VT Weather | Foliage Forecaster | Fall Festivals | Golf Guide
Once again our foliage season in Vermont has come to an end. You may still see small pockets of color, but the majority of the leaves have fallen from the trees. Many thanks to our Leaf Squad reporters. We wouldn't have this report without you - your efforts are greatly appreciated.
If you couldn't make it to Vermont during this year's Fall Foliage Season, you can find some gorgeous Vermont Fall scenery in our Autumn Photo Gallery, thanks to local photographers and visitors to Vermont. But truly, you've got to be here to fully enjoy the leaves. And remember, it's never too early to plan a fall vacation in Vermont!
-- Vermont.com
The "Current Conditions" map is approximate, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas, spreading down into the valleys, and moving from north to south across the state.
'Peak' colors can be found at many different times & places as the season progresses, and the timing varies from year to year, based on the weather.
Beyond leaf peeping, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Vermont’s mountains, meadows and villages. Late October sees the emergence of pumpkin people on street corners, porches, and country lanes, and there are plenty of upcoming fall events, including several spooky celebrations around October 30th and 31st. You can find fun things to do in Vermont with the Vermont.com Calendar of Events. Don't see your event? Feel free to suggest an event so we can add it to our Calendar.
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. To submit a report for your area, please send it to Foliage@Vermont.com, along with a photo of the location you are reporting from, and the date when the photo was taken.
To view past Foliage Reports, visit the Vermont.com Blog.
No Current Reports for Northern Vermont
No Current Reports for Central Vermont
"Cheers to the end of another season of stunning Fall foliage on southern Vermont’s highest peak. This season brought spectacular views and colors, beginning in mid-September, and lasting for an entire 4 weeks of color. We have begun to see more leaves on the ground than on the branches, as we prepare ourselves for winter and another season of skiing and snowboarding. Thanks to all of you who have tuned in for this year’s Leaf Squad as we track and enjoy Vermont’s famous foliage together. All the best, and we’ll see you next season, same place, same time."
-- Andrew Kimiecik, Stratton Mountain Resort
"This year’s leaf-peeping season was spectacular. As it starts to fade, there’s still pockets of color. Manchester Center has been busy with visitors dining and shopping amongst the locals, especially on the weekends! Although this week we’re experiencing a bit of Indian Summer with warmer days, autumn’s chill is in the air at night – a perfect time to sit by a warm fireplace! Now is a great time to visit; between now and ski season, the vibe is more peaceful. Come stay at the Manchester View before the snow starts to fall or plan your winter/holiday getaway now!"
-- Robin Green, The Manchester View
To view past Foliage Reports, visit the Vermont.com Blog.
Best Bets: During the earliest part of foliage season, viewing is more about elevation than location. Your best chances for spotting color are to 'get high' or 'get low.' Higher elevations with panoramic views will allow you to spot smatterings of color in the valleys below. Alternatively, you can 'get low' - marshy areas near bodies of water typically offer the first areas of foliage change and also offer a wide variety of tree species which enlarges the palette of early season colors.
Helpful Tip: Plan Ahead!
Foliage season is a very popular time to visit Vermont, so if you want to stay in a particular place on a particular weekend, call in advance to make sure rooms are available. Having your lodging plans made in advance will avoid unnecessary stress and allow you to enjoy your foliage season odyssey. Also too, it is a good idea to make dining reservations as early as possible in the day or even the night before.
When To Come For 'Peak' Foliage:
There is no one 'perfect' time to visit Vermont to see peak foliage. Color change begins in mid-September and runs through the first two to three weeks in October and varies by elevation, progressing from north to south and higher to lower elevations during the course of the season. As such, there are many 'peaks' so that you can make your plans based on the timing and location that works for you.
Science Behind the Leaves Changing Colors:
During the short summer months, broad-leafed trees such as maples, oaks and birches produce food to nourish themselves for growth. They do this through a process known as photosynthesis, using the energy of the sun to produce food. As the days grow shorter in early fall, the increasing periods of darkness trigger leafy plants to slow down photosynthesis and stop growing. A pigment in the leaves called chlorophyll (which gives leaves their green color) is used in photosynthesis, so the slowing of this process means there is less green pigment. But leaves contain pigments other than green, called carotenoids and anthocyanins. Once the greens fade, carotenoids are revealed (yellow, orange, and brown colors), anthocyanins and are produced (red and purple colors).
Certain colors are characteristic of particular plant species. Red maples live up to their name by turning scarlet, while most sugar maples glow a warm orange. Aspen and birches display sunny yellows, while oak and beech leaves turn bronze and gold. Most of Vermont's fall foliage color is provided by red and sugar maples, two resilient tree species that constitute more than 50 percent of our forest's trees. You can find even more details on leaves and their changing colors, courtesy of the US Forest Service: Why Leaves Change Colors
Find more info about Fall Foliage in New England,
from photographer Jeff "Foliage" Folger.
Vermont Fall Foliage Season
from the Vermont Department of Tourism
Please note: This is only an approximation of typical foliage color progression. The exact timing of the color change varies year to year.
