Fall Foliage Report

Trees in many of the central and northern mountains have shed their leaves for the year, but that doesn’t mean foliage is past us. The southernmost regions still have great reds on the oaks and sumacs, and even some green leaves that haven’t changed yet. The broader valleys, such as the Champlain, Connecticut River, and Otter Creek valleys, still have a good mix of color as well, though the incoming rain this week may bring some leaves to the ground rather quickly. It’s also the time of year where some of the unusual suspects provide fall color for us – conifers like larch trees that shed their needles annually show off flashes of yellow around wetter areas, while some hardwood species like oaks and beech trees hold their auburn and ocher leaves deep into the fall and often winter. In short, there are still a lot of trees with fall foliage present, but it might take a little more travel time to find the best spots.

As “stick season” (the time of year between fall and winter) approaches and we see more leaves on sidewalks than on branches, views from peaks open up, and evergreens stand even more prominently among bare deciduous trees. Peek through tree branches, crunch through leaves as you explore trails, and enjoy the quiet of Vermont’s shoulder season before snow blankets hillsides.

Best bets: The southernmost regions of the state still have a good mix of fall color – a drive across VT Rt. 9 could be nice this week. Reports from the Vergennes area in the Champlain Valley region suggest that the fall color is still great there and in the surrounding towns.

Most areas of the state are at peak foliage, or slightly past at this point. There are still lots of reds, oranges, and yellows throughout the hills, but some trees are beginning the annual ritual of dropping their leaves. The falling of leaves from our hardwood species can create another scenic autumnal experience as the slowly descending foliage sweeps across roads and trails. The crunch of leaves underfoot makes a great soundtrack for fall adventure while out and about, looking to the hills and surrounding forests for the fall hues that are still hanging on coloring trees. As foliage drops off trees, views from peaks open up for those hiking, driving, or taking a scenic foliage chairlift ride to the top.

Best bets: Southern Vermont has the most leaf retention currently, with areas around Bennington and Brattleboro still putting on a great show. More northern areas have begun to drop their leaves, but there are still many portions of the state where vistas of hillsides are yielding good color, even in northern reaches. VT Route 12A is a particularly nice drive right now between Northfield and Randolph.

Peak foliage is upon us! As always, it varies by exact location in the state, but we have reports of good oranges and reds from every region. Those areas most impacted by dry weather are likely past peak at this point, as are many areas of the Northeast Kingdom. With most forests coming alive with color, red maples continue to show off their scarlet hues, and the oranges in sugar maple foliage have become more vibrant in recent days. If you aren’t seeing good fall color out the window, take a five-minute drive and you’ll find plenty.

Best bets: Central Vermont and the Upper Green Mountains region look great right now. White Rock Mountain and Mt. Hunger, both part of the Worcester range, are serving up great views. Peak foliage is either present or rapidly approaching in southern regions. Vermont Route 30 cuts through the Mettawee Valley in southwestern Vermont, and, along with its sideroads, gives beautiful views of the surrounding hills and foliage. A scenic drive here or across the state on VT Route 9 should have plenty of fall color.

Many parts of Vermont are seeing early fall color this year with some leaf drop already visible in dryer places (e.g. rocky or clay-heavy soils). However, most of these areas also have foliage nearby that is either just starting to change or still green, boding well for the rest of the fall. Further helping with the brightness of fall foliage is the forecast of rainfall this week. Downpours may result in more foliage falling from trees, but steady rain will likely freshen things up and allow the reds and oranges to start appearing more frequently. Foliage on smaller trees and plants, such as staghorn sumac and Virginia creeper, have been putting on a show with bright reds around the state in recent days.

Best bets: The Northeast Kingdom region still has the most activity, with plenty of yellows from birches, and oranges and reds from maple species. Slopes of the Green and Taconic mountains have also begun their fall display and should continue to improve over the next week. Exploring downtown Randolph and the surrounding White River Valley should yield beautiful foliage viewing this week.

The Green Mountain State has experienced a dry spell recently, resulting in a mix of foliage conditions, ranging from bright scarlet reds on red maple in the Lower Connecticut River Valley region, to deep reds of ash foliage in the Greater Burlington and Upper Green Mountains regions to rapid color change of sugar maple followed by leaf drop in the Upper Connecticut River region. All leaves of hardwood species go through a period of “senescence” where leaves change color and then fall from the branches – both determined by water supply. In years where less water is present in trees, this process is accelerated and typically leads to an earlier fall foliage season, which is expected this year. In short, the foliage conditions are highly variable right now, but there is certainly color to find on the landscape.

Best bets: Maples and birch species are changing color in the Northeast Kingdom and can make for some nice foliage viewing right now with the mixture of conifer species in the area. Throughout the rest of the state, conditions vary, but targeting wetter areas or swamps can yield a nice splash of vibrant colors from red maples and neighboring species. Consider planning a drive that takes you from low to high elevations, such as a scenic gap road drive, and around different sides of hills and mountains. It’s also a good time to check in with locals and local businesses to learn where the best foliage can be found in a given area.

Precipitation this summer has been a roller coaster in Vermont, with plenty of rain in June and July and now a dry spell across the state. These factors can affect our forests, but in most areas, the trees look healthy and ready to go for foliage season. In areas that are prone to drought stress, like low ridges and cliffs or areas with rocky soils, the foliage may have changed quite a bit already due to the lack of moisture. This is most visible in the Champlain and Connecticut River valleys, from the Stone Valley region north and all eastern regions in the state.

The dry weather will yield some fall color around the edge of affected regions for those that are looking to get an early jump on fall foliage. Reds, oranges, and some yellows can be seen from the mix of northern hardwood species in these areas (e.g., red and sugar maples, as well as birch species). This year’s conditions mean fall foliage season will likely be a little earlier this year with good activity in mid-to late September. 

Best bets: Most areas in the state with fall color right now are in driest areas. These include hilltops in the Champlain Valley, Greater Burlington, Stone Valley, and Deerfield Valley regions, as well as forests in Northwestern Vermont and the southern Green and Taconic mountains. Fall color across the rest of the state should progress in the next couple of weeks.