While most of Vermont has moved past peak foliage conditions, some great viewing remains in all regions, especially in the Champlain, Connecticut, and Taconic valleys.
Beyond leaf peeping, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy Vermont’s mountains, meadows and villages during the fall. 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 October 30 and 31. 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.
If you couldn't make it to Vermont this fall, you can still find some gorgeous 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 your next fall vacation!
Keep checking back here as we continue to gather information from our "Leaf Squad" to report foliage conditions throughout the state!
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.
For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!
"We sent our videographer out to capture some of the colors this week with his drone. WOW!! What a season to remember! The colors this fall have been nothing short of breathtaking. It’s been years since we remember such vibrant reds, and long-lasting oranges. These mountains have appeared to be on fire! As we begin to draw the foliage season to a close, we shift focus toward opening day Thanksgiving celebrations, Halloween Season Pass and Badge deadlines, and what is shaping up to be another fantastic winter season!"
-- Mike Chait, Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
"Sunset at Sterling Ridge Resort highlighting the beautiful fall color that still on the trees. Photo taken 10/16/2019 by K. Roberts.
Starting to see some bare branches at the higher elevations but there is still a lot of colors to view!"
-- Jessica Bonath, Sterling Ridge Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
"The Killington Valley is ablaze with color! Locals and visitors alike agree that it's a great year for fall foliage. With a forecast filled with mostly sunshine for the next several days, this week promises to be the peak of leaf-peeping season. The Red Clover Inn offers B & B accommodations and a full, chef-prepared breakfast... we have a number of rooms available - call soon!"
-- Carol Ryan, Red Clover Inn & Restaurant, Mendon, VT
"I have to say the time is now in Rutland County & Central Vermont! We have been on the road & on the water traveling tour our fishing hot spots up & down the Champlain Vally & all i can say is WOW! Brilliant Oranges & Yellows abound with some reds mixed in. Some of the higher elevations are starting to see some leaves dropping near Goshen, Chittenden & Mendon, but over all i would say peak color. Back roads near the Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden are beautiful. Route 3 from Pittsford to Center Rutland has some great color along the Otter Creek as does Route 133 out through Clarendon & Middletown Springs! Get out there, the time is now!"
-- Capt. Matt Trombley, 3rd Alarm Charters, Proctor, VT
"After an exciting weekend of Chili, Brews, and Music, the foliage surrounding Southern Vermont's Highest Peak remain magnificent. A few remaining red's can be spotted here and there, but it's the splendid goldens and oranges that are taking center stage now. Temps at night are flirting with freezing and we are all wondering when we might see our first summit snow. This weekend we are gearing up for our 29029 event. Athlete's from all over will make our base area home as they climb their way to the summit of Mt. Everest, via the Stratton Summit."
-- Luke Robins, Stratton Mountain Resort, Bondville, VT
"I was able to go up Magic Mountain again for their last ride of the 2019 foliage season and, WOW, what a view! The sky was a little gray in the morning, but that just made the colors really POP! Temperatures have started to drop overnight, into the 40s & 30s, and I think that's helped move the color along.
On my way to the office this morning, I noticed the colors weren't nearly as bold as they were over the weekend, with mostly muted yellow, orange, & red colors, some browns, and even a few trees that are half-empty, but there are still a lot of trees clinging to their green leaves, so maybe we'll get another little 'burst' of color before the season finally ends. Overall, I think this has probably been one of the best foliage seasons I've seen, and it's not over yet!"
-- Renee-Marie Smith, Vermont.com, Manchester, VT
A great place to stop while you're Leaf Peeping in Southern Vermont, is the Dutton Berry Farm Stands. Well known for their Vermont grown produce including farmer-grown fruits and vegetables, cider, maple syrup, plants, and other unique local products, the Dutton Berry Farmstands offer a cornucopia of great-tasting Vermont produce and products. Located on Route 11/30 in Manchester, Route 30 in Newfane, and Route 9 in West Brattleboro.
October 16, 2019
"A fine Vermont foliage season continues, with veteran observers noting the extended, gradual nature of this year’s show of color. The highest elevations and hardwood ridges have moved beyond peak, but brilliant foliage remains in downslope valleys and protected forest coves and benches throughout the state. While bare branches are beginning to appear, the trees are still showcasing a surprisingly high volume of leaves.
Bests Bets for Color: The Champlain and Connecticut River Valleys have plenty of green and the promise of even more color ahead as they reach peak.
This transition point in the foliage season is especially notable as red, orange, and yellow leaves cover the ground but also persist in the canopy above, creating a colorful mosaic to hike through. As the scene shifts from overhead to below your feet or bike tires, it’s a nice time to see into the woods and discover the stone walls and cellar holes of the past. A reminder that generations of Vermonters have worked the land closely and intelligently, allowing us to enjoy and benefit from the landscape we know today."
-- Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing
View Past Reports:
September 9, 2019
September 12, 2019
September 16, 2019
September 19, 2019
September 23, 2019
September 26, 2019
September 30, 2019
October 3, 2019
October 7, 2019
October 10, 2019
October 14, 2019
