September 16, 2021
While the majority of Vermont is still green, there are a few pockets of color in some areas, and it won't be long before we start to see a wonderful display of foliage color in the Green Mountains. Keep checking back here as we continue to gather some early season foliage reports from our "Leaf Squad" for foliage conditions throughout Vermont. We will try to update our reports once a week, on Thursdays.

If you can'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 late to plan a fall vacation in Vermont!

-- Vermont.com

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 during the fall. Discover Vermont Fall Festivals and other fun things to do in Vermont with our Vermont.com Calendar of Events. Don't see your event? Feel free to suggest an event so we can add it to our Calendar.

To view past Foliage Reports, visit the Vermont.com Blog.

For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!

September 14, 2021 in Stowe, VT

"We have some spotty changes, mostly in higher elevations. The weather has been beautiful, sunny and low 70’s. I predict slow changes in elevation."

-- Scot Baraw,
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa

No Current Reports for Central Vermont

September 16, 2021 in Bondville, VT

Photographer: Zach Gould

"While we are still a few weeks away from peak, the falls colors are beginning to creep. As you drive up the Stratton access road, you will begin to notice reds and yellows peppered in to the road’s edge. We have seen more colors popping up on the mountain, but the views are currently still dominated by green leaves. It’s a good weekend for a scenic gondola ride to get up in elevation and see the variations colors on a big scale, instead of taking them in from a single viewpoint."

-- Andrew Kimiecik,
Stratton Mountain Resort

September 16, 2021 in Londonderry, VT
 

"We had a heavy rain here in Southern Vermont yesterday and there are leaves scattered all over my yard. It's important to remember that heavy rains can cause the beautiful leaves to fall to the ground faster. Hopefully we won't have many more heavy rains during the foliage season, so the colors will stay on the trees longer! I'm starting to see a little orange in my neighborhood and it's really looking beautiful!"

-- Renee-Marie Smith,
Vermont.com

September 14, 2021 in Manchester, VT

"The autumnal season is starting to show on the Manchester View's north entrance with some yellow and orange leaves dotting the landscape. We picked MacIntosh apples at Mad Tom Orchard this week and have them and the Sansa variety awaiting your arrival. Then, pick your own crisp fruit at the orchard! Fall is celebrated at the Manchester View with the impressive seasonal landscape that will soon include many seasonal flowers, hardy plants, and fun gourds and pumpkins.

[Enjoy your pre-ordered complimentary Continental breakfast] in the breakfast room or on the deck outside your room or suite while reveling in the season's colors. Then head out to explore the 'Manchester and the Mountains' region: hike the trails to the Pond Loop on the Equinox Preserve, take a winding drive through Arlington and drive over the historic Green Covered Bridge off Route 313, and stop at the Sugar Shack for local products and mementos. Go shopping in Manchester's local and outlet stores. There's so much to do in the area in autumn!"

-- Robin Green,
The Manchester View

September 16, 2021
"It's early, but it's on! Vermont's annual fall foliage spectacle has begun. The landscape is still overwhelmingly green, but the vibrancy of summer leaves has started to fade, replaced by pale greens and muted yellows. Notable early color is beginning, especially splashes of red maples showing off in wetlands, roadsides, and scattered across hillsides, as well as flourishes of yellow from beech and cherry that are already turning. In between looking up to find the splendor in the trees, remember to look down and experience the shrub layer below the forest as aster, goldenrod, woodbine, sumac, and other flowers and ferns showcase their splendid colors, too.

This year's growing season for the trees has been good, though pockets of the state have experienced drought and heightened incidence of defoliation from insects like maple leafcutter and LDD moths and anthracnose fungus, which benefitted from the rainy start to the season. Central and Southern Vermont have moved out of the drought experienced earlier this year, and in localized areas drought will likely have an enhancing effect on fall color, but in places with severe drought the foliage display could be affected. Impacts like these will be interesting to watch as the season progresses.

Despite these potential impacts, once again the season is shaping up to be a beautiful one. The recipe for glorious fall foliage in the weeks to come will be seasonable fall weather: cold, crisp nights; sunny days; and occasional rain. As long as these ingredients come together, the trees will take it from there."

-- Mike Snyder, Commissioner of Forest, Parks and Recreation,
Vermont Department of Tourism

To view current Foliage Reports, visit the Vermont.com Foliage Reports page.
To view past Foliage Reports, visit the Vermont.com Blog.