After a few summer-like days and a little rain, excellent colors have started to pop up in the north, at higher elevations along the spine of the Green Mountains, and throughout the state in isolated pockets, especially those associated with wetlands. With forecasts for cooler air and a couple showers over the next week, we are really starting to see an increase in both the amount of leaves changing colors and the intensity & brightness of those colors. We expect all parts of Vermont to be moving through early color and into mid-season conditions by next week, and we remain on track & well-primed for great color into the early weeks of October. 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!
"Foliage color at Smugglers' Notch Resort is in full swing! Cooler temps at night and some recent rains have allowed trees to bloom with robust colors. Whether passing through the historic and twisty Notch Road or staying with us for a visit, you won't be disappointed with these views! Photographers love the perspectives from Smugglers' own Bootleggers' Basin, or from higher up on the mountainsides. Stop in and ask one of our Guest Services team members if you're looking for suggestions on the best color in the area! AppleFest runs now through this Sunday, with tastings, tours to local orchards, and apple-themed activities! #smuggslove"
-- Mike Chait, Smugglers' Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
"Beauty at Sterling Ridge Resort with Vermont's highest peak, Mt. Mansfield. Photo by Olivia Wells. This weekend, visit and check out the Annual 'Old Fashion Harvest Market' in Underhill on Saturday 9/28 or watch pumpkins fly at the 11th Annual Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival in Stowe."
-- Jessica Bonath, Sterling Ridge Resort, Jeffersonville, VT
"Colors are starting to pop around here with peak expected in the next week or so. The Burke Fall Festival is this Saturday and offers a full day of fun starting at 10am with the parade. Over 80 craft vendors will be selling their wares on the green. More info at our website."
-- Laura Malieswski, Burke Area Chamber of Commerce, Burke, VT
"The fall colors are really finally starting to come out here in Burlington! Although we had a rather warm weekend, things have begun to cool off again, and we finally got a bit of rain yesterday. Although most trees are still pretty green, now everywhere you look color is starting to pop out in the leaves. The maples are especially pretty, as they're all beginning to turn red and orange."
-- Shea Lincourt, Burlington, VT
"It's hard to believe that summer has officially come to an end, especially with the warm temps we have been experiencing all weekend. Pumpkins & Mums are lining storefronts and streets, and Vermont's Pumpkin Chuckin' event is taking place right on Stoweflake's property on Sunday, Sept. 29th. Since we are having such beautiful weather, we are really taking advantage of the leaves changing poolside and at the local Waterbury Reservoir. Enjoy!"
-- Tera Dacek, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, Stowe, VT
"What a difference a week makes! We will be seeing peak color here in the Killington Valley over the next several weeks. As we move into the final weekend in September, our road less traveled took us on a day trip through the valley, touring the fields, forests and lakes of the Killington Region. It seems like there's a photo op around every corner!
From food to festivals, country stores to outdoor adventure, there is so much to do right now in Vermont. Here at the Red Clover Inn & Restaurant, we offer sophisticated B & B accommodations as well as a personal concierge service to help you plan your day. Let us know what you like to do, and we will help plan your route with stops along the way!"
-- Carol Ryan, Red Clover Inn & Restaurant, Mendon, VT
"Hello all! Patty McGrath from the Inn at Long Trail in Killington here. It is looking to be a spectacular Fall with the leaves starting to pop all over the Killington region with reds and oranges taking the forefront.
This weekend Killington is hosting its annual Brewfest, McGrath's Irish Pub is hosting the Brothers Flynn with an array of excellent live Irish music. Hiking, mountain biking and golf all offer a great opportunity to have fun and get spectacular views. The weather is expected to be a mix of sun and clouds, with very few sprinkles. Visit our website or call for our lodging specials this weekend."
-- Patty McGrath, Inn at Long Trail, Killington, VT
"Early stages of color in centeral Vermont that varies with elevation. We saw some great Reds around Star Lake & Lake Ninava in Mt Holly. Route 103 to Ludlow has some beginning color with yellows & oranges along the river banks of the Cold River. Along route 30, the north end of Lake Bomoseen & Lake Hortonia are also showing yellows from the Birches & Swamp maples! Our first frost here, this morning with a beautiful weekend ahead should be a great take off to the upcoming foliage season!"
-- Capt. Matt Trombley, 3rd Alarm Charters, Proctor, VT
"What a difference a few days makes! The color on the trees is really starting to pop now, and I think we are definitely starting to see some peak color in some areas. There's still plenty of green left tho, so as long as the weather continues as it has been (warm days, cool nights), then I think we're in for another wonderful foliage season!"
-- Renee-Marie Smith, Vermont.com, Manchester, VT
"The colors are changing early and swiftly! Looks like we're going to get some beautiful reds and yellows. As for now, they're still on a backdrop of green and it's just splendid!
Every Friday evening there's a fantastic Farmers Market in Ludlow -- a great place to grab some wood fired pizza for dinner and also some snacks for a Saturday hike! Hiking the trails on Okemo or Ascutney at this time of year is stunning!"
-- Julie Wood, Golden Stage Inn, Proctorsville, VT
"While the first 'official' day of fall might not feel like it temperature wise, the colors tell a different story. From singular fully transformed Maples on the golf course to the shades of red, orange and yellow now starting to paint the mountain ridge, Stratton is certainly showing the change of season. The village has donned the appropriate garb. Corn stalks and hay for each building column and updated plant life mirror the new fall collections arriving in the shops. Harvest Fest isn't far off. A weekend of, hiking, music, chili, and brews October 11th- 14th promises to delight. Come dance to the sounds of the Indigo Girls, try a chili, or take in the splendor of the foliage."
-- Luke Robins, Stratton Mountain Resort, Bondville, VT
"What a perfect Indian summer weekend to enjoy the color here in Woodford. Still not quite peak, but looking just beautiful."
-- Linda Warner, Woodford, 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.
September 25, 2019
"Vermont's fall foliage season is still in the early stages, but there are already localized pockets of excellent color all throughout the state, especially in forested wetlands.
Best bets for fantastic early color: Route 9 from Bennington to Woodford in southern Vermont (Molly Stark Byway) and Route 5 between Coventry and Newport City in the northern part of the state.
Vibrant reds and oranges are also beginning to shine on individual street and yard trees. Keep an eye out for these full-bodied maples displaying standalone color in village greens and along rural roadsides. With continuing mild, summer-like weather this week, color is still developing gradually across Vermont, but the Northeast Kingdom and the upper elevations along the Green Mountains foliage is well into mid-peak conditions.
As classic fall weather brings more crisp, cool nights, bright, sunny days and the occasional shower over the next few weeks, the landscape is primed, and the pace of color change will quicken as we head toward full color and intensity in the weeks ahead. The pleasant temperatures and inviting weather forecast this weekend make for perfect foliage viewing while exploring Vermont's back roads by bike or from the water while paddling or fishing at one of our state parks."
-- Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing
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!
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.
The Vermont.com Foliage Reports are provided thanks to the Vermont Dept of Tourism, and by volunteer members of our Leaf Squad from around the state.
View Past Reports:
September 9, 2019
September 12, 2019
September 16, 2019
September 19, 2019
September 23, 2019
