Vermont Route 100 Fall Foliage Drive to Manchester

Morning: Rochester to Wilmington

Yes—this version takes Vermont Route 100. Leave around 7:00 a.m. and use a toll-free route across New York toward Bennington, then VT 9 east to Wilmington. Allow about 6–7 hours to reach Wilmington with a short break; check your navigation app with “avoid tolls” enabled, since the exact approach can vary with traffic and road conditions. Bring snacks or stop for lunch along the way, budgeting about $15–30 per person.

Afternoon: Route 100 foliage drive

From Wilmington, take VT 100 north through the Green Mountains toward Chester. This is the scenic stretch you were asking about, but it’s a winding two-lane road, so plan on a slower pace than highway driving. Allow 2.5–3.5 hours for the drive and a few designated, safe pull-offs or brief leg-stretch stops. Don’t stop on the shoulder where it isn’t safe, and expect foliage traffic to slow things down.

Late afternoon and evening: Into Manchester

In Chester, take VT 11 east and continue toward Manchester, New Hampshire, via the toll-free route shown by your navigation app. Allow roughly 2–2.5 hours, plus extra time if you stop or encounter traffic. Check into your IHG hotel first. For dinner, The Red Arrow Diner downtown is an option; budget roughly $15–30 per person and check current hours before setting out. If the drive runs late, keep dinner close to the hotel.