Vermont sunsets aren’t just pretty. They’re unforgettable. Locals know the moment golden hour hits, the mountains, lakes, and valleys turn into a canvas of purples, oranges, and deep blues that photos never quite do justice. Whether you’re a visitor catching your first Green Mountain evening or a lifelong Vermonter looking for a new favorite spot, chasing sunsets in Vermont is a hobby worth picking up.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best places across the state to watch the sky light up, what to bring with you for a comfortable and memorable experience, and a few local tips to help you get the most out of your evening.
Best Sunset Spots in Vermont by Region
Northern Vermont
Lake Champlain Waterfront (Burlington, Shelburne, and the Islands)
If you only have time for one sunset in Vermont, make it here. The sun dips behind the Adirondack Mountains across the lake, casting reflections on the water and turning the sky into a layered masterpiece.
- Top Spots: Burlington’s Waterfront Park, Oakledge Park, Shelburne Farms, Causeway Bike Path
- Best Time: Summer and early fall
- Local Tip: Bring a blanket, grab a creemee, and sit on the rocks at Oakledge
Mount Mansfield Summit (Stowe)
Whether you hike up or take the gondola, sunset at the top of Vermont’s tallest mountain is as breathtaking as it sounds. Clouds light up in every direction and the view spans from the Adirondacks to the White Mountains.
- Access: Gondola (closed in winter) or Sunset Ridge Trail
- Best Time: Late summer through early fall for foliage views
- Local Tip: Start your hike with time to spare and pack a headlamp for the way down
Jay Peak Lookouts (Jay)
Less crowded but just as scenic, Jay Peak offers quiet and dramatic light as the sun sets behind northern ridges and forests.
- Top Spot: The overlook by the ski resort access road
- Best Time: Mid-summer when wildflowers bloom
- Local Tip: Great place to bring a picnic and avoid the tourist crowds
Central Vermont
Hubbard Park Tower (Montpelier)
A bit of a hidden gem, this stone observation tower offers panoramic views of the capital city and beyond. As the sun dips low, treetops catch the light, and the golden tones of the hills become magical.
- Access: Short walk from the park’s upper parking lot
- Best Time: Late spring and early fall
- Local Tip: Bring binoculars and look for deer along the trail
Knapp Pond (Reading/Cavendish area)
Quiet, serene, and framed by forest, Knapp Pond is ideal for a peaceful, reflective sunset. You’ll often have it all to yourself.
- Activities: Canoeing, fishing, or just sitting by the shore
- Best Time: Summer evenings with mist over the water
- Local Tip: Bring bug spray and stay after for stargazing
Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site (Plymouth Notch)
History meets scenery here, with rolling meadows and wide-open skies. The unobstructed westward view makes it a perfect place to watch the day end.
- Best Time: Fall, when the site is especially scenic
- Local Tip: Pair it with a visit to the museum or village during the day
Southern Vermont
Hogback Mountain Overlook (Wilmington)
You can see for 100 miles on a clear day. This roadside stop along Route 9 is as easy-access as it gets and the perfect quick sunset detour.
- Best Time: Year-round
- Local Tip: Don’t miss the nearby gift shop and the fire tower hike for extra views
Mount Equinox Skyline Drive (Manchester)
Drive to the top of Mount Equinox for a view that feels like you’re floating. The Skyline Drive is the longest private toll road in the country and the summit is worth every twist in the road.
- Access: Open seasonally, check for hours
- Best Time: Peak foliage season or clear summer days
- Local Tip: Time your drive to arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset
Guilford Welcome Center Viewpoint (Guilford)
It might be a rest stop, but locals know the view here is sneakily good. If you’re heading up I-91, make this your golden hour break.
- Best Time: Spring through fall
- Local Tip: Sit on the grass behind the building for the best view
Champlain Islands
South Hero & Grand Isle Shorelines
The islands are sunset central. Water on both sides, quiet stretches of road, and endless sky make it a top choice for romantic evenings and peaceful solo outings.
- Top Spots: Sunset View Road in South Hero, Grand Isle State Park
- Best Time: Summer and early fall
- Local Tip: Grab apples at Hackett’s Orchard or wine at Snow Farm Vineyard to enjoy while watching
Sunset Essentials: What to Pack
You don’t need much, but the right gear can make a good sunset outing into a great one.
Comfort & Warmth
- Blanket, quilt, or camp chair
- A light jacket or sweater (yes, even in July)
- Bug spray and sunscreen
- Headlamp or flashlight if hiking
Food & Drink
- Local snacks like Vermont cheddar, apples, maple kettle corn
- Cider, seltzer, or a small bottle from a local distillery (check rules if in a state park)
- Thermos of coffee, hot tea, or cocoa if it’s chilly
Extras
- Camera or phone (but remember to look up from the screen)
- Tripod for serious photography
- A small trash bag to pack out anything you bring in
- Notebook or book if you want quiet time while waiting for the show
Tips
A sunset is more than the moment the sun dips below the horizon. The sky continues to shift for up to 30 minutes after. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Check the time: Google “sunset time [town]” and arrive 30 to 45 minutes early
- Face west: Obvious, but easy to overlook. Open landscapes give you the best results
- Stay after: The colors deepen after official sunset
- Skip the crowds: Opt for lesser-known overlooks and back roads during peak foliage
- Check the clouds: A partly cloudy evening usually makes for the best sunsets
Seasonal Sunset Ideas
Spring
- Sunset comes earlier, and the air still feels crisp
- Look for peaceful spots like ponds and pastures coming back to life
Summer
- Long days, late sunsets, and the perfect excuse for a post-dinner drive
- Pack a citronella candle and stay for fireflies
Fall
- This is when sunsets go full drama
- The sky blazes against red and gold leaves
- Try spots at higher elevation like Hogback or Mount Mansfield
Winter
- Sunset comes early and quick
- Snow reflects the color in a way that feels surreal
- Pack cocoa, warm boots, and a blanket for a quiet drive to a scenic overlook
Vermont Sunsets Are Worth the Planning
Watching the sun go down in Vermont isn’t just a pretty moment. It’s a reset button. Whether you’re on a mountain peak, beside a quiet lake, or sitting on the back of your truck with someone you love, Vermont gives you front-row seats to nature’s show.
So pack a blanket, grab some local snacks, and chase that glow. And if you find a hidden gem sunset spot, keep it close or share it with a fellow sunset chaser.
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