Three Perfect Days in Burke, Vermont
When fall arrives in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, few places showcase the season quite like the Burke area. Sure, we’re a little biased, but for early-season foliage, it’s hard to beat. Picture flannels, steaming mugs, a little Noah Kahan playing in the background, and hillsides glowing in shades of red, orange, and gold.
That’s what draws leaf peepers, hikers, mountain bikers, and anyone looking to spend a few days surrounded by mountain scenery. And Burke is closer than you think — just three hours from Boston and Montreal and only seven miles off I-91.
So, if you’re looking for a fall getaway, here’s a suggested itinerary to spend the perfect weekend in Burke.
Check-in Day: Arrive, Unwind & Settle.
Make Burke Mountain Hotel your home base for the weekend. The 116-room, all-suite hotel sits mid-mountain, giving you a front-row seat to the changing landscape. One direction looks toward the mountain itself, while the other showcases the iconic Willoughby Gap.
After checking in, take some time to settle in and enjoy the views. Depending on when you arrive, grab a drink and dinner at The View Pub, where you can enjoy the surrounding mountains from the restaurant or outdoor deck. The deck stays open as long as the weather allows, so take advantage of those crisp fall evenings while you can. During foliage season, sunset is usually around 6:30 p.m. You want that photo.
If you happen to arrive on a Thursday, stick around for Trivia Night at The View Pub, hosted by Burke’s favorite Guest Services duo, Kayla & Jimmy. Trivia runs through October 8 then picks up again in the winter.
Hit the hotel’s outdoor hot tub to cap off the evening. Then, call it an early night. Tomorrow is for exploring.
Day 2. Get Your Bike Pedaling
Start your morning with a cup of coffee and those mountain views before heading out for a day of fall adventure. Breakfast suggestions: Auntie Dee Dee’s bake shop (homemade pastries and sandwiches), located on the Burke Access Road or Cafe Lotti (espresso drinks, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies), located in East Burke Village.
Morning: Ride Bikes
Fall is one of the best times to ride, and Burke gives you plenty of options.
For downhill and lift-accessed mountain biking, Burke’s Bike Park features 24 trails spanning 25 miles, including flowing machine-built trails, technical singletrack, and jump lines. Riders can access 10 trails directly from the summit, with 2,115 feet of vertical descent.
New to mountain biking? Learn-to-ride packages with a professional mountain biker make it easy to get started and experience the trails at your own pace. Burke’s Bike Park offers a full fleet of rental bikes for all sorts of trail riding, including bikes for kids and as well as e-bikes.
If cross-country riding is more your speed, Kingdom Trails offers more than 100 miles of singletrack through forests, fields, and farmland. With connections to Burke’s trail network, you can spend the morning exploring some of Vermont’s most scenic riding terrain.
Lunch: Refuel in East Burke
After a morning outside, head into East Burke Village for lunch and a little exploring. Grab a bite, browse around town, or simply take a walk and enjoy the fall scenery.
EVENT SIDEBAR! If you’re visiting during Burke’s annual Fall Foliage Festival on Saturday, September 26, make this the focus of your day… head to the village green in East Burke for a full day of fall fun. The festival features a parade (keep an eye out for Burkie Bear), a huge craft fair with 75+ vendors, kids games, rubber ducky races, a wildlife show, pony rides, farm critters, Cow Plop Bingo, live music, BBQ, and more.
Evening: Local Beer & Vermont Dining
After a full day outside, enjoy a casual dinner at The Orange Rind, located in East Burke Village. It’s become a favorite gathering place for riders and visitors, serving up craft beer and casual fare. Lots of live music there, too, and a cool vibe with its ample outdoor seating. Leave room for an ice cream at Clementine’s Ice Cream stand next door. If the weather is still warm, take a short walk to the river and dip your toes in the water.
Looking for something a little more traditional? The Inn at Burklyn offers seasonal menus and classic New England charm — a great choice for a slower, sit-down, grown-up Vermont dinner.
Then head back to the hotel and put your feet up.
Day 3. Lounge and Be Refreshed
There’s no need to rush your final morning in Burke.
Grab breakfast at the Slopeside Cafe in the Burke Hotel and sit outside in the adirondack chairs facing the mountain. Staying on-mountain has its perks!
Head to the base of the mountain for a scenic chairlift ride on the Sherburne lift for just $5 and enjoy the foliage from above. Or take a drive up the Scenic Toll Road to the mountain summit and hike the the red and blue trails. For breathtaking 360-degree views of the Northeast Kingdom, climb right to the fire tower at the summit.
If you’d rather explore beyond the mountain, take a drive around Lake Willoughby, paddleboard on Island Pond, visit local farms and farm stands, or wander the back roads lined with stone walls and covered bridges. You can also explore more of the area with the Visit Northeast Kingdom’s list of things to do and places to visit throughout the Northeast Kingdom, all within an hour’s drive.
Around here, the journey is often just as memorable as the destination.
Come for the foliage. Stay for the mountain air, the local food, the trails, and the chance to slow down for a couple of days.