September in East Burke: Trails, Colors, and Cozy Nights
The Magic of September
There’s something special about September in the Northeast Kingdom. The air turns crisp, the trails stay fast, and the hillsides start glowing in fiery shades of orange, gold, and red. It’s that sweet spot between summer and full-on foliage season—when the mornings are quiet, the evenings are cozy, and every hike or ride feels like you’ve stumbled into your own postcard moment.
Fun and foliage are right around the next corner!
““Autumn is a second spring, when every leaf is a flower””
A Day in the Kingdom
Imagine waking up to the soft sound of leaves rustling outside the windows, sunlight pouring into the house through those floor-to-ceiling panes. You pour a coffee, step out onto the deck, and just breathe. Maybe you hop on your bike for a morning ride straight from the yard—Kingdom Trails literally starts outside the door. Or maybe you lace up your hiking boots and wander down a leaf-strewn path, the smell of pine and cool mountain air surrounding you as you explore the network of trails.
View from Burke Basecamp in October
By the afternoon, you’re pedaling through maples on fire with color or hiking up Burke Mountain for views that stretch all the way to Canada. Prefer something mellow? Stroll along the Darling Hill trails or take a lakeside hike around Willoughby for those jaw-dropping reflections of red and gold. When the sun sets, you’re back at the house—feet up by the fire pit, drink in hand, watching the stars blink into view.
Festivals & Local Fun
If you time it right, you can catch the Burke Fall Festival on Saturday, September 27, 2025. It’s a small-town Vermont classic: a parade, live music, wagon rides, barbecue, cider pressing, a craft fair with local makers, and yes—cow-plop bingo and rubber duck races. (Trust us, it’s way more fun than it sounds.)
And if you’re here through the end of the month, the Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival kicks off across nearby towns like Peacham and Walden. Think pancake breakfasts, craft fairs, and the kind of community dinners that make you feel right at home.
A Sweet Post-Trail Tradition
After a perfect morning on the trails—legs tired, cheeks flushed from the crisp September air—there’s nothing better than a detour to Burtt’s Apple Orchard in Cabot. It’s just a short, scenic drive from Burke Basecamp, and the reward is pure Vermont charm. Picture this: you stroll through rows of apple trees, basket in hand, filling it with crisp Cortlands and Honeycrisps, the scent of ripe fruit lingering in the breeze. Then it’s straight to the farmstand for a warm apple cider doughnut, sugary and fresh, paired with a hot cider or a frosty cider slushie.
If you’re lucky, you’ll snag one of their homemade pies—apple, cherry, or whatever just came out of the oven—and maybe some maple syrup or local honey to bring a taste of the Kingdom home. And don’t forget to look for the golden apple while you’re there; find one, and your doughnut is free—a sweet little prize at the end of your adventure.
Why September Hits Different
The leaves start to turn early here, and by late September, the whole landscape is starting to glow. It’s not just the colors, though—it’s the vibe. The trails are a little quieter, the weather is perfect for long hikes or cool morning rides, and there’s a relaxed, “locals-first” feel before the October rush of peak foliage season.
Stay Trailside at Burke Basecamp
When you stay at Burke Basecamp, you’re not just booking a place to sleep—you’re booking an experience. We’re right on the Kingdom Trails network, so you can roll straight from the gear room onto your favorite route or step right out the door for a peaceful hike surrounded by stunning foliage. The house itself is light-filled and cozy, with big windows that frame the changing leaves like art. Grab a drink and watch the sunset from the deck bar, rinse off the trail dust—or sweat from a hike—in the outdoor shower, or circle up around the fire pit as the night cools down.
And the best part? We’re just minutes from the center of town, so you’re close to everything without giving up that private, tucked-away feel.
Book Your Stay
Ready to make your September getaway happen? You can book through Airbnb or check out our website at www.burkebasecamp.com, or just email me directly at rae@burkebasecamp.com. And if you want some trail stoke or foliage inspiration, follow along on Instagram @burkebasecamp.
“September at Burke Basecamp is pure magic—come hike it, ride it, and savor every crisp, colorful moment.”