The first two or three weekends of the month can be crowded along popular sections of the trail. Columbus Day weekend is busy at Camel's Hump, Stratton Pond, Killington, Mt. Mansfield and Jay Peak. Mid-week is usually not busy along most of the trail. Expect cold, rainy days mixed with sunny, warmer days. Sleet or freezing rain is possible.
Temperatures gradually become colder through the month.
Expect early snow in the highest elevations. The first snowfall on Mt. Mansfield usually occurs during the first week of October. It can be a few or many inches but in general will not last. There is the possibility of deeper more lasting snow during late October. Icy trail conditions are possible on or near the highest summits during late October.