When is Peak, Exactly?

Foliage Forecaster Map

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An animated GIF image displaying the progression of color from green to various shades of red, orange, and yellow across a graphic of the state of Vermont.

Four Stages of Foliage

Foliage Forecasted

Red, orange, and yellow. These are the hues of foliage season in Vermont. And with 78% of the state forested, there’s no shortage of leaves to peep. Leaves begin changing color in early September and fill in thickly into October. Foliage eventually shifts from the tree branches to the forest floor, with every stage presenting its own brilliant display. Take a peek at the various stages of foliage as you plan your fall foliage vacation.

How Color Spreads

While it’s impossible to predict from season to season exactly how and when fall color will grace Vermont’s forests, there is a general pattern most seasons follow, showcased below.

Early Season

In early September, green leaves will begin to transition to brighter shades.

Mid Season

By mid-September through late, higher elevations fill in with color.

Peak Foliage

The last week of September and first week of October, foliage is popping.

Late Season

Mid- to late October when the peaks are bare and the valleys are bright.

SO, WHEN IS PEAK FOLIAGE, EXACTLY?

Weather, elevation, time of year, and tree species have an impact on when and where foliage is peaking. Color generally starts at higher elevations, such as mountain peaks, before sweeping down into valleys. Let the hues of red and orange guide you.

A barn next to a road and a cornfield. Red, orange, and yellow colors are just starting to show on trees in the forest behind.

A graphic of the state of Vermont with regions outlined. Most of the state is light green but a pattern of yellow can be seen.

Early on

Kicking off in September

Cooler temperatures and fewer daylight hours trigger leaves on deciduous trees to turn from green to red, orange, or yellow. Early on, Vermont’s lush green holds on while yellow and orange leaves paint the occasional branch. This is the first stage, when summer lingers while fall is introduced.

Two people in a canoe in front of a mountain covered with trees showing red, orange, and yellow leaves. Overlaid is a graphic of Vermont with red, orange, yellow, and green visible and regions outlined.

A graphic of the state of Vermont with regions marked. Red, orange, yellow, and green color can be seen throughout the map.

Tracking Foliage

Mid- to late September

By this time, higher elevations are showing color more thoroughly. Trees are filling in. Gap roads are the most colorful drive. This pre-peak time is lovely because there’s so much beauty already, with more to come.

Seen from above, a road passes through a forest of red, orange, and yellow trees with mountains visible from both sides. A map of Vermont with red, orange, and yellow visible and regions outlined is overlaid.

A graphic of Vermont with regions marked. The map is mostly red and orange, but some green can be seen on the left.

Presumably Peak

Late September into October

By this time, the trees are saturated with red, orange, and yellow leaves. Both mountain peaks and valleys are colorful displays of foliage. While foliage can shift quickly during this stage, fall color is all around. Enjoy a scenic drive, paddle, or stroll through the forest to see the color reflect as you wander.

Next to a lake, a forest still shows red, orange, and yellow leaves on some trees, though some have fallen. Snow is falling and is sticking to the forest floor. Overlaid is a graphic of Vermont with regions outlined and most of the state beige, with red and orange visible on the left.

A graphic of Vermont with regions outlined. Most of the state is pale beige, but some red and orange can still be seen on the left.

On the Forest Floor

Mid- to Late October

As leaves fall from trees, their colors cover sidewalks and forest floors. This is a great time to hike, as views open up on the trail. Along the lake and in the valley, leaves linger with a muted shade of foliage. Late-season foliage offers a slower pace.

Seen from above, two people on bikes on a rail trail. Water is around them and trees have shed their leaves. A mountain is visible behind.

A graphic of Vermont with regions outlined. Most of the state is pale beige, but some red can still be seen on the left.

Stick Season

We’ve heard the song. It’s a season, too. Stick season gets its own name in Vermont. It’s a quieter period between fall foliage and winter. Sunlight filters through branches. Leaves crunch under your step. It’s typically when we see the first snowfall. Its beauty is unexpected, often showing up right under your feet.

Explore Stick Season