There are many Iconic locations in Vermont, and just as many books to tell you about them as well. Arnold Kaplan wrote How to Find (and Photograph) the Photo-scenics in Vermont book back almost 50 years ago and the guide is still a good reference. (affiliate link on Amazon)

Check the map out below and you will find the town of Waits River between West Topsham to the north, and Corinth to the south, on Route 25.

This view has graced the cover of many Vermont magazines. I first found the iconic Waits River Church in 2015 while traveling around Corinth and Topsham Vermont. and unless you know what you are looking for, you could drive right by it. Route 25 passes right in front of the church, and you can’t see THIS view unless you turn and travel away from the church.

As I was writing this, I Googled, “Waits River Church” and about 500,000 + results came up. I was trying to find a little background on the town, but I found very little, just that it’s one of four areas that makes up the town of Topsham Vermont and it resides in Orange County.

The day that I found it was a crisp fall afternoon. It’s not a bad day, as you can see. This classic view of the Waits River Church is found by driving/walking up Pike Hill Road, and when you get to the Y that brings you to Pike Hill Road East or West (depends on which way you look, turn around and there is the scene that so many photographers have captured.

Over the past few years, I have been wondering if there could be another different angle that works as well. This last fall, (this was in 2019) Lisa and I drove back there and then we explored many of the hills and valleys around this spot. I thought there must be another view of the church… see the map below. There are possibilities but…

Lisa and I came up dry. This isn’t to say the back roads around Waits River hamlet don’t have picturesque views. We found barns and hills covered in the fall color, but no real iconic views like the one that is The Waits River Church View. Maybe you will find a new view while you are out exploring.

I like the two little rustic benches that look like they were placed there to watch the fall colors on the pond. Just so you know, the little dark bump in the water is a couple of turtles resting on a rock… The BIG bump in the water really is a rock… In case I confused you… 🙂

The photos were taken in an early afternoon on October 5th and the fall colors in this area are very, very nice. All that you need to find is something to put with all the fall colors to create a great composition. The question is this…

What do you look for, to create a fall foliage composition? Let us know in the comment section below!

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

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