Vibrant foliage, covered bridges, and maple everything are staples of a Vermont fall vacation, but some of the state’s best autumn weekends are found in the quieter corners. Trade the well-known spots for a chain of islands where the roads run out at the water, a river valley where general stores still set the pace, and a northern countryside stitched together by rail trails and dairy farms. Same crisp air and blazing color, plenty of new ground to explore.

Three under-the-radar regions, three fall weekends to remember. We partnered with Vermont Tourism to show you exactly where to go.

Northwest Vermont serves up classic New England charm across a landscape of dairy farms, back roads splashed in color, and winding rivers. Base yourself in walkable St. Albans or in Montgomery, home to more covered bridges than any other town in Vermont. Then wander the rail trail, go birdwatching in the wetlands, and take in mountain views over a local brew.

Spend a few days farther out on Lake Champlain, where a chain of five islands slows things down to island time, and taste your way through farm stands and lakeside vineyards. Bike the quiet roads linking South Hero to Alburgh, pick apples at Vermont's oldest commercial orchard, and hunt for 480-million-year-old fossils tucked into the limestone on Isle La Motte.

Follow the Connecticut River south and you'll hit a quiet corner of Vermont, where general stores bring the community together and old railroad depots have been turned into art galleries. Take a baking class at America’s oldest flour company in Norwich, peer into Quechee's "Little Grand Canyon" ringed in autumn color, sample maple syrup and hand-waxed cheddar at a four-generation farm.