Even if the calendar insists that Fall is still over a week away, in Vermont, it is certainly Fall. It's amazing how the leaves on the trees change from day to day. Whereas last week we saw only hints of color - perhaps a branch here or there - the change now seems to almost be taking place in front of our eyes. The cool fall days are the perfect time to take a hike through the woods, ride a bike along country roads, or take a scenic drive in your car. And while you are enjoying the magnificent color, take in everything else Vermont has to offer - quaint country inns, farm-to-table dining, country fairs and festivals, and down-home hospitality.
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.

       NORTHERN VERMONT

It's looking a lot like Fall on the UVM campus!

-- Emet Koffman,
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT

A drop of color is appearing at Sterling Ridge Resort in Jeffersonville!

-- Jessica Bonath,
Sterling Ridge Resort
Jeffersonville, VT

Last week's cold snap accelerated the color changes at the Top of Vermont.

The Montgomery/Jay Peak area is an excellent region for viewing colors, since it boasts elevations ranging from 600 to 4,000 feet above sea level. As of Thursday, Sept. 14 colors are shifting rapidly at the highest elevation with the oranges and yellows most predominant, and random red maples adding splashes of red here and there. Currently the outlook is for colors to continue to improve at high elevations for the next week, with the lower elevations starting to catch up late next week.

Montgomery has been cited in the past week by both Yankee Magazine and Boston Globe as one of the best places in the country to view fall colors. This has led to increased leaf season bookings at lodgings such as the Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast and other inns in the area, so those wishing to reserve a room to be their base of operations should do so quickly.

Area events coinciding with fall foliage in the next weeks including the Vermont Dog Festival in Berkshire Saturday, Sept. 16.

-- Darren Drevik,
Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast Inn
Montgomery, VT

       CENTRAL VERMONT

The summer sun is still blazing down in the afternoons, but the trees around the harbor have started to turn. Muted yellows and oranges are tinging the edges of the trees and a few are already shedding leaves to decorate the pathways throughout the property. The apple trees in the orchard are heavy with fruit, and as they shift from light green to bright red they'll add bursts of color against the evergreen backgrounds. Whether you're walking a wooded trail or taking in the view of the Adirondacks from a chair on the lawn, you'll see hints of Autumn wherever you look.

-- Jen Wyman
Basin Harbor
Vergennes, VT

       SOUTHERN VERMONT

Across the mountains, there's a reddish hue that tells us things are changing. In town, hardwoods here and there bring pops of orange and red to street level. It's time to get excited! Before you come, explore our website for fun fall activities, upcoming events, and general foliage info. Hope to see you in Manchester!

-- Kate Pace,
Manchester, Vermont
Manchester, VT

A hint of the color to come on the Marlboro College campus.

-- Sarah Warner
Marlboro College
Marlboro, VT

Every day we see a little more color as the end of summer nears and the beginning of fall approaches. Stratton Mountain will soon be a sea of vibrant colors. You won't want to miss Columbus Day Weekend at Stratton with scenic gondola rides, chili cook-off, brewfest, and free family fun including music by the Stratton Mountain Boys.

-- Tom Vayianos
Stratton Mountain Resort
Stratton, VT

This is the view looking across "Woodford Lake." The reds are really beginning to show up among the green leaves. It won't be long before the yellows and oranges join in. This week's warm afternoons make it perfect for enjoying the outdoors while taking in the fall foliage.

-- Linda Warner
Vermont.com