Where to go to see the fall colors?

[Krishna]

Hi everyone,

We are planning to go to Vermont the third weekend of October( Oct 19 and 20)Based on the reports I feel it's kind of late to go there to see fall colors. But that's the only free weekend we have. Is it still worth going? Will there be some areas still showing near peak or peak foliage conditions for that weekend? I need suggestions for places to go to see fall foliage for that weekend. We are looking for suggestions for scenic driving routes, lakes and ponds,hills and mountains,scenic overlooks,walking trails, gondola and train rides, apple orchards and pumpkin patches. Thanks in advance.

[loafer89]

Vermont will be past peak by 10/20. You might find foliage around Lake Champlain, but the foliage this year is about a week ahead of normal. As far as gondola rides are concerned, most ski areas stop Fall foliage operations on Columbus Day. The Green Mountain Railroad is running until 10/20 from Bellows Falls to Rockingham and Rutland. That area might still have some foliage, but definitely past peak. Apple and Pumpkin picking in Vermont is not my specialty, but I would think that by that date the fields are closed.

The next 10 days are forecast to be below normal temperature wise, which will make the foliage season shorter. By 10/20 you would be better off looking for foliage color in Southern Massachusetts and Connecticut. Both of those areas should be peak.