Open Travel Guide
Photography in Vermont

Vermont Photography Guide 2026

The best photo spots, optimal times, and shooting tips for Vermont.

This guide covers 12+ photography locations in Vermont — Jenne Farm, Reading, Emily's Bridge (Gold Brook Covered Bridge), Stowe and Mount Mansfield Sunset from Toll Road top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

Vermont is a small New England state of extraordinary natural beauty, famous for fiery fall foliage, world-class ski resorts, covered wooden bridges, and a thriving farm-to-table food culture. Burlington, its largest city, sits on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain and buzzes with craft breweries and independent shops. From the rolling Green Mountains to maple-syrup farms and award-winning cheese dairies, Vermont rewards travelers who seek authenticity over spectacle.

Best photo spots

Iconic and lesser-known locations worth shooting.

Photo spot

Jenne Farm, Reading

Best time: Sunrise (6–8 AM) for mist in the valley and golden light on the barn

Photo spot

Emily's Bridge (Gold Brook Covered Bridge), Stowe

Best time: Late afternoon light, October; overcast winter days for even exposure

Photo spot

Mount Mansfield Sunset from Toll Road

Best time: Sunset (7–9 PM in summer) from the Nose or Chin summit

Photo spot

Lake Willoughby from Mount Pisgah

Best time: Morning fog over the lake, 7–10 AM; foliage reflected in the lake in October

Photo spot

Woodstock Village Green in Fall

Best time: Morning, 8–10 AM, before tourist crowds arrive

Photo spot

Quechee Gorge from the Route 4 Bridge

Best time: Midmorning, 9–11 AM for even lighting into the gorge

Photo spot

Burlington Waterfront at Sunrise

Best time: Sunrise, 5:30–7 AM; Adirondack Mountains reflected in Lake Champlain

Photo spot

Scott Covered Bridge, Townshend

Best time: Afternoon, 2–5 PM for side-lit wooden planks; October for foliage frame

Photo spot

Camel's Hump Summit Panorama

Best time: Sunrise from the summit (requires overnight camping or pre-dawn start)

Photo spot

Stowe Village Church Steeple

Best time: Late afternoon for warm light on white church; sunset for silhouette shots

Photo spot

Smugglers' Notch Rock Formations

Best time: Midday for light filtering through the narrow rock canyon

Photo spot

Northeast Kingdom Farmscapes

Best time: Morning fog lift (7–9 AM) over fields ringed by maples

Photography tips

Make your shots stand out.

Tip

Shoot during golden hour (1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset) for warm, directional light.

Tip

Always ask permission before photographing people, especially in religious or cultural contexts.

Tip

Carry spare batteries and storage — opportunities for great shots appear unexpectedly.