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Foliage Report: October 21, 2019

By Vermont.com StaffOct. 21, 2019

Colorful foliage remains evident in lower elevation valleys, especially in town & village centers in western & southern sections of Vermont. Although leaf-drop from the canopy tends to gray the hillsides & mountains, it also opens the views and provides a rustling carpet of still-colorful foliage for a late-autumn walk through the woods.

The Vermont.com foliage reports are first-hand reports provided by volunteers from around the state. This is the final week of reports for the 2019 Foliage Season. Keep checking back here as we continue to receive updates this week from our Leaf Squad!

FOLIAGE REPORTS FROM AROUND THE STATE

Vermont Foliage MapThe "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.

NORTHERN VERMONT:

October 21, 2019
Fall Foliage at Stoweflake Mountain Resort "It’s exciting... we see beautiful colors, but up on the top of Mount Mansfield, we see... a blanket of snow! It’s gorgeous out there, and although the perfect hiking weather, it’s got us secretly dreaming of winter vacations."

-- Tera Dacek, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, Stowe, VT


October 17, 2019
Foliage at Smugglers' Notch Resort "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


October 16, 2019
Fall Foliage at Sterling Ridge Resort "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


CENTRAL VERMONT:

October 21, 2019
No Current Reports


SOUTHERN VERMONT:

October 21, 2019
Fall Foliage at Stratton Mountain Resort "Well, it's getting closer. This past weekend brought some flakes to the top of Southern Vermont's highest peak. Participants of the 29029 Everesting summit challenge began their ascent with hardy oranges and yellows dotting the trails. As athletes approached the top, foliage and the crunch of fallen leaves gave way to the squelch of snow. With summer and fall activities officially wrapped up, last minute leaf peepers can still observe rich oranges and some lingering yellows, perhaps a stubborn red or two. Color stretches to mid mountain before giving way to [bare] bows. If you're still hoping to catch a view, foot travel is best as scenic gondola rides have ended for the season."

-- Luke Robins, Stratton Mountain Resort, Bondville, VT


October 21, 2019
Fall Foliage in Southern Vermont "The 2019 Foliage Season is coming to an end in my 'neck of the woods' of Southern Vermont. There is very little color left, especially in the higher elevations, but there are still a few trees here-and-there clinging to their beautiful golden leaves. The dominant colors I'm seeing right now are yellow & orange, with a sprinkling of light green and reds. I think we only have about a week left before we head in to 'stick season' in Southern Vermont."

-- Renee-Marie Smith, Vermont.com, Manchester, VT


Dutton Berry Farm Stand in Manchester Vermont 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.


Vermont Foliage by the Department of Tourism

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


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!


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
October 18, 2019

By Vermont.com StaffOct. 21, 2019
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