The Copper Canopy Expedition (Green)
Event Date
October 10, 2026
Event Location
Southern Vermont - Bennington County
Experience Vermont Beneath a Canopy of Copper and Gold
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Location: Southern Vermont – Bennington County
Price: $200 per vehicle
Vehicle Limit: 10 Vehicles
Trail Difficulty: Green
Peak foliage only comes once a year. The Copper Canopy Expedition is your opportunity to experience Southern Vermont at its absolute best as Ridgeback Guide Service leads a one-day journey through winding Class IV roads, quiet mountain valleys, and scenic backcountry routes painted in brilliant shades of crimson, amber, and gold.
Purpose-built for those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, this guided adventure combines Vermont’s legendary fall colors with scenic off-road driving, local history, and the relaxed camaraderie that defines every Ridgeback Guide Service experience. Whether it’s your first guided trail ride or another chapter in your overlanding story, this expedition offers an unforgettable day in the Green Mountains.
What to Expect
- Scenic Class IV Roads
Travel Vermont’s beautiful network of Class IV roads, gravel backroads, and forest trails as you experience the state’s famous fall foliage from a perspective few visitors ever see. - Spectacular Foliage Views
Explore rolling valleys, mountain overlooks, and quiet woodland corridors where every mile showcases Vermont’s peak autumn colors. - Local Stops & Hidden Gems
Enjoy carefully selected stops featuring scenic viewpoints, historic locations, country stores, and opportunities to capture incredible photographs along the way. - Relaxed Pace & Great Company
This is a day built around enjoying the journey. Expect plenty of time for photos, trail-side conversations, and a relaxing lunch surrounded by Vermont’s autumn beauty.
What to Bring
- 4×4 vehicle in good mechanical condition
- GMRS radio (mounted or handheld)
- Lunch, snacks, and drinks for the day
- Camera – you’ll want it.
- Layers for Vermont’s cool autumn weather
Vehicle Requirements >>>>
Please review the specific vehicle requirements for trail difficulty on our Vehicle Requirements Page. If you have any questions or need clarification regarding variances, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re happy to help ensure your vehicle is ready for the adventure!
Trail Ratings and Required Gear
Green Trails
Green Trail Rides (stock friendly)
Green level trips are our easiest trail type. These trips are typically on a combination of dirt roads and light trails. They offer challenges to stock vehicles and new drivers. Damage can happen but is not likely.
Minimum requirements
- 4X4 Street legal vehicle with insurance.
- Good tires (All Terrains or Mud Terrains preferred).
- Full size spare tire.
- GMRS Radio for Communications.
- Recovery points on the Front and Rear of the vehicle.
- Tire deflator for airing down.
- First Aid Kit appropriately sized for your vehicle and passengers.
- Appropriate Clothing and footwear for the conditions.
Recommended for Green Rides
- Rock Sliders
- 30-inch All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires
- Vehicle Recovery Equipment
- Kinetic rope
- Tree saver strap
- Shackles (multiple)
- Pulley block
- Winch line extension
- Gloves
- Fire Extinguisher
- On Board Air set up for Tire inflation
Blue Trails
Blue Trail Rides (moderate difficulty)
Blue level trips are for slightly modified vehicles and drivers who have been off road before. Vehicles will scrape and bang on these trails. Damage may happen occur on stock and lightly modified vehicles depending on driver experience.
Minimum requirements
- 4X4 Street legal vehicle with Insurance.
- 31-inch All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires (good tread condition).
- Rock Sliders.
- Recovery points on the front and rear of the vehicle.
- Full size spare tire.
- GMRS Radio for communications.
- Basic tool Kit for your vehicle.
- Tire deflator for airing down.
- First Aid Kit appropriately sized for your vehicle and passengers.
- Appropriate Clothing and footwear for the conditions.
- Vehicle Recovery Equipment
- Kinetic rope
- Shackles (multiple)
- Pulley block
- Winch line extension
- Gloves
- A fun and exciting attitude.
- Fire extinguisher.
Black Trails
Black Trail Rides (difficult, experienced driver)
Modified vehicles only. Drivers must have experience and not be afraid to scrape, scratch, dent, or possibly damage their vehicle. These trips are meant to challenge the experienced off-roader.
Minimum requirements
- 4X4 Street legal vehicle with Insurance.
- 33-inch All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires (good tread condition).
- Vehicle traction control or Rear Locker.
- Rock Sliders
- Recovery points, front and rear.
- Full size spare tire.
- GMRS Radio for communications.
- Advanced Tool Kit with spare parts for your vehicle.
- Tire deflator for airing down.
- First Aid Kit appropriately sized for your vehicle and passengers.
- Appropriate Clothing and footwear for the conditions.
- Vehicle Recovery Equipment
- Kinetic rope
- Shackles (multiple)
- Pulley block
- Winch line extension
- Gloves
- A fun and exciting attitude.
- Fire extinguisher.
- On Board Air set up for Tire inflation.
Red Trails
Red Trail Rides (difficult, skilled driver)
Highly modified vehicles only. Damage is very likely to occur. A driver with extensive off road experience is required.
Minimum requirements
- 4X4 Street Legal Vehicle with Insurance.
- 35-inch All Terrain or Mud Terrain Tires (good tread condition).
- Vehicle traction control or Rear Locker (Preferably Front and Rear).
- Winch for vehicle recovery.
- Rock Sliders.
- Recovery points front and rear.
- Full size spare tire.
- GMRS Radio for communications.
- Advanced Tool Kit with spare parts for your vehicle.
- Tire deflator for airing down.
- First Aid Kit appropriately sized for your vehicle and passengers.
- Appropriate Clothing and footwear for the conditions.
- Recover Gear
- Kinetic rope
- Shackles (multiple)
- Pulley block
- Winch line extension
- Gloves
- A fun and exciting attitude.
- Fire extinguisher.
- On Board Air set up for Tire inflation.
Why Join?
The Copper Canopy Expedition is more than a fall foliage drive—it’s an opportunity to experience Vermont during its most spectacular season from roads few travelers ever discover. Combined with professional guiding, thoughtfully selected routes, and a small group atmosphere, this is one of the best ways to experience autumn in New England.
With only 10 vehicles, this expedition offers a relaxed pace, personalized guidance, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
Reserve Your Seat
Autumn in Vermont waits for no one, and neither do the leaves.
Reserve your spot on the Copper Canopy Expedition and experience Southern Vermont’s legendary fall colors from the driver’s seat of your own adventure.