October 18, 2018
Foliage season in Vermont is close to the end for 2018. In some areas the driving rain has washed the leaves right off the trees and significantly shortened our viewing. Nevertheless, a trip across southern Vermont on Tuesday to Brattleboro showed lovely color in some areas as well as a good deal of green (yet to change) near Brattleboro. Tuesday's weather was perfect - bight sun, comfortable temps, a perfect outside day. We hope to see a few more of those before the flakes start to fly.
Here's what our Leaf Squad is reporting from around the state.
If you can't wait to see nature's magnificent display, head to our Autumn Photo Gallery for a glimpse into years past. And, remember – it’s never too early to plan a fall vacation. Fall is also Festival season in Vermont so there's lots to do while soaking in the beauty around you.
The Vermont.com Foliage Reports are provided thanks to the Vermont Department of Tourism, and by volunteer members of our Leaf Squad from around the state.
For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!
"Vermont is filled with breathtaking views of rolling mountains and quiet pastures. Color in the summer and spring is vibrant; the beauty of the winter is chilling. But the leaves in fall bring such a calm to the mind that they're hard to tear one's gaze away from. Visit our website and come stay with us. Our Inn has spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and access to the Stowe Recreation Path, both with stunning landscapes in any season. Photo credit Lindsay Goulet"
-- Lindsay Goulet, Grey Fox Inn & Resort, Stowe, VT
CENTRAL VERMONT
"We are still seeing a diverse amount of color among the leaves, though they are muted. Still a good amount of oranges and reds but a lot of grey is taking over as well. The forest floor is covered with crisp yellow and orange leaves."
-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Proctorsville, VT
"With plenty of gold, bronze and conifer green coloring the valleys, the transition to winter has begun in the mountains of the Killington region. The grass is still vibrant in the lower elevations and warm sun is accompanied by a nip in the air, providing classic seasonal contrasts to set up the perfect photo or take a driving tour. This week marked the first 'snowliage,' where autumn's leaves blend into winter's first frost on the peaks, and Killington Resort fired up its snow guns for the first time this season in preparation for the Women's World Cup in November. The many stages of autumn continue through October - one of Vermont's most treasured times to hike, bike, shop, drive back roads, and experience a festival, cider mill, or food tour. Join us! Reservations: 802.775.2290."
-- Vicky Tebbetts, Red Clover Inn, Mendon, VT
“The fall season is wrapping up in the Killington region. Cold, rainy, and windy weather the last 10 days has taken a toll on fall foliage. Some late changing trees are still displaying some yellows and greens, but for the most part we are headed into twig season. The first area wide snowfall occurred last night, blanketing the area in several inches of heavy wet snow. Plummeting temperatures froze the snow solid by daybreak. The call went out around the region to find your ice scrapers to clean windshields this morning before venturing out. With the early season snow, the Killington Resort will begin winter operations on Friday October 19th, offering lift serviced skiing and riding to seasons pass holders. Those traveling to the Killington area will observe that the peaks are now snow covered with the last vestiges of fall color at the lower elevations. It has been a great fall season at Killington. Now find your skis and snowboards and get ready for winter! "
-- Bill Vines, Birch Ridge Inn, Killington, VT
"Foliage is just past peak here in Southern Vermont, and we have fully switched to winter mode. Opening day is November 23, weather permitting."
-- Savannah Strom, Bromley Mountain, Peru, VT
"Goodbye to foliage, hello stick season. Although we still have a few trees showing color, the view across the mountain shows nothing but pines and sticks. We are now left counting the days until we start to see the mountains turn white!"
-- Linda Warner, Vermont.com, Woodford, VT
While you're enjoying the fall foliage, plan to take in one of Vermont's many Fall Festivals. For comprehensive listing, refer to our Fall Festivals page.
CURRENT CONDITIONS:
The "Current Conditions" map provides an approximate view of the current foliage color in Vermont, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas of the Green Mountains, spreading down into the Lake Champlain Valley and Connecticut River Valley, and moving from north to south across the state. The exact timing of the color change varies from year to year, based on the weather.