vibrant hues of fall and the pristine snows of winter. As a resident of Vermont for 10 years, I’ve come to appreciate this unique season for what it truly is: a quiet interlude that offers its own brand of beauty and tranquility.

While many might see it as a ‘non-season,’ a mere dreary waiting room for winter’s outdoor activities, I’m here to tell you that Stick Season has its own allure that’s worth exploring. I’ll also share my favorite activities for this time of year!

So, grab a cup of hot cider, cozy up, and let’s delve into why this overlooked period deserves a spot on your November travel list!

Sunset in Central Vermont creates a plethora of colors even at stick season with bits of green grass still showing.

What is Stick Season in Vermont?

Stick Season usually occurs in November, sometimes stretching into early December.

During this period, the landscape takes on a stark, almost minimalist look, with bare trees and a muted color palette of grays and browns. It’s a time when the tourist crowds have thinned out, and locals get a bit of a breather before the winter holidays kick in.

While some people might overlook this time of year, thinking it’s just a lull between the more popular fall and winter seasons, those in the know appreciate it for its own merits. November can mean lots of rain and gray skies or sunny delightful days, it’s hit or miss.

It’s a time for quieter outdoor activities like hiking on less crowded trails, enjoying the crisp air, gathering around a bonfire, embracing self-care at a spa or yoga studio, and getting the perfect table at your favorite restaurant.

Despite all the typical weather in November in Vermont, you may still be pleasantly surprised with some fall colors. This is the first week of November one year in Central Vermont.

When Does Stick Season Occur in Different Regions of Vermont?

Keep in mind weather patterns can vary greatly and we all know weather in the northeast has a hard time making up its mind.

Southern Vermont: Starts in mid-November and lasts until early December.

Central Vermont: Sees a mix of conditions from the start of November, with some areas having bare trees while others might have a dusting of early snow in mid-November to mid-December.

Northeast Kingdom: It’s a shorter season here starting in early November and often transitioning into winter by mid to late November or early December.

Burlington Area: Starts in mid-November and can last until mid-December. Being near Lake Champlain, the area has a slightly milder climate.

The forest floor in November in Vermont is dappled with pinecones amongst dried pine needles, small sticks, and brown leaves.

9 Best Things to Do in Stick Season in Vermont

While the fall foliage may have given way to a bare forest floor and the air turns cooler and perhaps a bit damp, it’s far from quiet in the Green Mountain State—activities are still in full swing!

1. Covered Bridge Tour

Vermont’s historic covered bridges are even more charming against the backdrop of November! Some are dressed in bright red paint while others start to become camouflaged against the browns of the landscape.

Take a self-guided tour to appreciate these architectural gems, each with its own history and unique design. Snuggle up with a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop or cafe afterward or a cup of hot cider and a donut! My favorite cider donuts can be found at Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

2. Hiking

Hiking in November in the woods means wearing blaze orange attire to protect yourself in hunting season/ The ground is covered in dry brown leaves and the trees are bare. The field ahead still has hints of green grass.

In the cool autumn weather, the less-crowded trails are quieter, allowing for a more solitary experience. What I love is that if it is a clear day the views are even broader since the leaves don’t block as much of the landscape.

It’s the perfect time to enjoy the serenity of Vermont’s forests and hills, and maybe even spot some local wildlife. Wear Gore-Tex shoes because the ground and leaves can be wet this time of year leaving you otherwise with water-logged socks.

PRO TIP: It’s hunting season so be sure to wear blaze orange; either a hat, vest, or sweater! And, don’t forget a vest for your dog too.

3. Visit a Local Brewery

With fewer tourists, you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Sample Vermont’s renowned craft beers, chat with the brewers, and perhaps even take a behind-the-scenes brewery tour.

Many breweries serve snacks and small plates so you can make a meal out of your visit! Some, such as Lawson’s Taproom in Waitsfield have outside fire pits to cozy up by!

4. Maple Syrup Tasting

My daughter, Lucy, enjoys a Maple Creemee whole hanging out near the goats at Bragg Farm. She is wearing a winter hat and coat because it is pretty chilly outside!

Although sugaring season is in the spring, many producers offer year-round tours and tastings. Learn about the sugaring process and sample different grades of Vermont’s liquid gold.

Bragg Farm in East Montpelier has a free guided tour of the sugarhouse and you can get a delicious treat at the Maple Ice Cream Parlor. It’s never too late in the season for an ice cream in Vermont plus you can enjoy farm critter fun!

5. Stay at a Quaint Inn

Crafts Inn in Wilmington, Vermont is decorated for the fall with pumpkins and dried corn stalks. It's brown shingled siding and green shutters have a quaint appearance.

Vermont inns offer a cozy, home-like atmosphere with the added perks of warm fireplaces. Many inns offer seasonal specials, including packages that might feature guided hikes, local cuisine, or even a fireside storytelling session.

The inns serve homemade breakfasts and inviting common areas perfect for sipping a cup of hot cider or reading a good book. It’s the ideal setting for a romantic getaway, a family gathering, or a peaceful solo retreat to recharge before the holiday rush.

6. Self-Care

Warren Falls in Vermont is a gorgeous shade of blue-green and is surrounded by granite boulders. A dead log connects two boulders and acts as a footbridge. — Sitting by a now-empty swimming hole in Vermont is a peaceful activity. Pack a blanket and a thermos of hot tea to stay for awhile.

Drip Culture in Waitsfield offers gorgeous private infrared sauna spaces for 1-4 people to enjoy.

Escape to Vermont for a weekend of relaxation! It is full of opportunities for inward care that restores your well-being, offering a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It can be as simple as sipping tea while wrapped in a cozy blanket beside a now-vacant swimming hole.

From yoga classes and massage sessions to dips in a hot tub and infrared sauna sessions at Drip Culture in Waitsfield, Stick Season offers a tranquil backdrop for rejuvenating your mind and body. Many wellness centers also offer seasonal specials.

7. Camping and Bonfire Nights

Camping and enjoying a bonfire is magic in the cooler months in Vermont. Colorful lanterns surround the area near the bonfire to light the path for us. — Camping on a November night in Vermont offers exceptional star-gazing while enjoying a bonfire!

The crisp air and clear skies make a camping trip and gathering around a bonfire even more enjoyable. It’s a cozy way to spend an evening, complete with campfire stick bread, s’mores, storytelling, and perhaps a little stargazing.

More than thirty State Parks in Vermont are open for camping during the off-season. Not up for sleeping in a tent in the cold weather? Vermont has loads of cabin rentals and huts to enjoy too!

8. Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Experience Vermont’s scenic beauty from the comfort of a carriage. It’s a romantic and unique way to see the landscape, often complete with blankets and hot cocoa.

Gentle Giants in Stowe, Vermont in fall offers exceptional rides and it is a very popular activity for both tourists and locals on a November day.

9. Mountain Biking

A black and blue Specialized mountain bike leans against a tree on a brown leaf-covered trail in Vermont during stick season.

Mountain biking during this time of year offers a unique experience you won’t get at other times of the year. With the leaves gone, your visibility on the trails increases, allowing for a different kind of ride.

The cooler temperatures mean you won’t overheat as easily, and the reduced crowds give you more space to maneuver and enjoy your surroundings. Vermont’s world-class trails are plentiful!

Vermont’s Stick Season Wrap Up

From the tranquility of vacant swimming holes to the cozy atmosphere of local inns, Stick Season offers a unique Vermont experience that’s often overlooked.

This is Vermont’s way of taking a deep, calming breath before plunging into the excitement of winter. It invites you to slow down, reflect, and enjoy the simpler things in life.

So why not take advantage of this quieter time to explore the Green Mountain State in all its understated glory? Trust us, it’s a season you don’t want to miss!

Stick Season: Why It’s Vermont’s Most Underrated Time of Year!