Summary
Hike Mad River Glen, ride the single chair, refuel at General Stark’s Pub, and chase waterfalls at Warren Falls — the perfect Vermont fall day!
Fall may be the best time to take a hike in Vermont, and Mad River Glen delivers with colorful foliage and sweeping views. Our family carved out a perfect fall day recently: a morning hike at Mad River Glen, lunch at General Stark’s Pub, and a stop at Warren Falls to cap things off.
Hiking at Mad River Glen
Though known for its legendary skiing, Mad River Glen is just as magical without snow. In autumn, its network of trails turns into a family-friendly playground surrounded by fiery foliage.
With our range of kids age 4-10, we opted to head to the top of the Sunnyside Double chair, a little over halfway up the mountain. From the base area, take the Stark Mountain Trail to the Sunnyside Trail to reach the top of the double. You’ll pass the waterfall along the way for a great rest stop. At the top of the double, you’ll find sweeping views of the valley below, and a great place to set up a picnic.
For older kids (and parents looking for a workout) continue to Stark’s Nest at the peak via the Long Trail and the Stark Mountain Trail. You bypass the single chair mid-station, watching folks hitching a ride to the top. You could also pair your hike with a single chair ride. Ride up, then hike down for a fun way to mix it up, or hike up and take the lift down to rest tired legs (always a hit with older kids who want the full “I did it!” feeling).
Family tip: Bring layers and snacks. We found ourselves peeling off jackets on the way up and bundling them right back on at the top. And there’s nothing like a quick apple break on a mountain trail to keep kids moving.
Dinner at General Stark’s Pub
After our hike and lift ride, we were ready to refuel. General Stark’s Pub, tucked right in the base lodge, is cozy and welcoming and a favorite to locals and visitors alike. The menu has plenty of hearty options for hungry hikers—think burgers, sandwiches, and kid-friendly fare—along with Vermont craft beers for the grown-ups. Sitting by the big windows with a view of the mountain while we recounted our hike over dinner was the perfect midday reset.
A Stop at Warren Falls
No trip to the valley feels complete without a stop at Warren Falls. In summer, it’s a go-to swimming hole. In fall, it transforms into something else entirely—cascading water framed by fiery maples and golden birches. My kids loved hopping along the rocks, pointing out little pools and eddies, while I marveled at how peaceful the scene felt.
Note for parents: The rocks can be slick this time of year, so we kept our exploring to the edges and made sure sneakers stayed on. Also, we opted to check out the falls before our hike, so we could hit up the pub for dinner on our way back down!
Why It’s Worth the Trip
From mountain trails to waterfalls, Mad River Glen in the fall feels like stepping into a postcard. With hiking options for all ages, the one-of-a-kind single chair experience, and a hearty lunch at General Stark’s Pub, it’s an easy, family-friendly way to soak in the season. Add in a stop at Warren Falls, and you’ve got the recipe for a Vermont day your kids will remember long after the leaves have fallen.
Know Before You Go
- Mad River Glen Location: 62 Mad River Glen Rd, Fayston, VT 05673
- Single Chair Rides: Offered weekends in late September through mid-October (check Mad River Glen’s website for exact dates & times). Rides are weather dependent.
- Cost: Around $20 per adult, $15 for junior and senior lift tickets. Hours are 10am – 2:30pm, but it’s worth checking the website for details.
- General Stark’s Pub Hours: Open Wednesdays to Saturday, 4:30 – 8:30pm.
- Foliage Weekend 2025 is September 27–28, 2025
- Warren Falls Location: On VT Route 100, about 10 minutes south of Waitsfield. There’s a small parking lot on the west side of the road. Arrive early on busy fall weekends as it can fill quickly.
- Family Tip: Bring extra socks and shoes in case little explorers can’t resist dipping their toes in the water at Warren Falls!
Sarah Wojcik is the founder of All Mountains Mamas, starting it in 2012. Becoming a mother in 2017, she grasped the opportunity to share her passion of skiing and snowboarding with families across the U.S. and came on as a contributor and manager. Formerly the Director or Marketing and Communications for Ski Vermont, and currently the creative editor and digital partnership director at Ski Area Management magazine, she writes with great knowledge of the ski industry in Vermont and beyond, and from the point of view of a new mother working to get back out on the slopes with two kids in tow. She is also the proud owner of Vermont’s #1 family fun resource, FindandGoSeek.net.