when to go?

[drake]

planning a fall trip to Vermont to see the magnificent colors. When is the best time to make this trip. Also interested in waterfalls & wildlife. Finally, which airports are serviced by UAL?

[ixl]

When to go depends on where in Vermont you want to visit, and also on how the year progresses (every one is different). Peak is usually end of September and early October in the northeast and the higher elevations, ranging through to the 3rd week of October in the southern valleys and Lake Champlain area.

Burlington is the only town in Vermont with any sort of decent air service.

[autzig]

While Burlington is a good choice as an arrival airport, we prefer to fly to Boston and drive to Vermont. We can fly from Minneapolis to Boston non-stop and the drive to Vermont is relatively short. A stop over somewhere adds additional time and hassle so we like the non-stops.

Another thing to consider: Because Burlington is relatively small, rental cars are often all booked up during foliage season. I'd be inclined to make a car reservation before booking the airline. A trip to Vermont without a car will take a lot of the fun out your foliage trip. Finding a rental car in Boston shouldn't be a problem ever.

Al

[ctyanky]

drake: not only should you be thinking about car rentals, but securing lodging at this point, is very important. Many inns are booked for the height of the foliage season. Something to think about very soon!

http://www.northeastwaterfalls.com/

A few in Vermont - there are so many more!

1. Falls of Lana: The Falls of Lana should not be more than 15 minutes (if that) away from the large parking lot on State Route 53 just south of Branbury State Park on the other side of the road.
2. Texas Falls: Route 125 on the way to Hancock. 15 minute drive east of intersection of 116 and 125.
3. Lye Brook Falls: In the Lye Brook Wilderness, route 11 and 30 east of Manchester Center. The falls are about a mile and a half to two miles in from the parking area. A thin high stream but very nice.
4. Moss Glen Falls: Route 100 between Granville and Warren.

[ixl]

The closest major airport to northern Vermont is Montreal.

The closest to southern Vermont is Albany, which is about an hour from Bennington.

[pwt54]

You might check out the Manchester, New Hampshire airport. i would try for the last week of September for this year.

[Andy]

What airport you are flying into may also depend on where you are coming from. For example, I have flown from Detroit to Burlington non-stop many times. OTOH, you are not going to get your best prices flying into Burlington.

I agree with the others here that lodging and the rental cars are going to be a serious issue.

[Brandon]

Definitely don't wait to book lodging. But with that said, I was surprised last year at the number of vacancy signs in North Conway, NH during the week before Columbus weekend. Granted, these were not 4-star hotels. No doubt people are still traveling less due to the economy.