Why Vermont’s Stick Season Shouldn’t Be Overlooked

Vermont is famous for its vibrant fall foliage and its snowy winter landscapes, but tucked between those two postcard-perfect moments lies a quieter, often overlooked time of year. Known as stick season, this stretch is when the last of the colorful leaves have fallen, the mountains are bare, and winter has not yet arrived. It may not be flashy, but stick season is Vermont at its most honest, and for those who know how to appreciate it, it offers something rare and special.

What is Stick Season in Vermont?

Stick season is the period between late October and early December when the bright foliage has dropped from the trees and before the first consistent snowfall. With the leaves gone, what remains are bare branches stretching across the hillsides, creating the iconic “stick” look that gives this time its name.

Unlike foliage season, which draws crowds of leaf peepers from across the world, stick season is quiet and unassuming. The landscape takes on muted browns, grays, and golds, offering a different kind of beauty. For locals, it marks a seasonal shift from fall activity to winter preparation. For visitors, it can be a chance to experience Vermont in a slower, more authentic way.

Why Stick Season Matters

Stick season is more than just a pause between fall and winter. It’s an important time for Vermonters. Farmers wrap up harvests and prepare equipment for the cold months ahead. Small businesses take a breather after the rush of foliage season. Hunters head into the woods for deer season, a longstanding tradition. Families use the downtime to restock firewood, winterize homes, and gather for community suppers.

For visitors, stick season matters because it is when Vermont reveals its truest self. Without crowds, without the distraction of foliage or snow, what remains is the heart of the state: its people, its traditions, and its rhythms.

The Weather and Landscape of Stick Season

Weather in stick season can be unpredictable. One day might bring sunshine and crisp air, while the next could deliver cold rain or an early dusting of snow. Temperatures dip into the 30s and 40s, with chilly nights and short days that hint at winter’s arrival.

The landscape shifts dramatically after foliage season. Once-brilliant trees now stand bare, their branches etched sharply against the sky. Hillsides look rugged and raw, showing the contours of Vermont’s mountains in ways hidden by summer’s green or autumn’s color. Some find it stark, but others see a quiet honesty in the stripped-down scenery. Wildlife becomes more visible, too, as deer, turkeys, and other animals move through the open woods.

How Locals Embrace Stick Season

Vermonters know how to make the most of stick season. While some may see it as bleak, locals embrace it as a season of preparation and connection.

• Seasonal chores: Cutting, splitting, and stacking firewood for the long winter ahead is a hallmark of stick season. Homes are winterized, gardens are cleared, and snow shovels are pulled out of storage.
• Community life: With fewer tourists, towns come together for church suppers, craft nights, and fall festivals. Deer season is an event in itself, with families gathering at hunting camps or sharing meals of venison stew.
• Comfort food: Stick season calls for hearty meals. Dishes like mac and cheese, chili, chicken pot pie, and maple-baked desserts fill Vermont kitchens as temperatures drop.

Things to Do in Vermont During Stick Season

Even without the bright colors of fall or the snow-covered slopes of winter, there’s plenty to do in Vermont during stick season. In fact, it might be the best time for certain activities.

• Scenic drives: Route 100 and Vermont’s backroads offer new views once the leaves are gone. With the trees bare, mountain ridgelines and old stone walls come into view.
• Hiking: Trails are quieter, and while the scenery is different, the open views of valleys and mountainsides are striking. Popular hikes like Camel’s Hump or Sterling Pond take on a new feel in the late fall light.
• Breweries and distilleries: Vermont’s craft beverage scene is in full swing year-round. Stick season is a perfect time to warm up with a flight of beer, cider, or whiskey at a local tasting room.
• Museums and cultural sites: From the Shelburne Museum to small town historical societies, stick season invites exploration indoors. Fewer crowds make it easy to take your time.
• Shopping small: General stores, holiday craft fairs, and local shops offer unique finds. With the holidays approaching, it’s a good time to pick up Vermont-made gifts.

Why Tourists Shouldn’t Overlook Stick Season

Most visitors think of Vermont in terms of peak foliage or ski season, but stick season has its own appeal. In fact, travelers who come during this time often find it to be one of their most rewarding trips.

• Lower costs: Lodging is more affordable and availability is wide open compared to the busy seasons.
• Personalized experiences: With fewer tourists, conversations with locals feel more genuine, and service in restaurants and inns is more relaxed and welcoming.
• Peace and quiet: For those looking to escape the bustle, stick season offers Vermont at its most tranquil.

Stick Season in Vermont’s Culture and Arts

Stick season has long inspired Vermonters. The muted tones of the landscape call to painters, photographers, and writers who see poetry in the quiet hills. More recently, musician Noah Kahan put stick season on the national stage with his hit album named for the time of year. His lyrics capture both the rawness of Vermont’s late autumn and the emotional honesty the season represents.

For artists, stick season is a metaphor for resilience and simplicity. For visitors, it’s a chance to connect with that same sense of stillness and authenticity.

Preparing for Stick Season Travel

If you plan to visit Vermont in stick season, preparation is key. The weather can shift quickly, so having the right gear makes all the difference.

• Pack warm layers, including sweaters, flannels, and insulated jackets.
• Bring sturdy boots that can handle mud or an early dusting of snow.
• Expect shorter daylight hours and plan hikes or drives accordingly.
• Keep a flexible itinerary, mixing indoor activities with outdoor adventures depending on the forecast.

Final Thoughts: Vermont at Its Most Honest

Stick season may never be Vermont’s most famous time of year, but it just might be its most authentic. The leaves are gone, the tourists have thinned, and winter has yet to arrive. What’s left is the real Vermont: hardworking, resilient, and beautiful in its simplicity.

For travelers willing to look beyond the obvious, stick season offers a unique chance to connect with the state on a deeper level. Whether you’re hiking a quiet trail, sipping cider by a woodstove, or simply admiring the raw ridgelines, you’ll see Vermont as it truly is. That honesty is what makes stick season unforgettable.