Aside from being one of the most beautiful winter destinations in the U.S., Vermont is also home to an incredible maple syrup production. For those who are unfamiliar, we're talking about real maple syrup - not the kind that's blended with corn syrups and additives. Real Vermont maple syrup is practically liquid gold throughout this northern state, with only Canada matching its passion for the sticky, sweet topping.

With maple sugaring season being right around the corner, it's no surprise that tourism in Vermont does see somewhat of an uptick for those who know of its maple pride. So, why should one consider visiting Vermont between late winter and mid-spring for maple sugaring season? A multitude of reasons, starting with these.

Maple Sugaring: An Age-Old Pastime In Vermont

It might be surprising to know that Vermont produces more than 50% of the country's real maple syrup. Back in 2020, this number set records at the most maple syrup produced at any one time with a whopping two million gallons. Not only is that a lot of pancakes, but it's also a lot of hard work - much of which can be seen by visitors who choose to visit Vermont during its maple sugaring season. Across the state, there are roughly 3,000 sugar houses that are devoted to growing and maintaining maple trees, as well as going through the process of creating syrup from their sap. These trees and the farms are also called Sugarbushes, which is a name visitors will find used commonly throughout Vermont.

At one point in time, the sap produced by any number of maples was carried the old-fashioned way: via a horse-drawn cart in buckets waiting to be boiled down. Today, the process is fairly more streamlined, quick, and allows sugarhouses to produce tons of syrup each year. That's not to say, however, that's it's not hard work; agriculture is something the state prides itself on, and maple sugaring is at the top of that list. This tradition is one that dates back to colonial times and existed even before that, when Vermont's native people, the Abenaki and Wabanaki, would go through a similar process for maple sap.

Related: The Complete Guide To A Winter Vacation In Vermont (Whether You're A Skier Or Not)

When Is Maple Sugaring Season In Vermont?

One thing that every Vermonter can count on is the start of maple syrup season. Every year starting in late February until early April, sugarhouses get to work extracting the sap from groves of maple trees. As the frigid, freezing temperatures in New England begin to lessen, the sap from the maples starts to flow a bit more freely. This runoff is what sugarhouses catch in order to make maple syrup, so the timing - and the changing temperatures - is incredibly important.

Those visiting sugarhouses will notice faucet-like taps on the trees. This is what's drilled into the center of the tree to extract the sap from within.

  • Fun Fact: Before tree taps, sugar makers would hammer metal spikes into the trunk of the tree - known as spiles - and hang buckets on nails below to catch the sap. Those who still use this method are easily recognizable due to the complex system of PVC piping that goes from tree to tree in order to catch the runoff.

What To Experience In Vermont During Maple Sugaring Season

The number of things one can take part in during maple sugaring season is part of why so many love this small state. Not only can visitors participate in tours through the sugarhouses themselves but, in many cases, they'll be able to watch maple syrup production happening right before their very eyes. Some sugarhouses also allow tours of the maple tree groves, throughout which visitors can observe the tapped trees as well as the sap that's soon to be harvested by the sugar makers.

The beauty of it all is that many sugarhouses are family-owned and have been passed down through generations. They often include sugaring activities such as:

  • Sugar on SnowThis traditional treat involves freshly fallen Vermont snow and hot maple syrup. To make it, snow is packed into a pan, and then maple syrup that's been heated to 235 degrees is poured over the top. It's allowed to cool for a minute, and then as the syrup cools down, it turns into a sticky taffy-like candy that's usually wrapped around a stick for easy eating.
  • Pancakes and maple syrupMany sugarhouses offer pancake breakfasts during or after their tours, which include their own house-made maple syrup. Trust us, it's worth getting there early for!
  • Maple syrup tastings. When it comes to maple syrup production, there are different grades. This is similar to how one might have various colors and bitterness levels of a beer, except with maple syrup, these varying colors and flavors include: robust, smoky, sweet, light, etc.
  • Tours of the sugarhouse. These happen often during Maple Open House Weekend, which occurs annually on weekends in the middle and at the end of March. Visitors can check back on the website to see which sugarhouses participate each year!
  • Maple Sugar Festivals. Sometime around April, Vermont hosts the Vermont Maple Festival. For those who can't make it during maple sugaring season, this is a great way to experience all of the maple goodness at the end of the season when it's all been harvested!

While most people visit Vermont for the skiing and hiking trails, maple sugaring season is a unique, traditional time in the state that's worth experiencing.

Next: New Hampshire Vs Vermont: Which Is The Best New England Holiday?