Southern Vermont 9-27-20

[loafer89]

I got a late start to my foliage drive today, not leaving Enfield until 12:30. The forecast of overcast skies wasn't very inspiring. Routes traveled were I-91, Route 2, Route 112, Route 9, Route 100, Stratton - Arlington Road, Kelly Stand, Route 7 back to Route 9. Peak foliage conditions on the higher elevations around Mount Snow and even in the valley.

Much recommend is Route 9 from Wilmington to Searsburg Reservoir and a few miles past that point. Peak foliage conditions and very vibrant colors. There's very little leaf drop right now and I think most of the foliage will make it to the weekend. Beyond that, it will start going bare. The area close to Bennington is still mostly green and might provide some foliage color close to Columbus day weekend.

Kelly Stand and Searsburg Reservoir on a drab overcast day.

[ctyanky]

Great report loafer! This is good news for me! Can't wait! Did you get to Grout Pond??? Also, how was the color off of route 2 and up 112? That's my go to route for sure. I'm assuming the water levels are low on the Harriman and Somerset Reservoirs. Usually Woodford on the route 9 end towards Bennington is at peak the same time the NEK is. That's the highest elevation down there. CT

[MtnClmbrMatt]

Thanks for the info loafer! I'm thinking about heading that way Fri/Sat, should still be good then, you think?

[loafer89]

Route 2 and Route 112 are only about 25-50,% changed right now. They should be good next week. The Pioneer Valley is about 25% changed.

[loafer89]

Thanks for the info loafer! I'm thinking about heading that way Fri/Sat, should still be good then, you think?

It really depends alot on how much rain we get this week. Hopefully it's not too windy.

[deaner1971]

Crud... I am not able to make it up until next week so, not feeling overly optimistic right now about foliage conditions.

I am focused on the Manchester/Stratton/Bennington triangle (not the scary "Bennington Triangle" of Joe Citro, just a geographic area ), especially Kelly Stand Road.

Sounds like my timetable is not going to work for that...

[loafer89]

The Bennington area was only about 10% changed yesterday. That's a warm spot in Vermont. The valley areas should still have leaves. Probably not on Kelly Stand.

[deaner1971]

Thank you for the update.

If Kelly Stand Road is (and I assume anything north of there) is going to be done then, I think I will be reassessing 2020 plans and looking at 2021 for a Vermont return.

The vagaries of the Foliage Gods...

[loafer89]

This year is very unusual in that we have a moderate to severe drought, combined with some record early season cold. This combination means the foliage is changing region wide, about 7-14 days early. Even where I live in Enfield, the trees are changing color. I've never seen that before this early in the Fall and I've been living here for 14 years. I think that Route 7 , 1-91 and Route 5 will be okay this weekend, anything higher up, probably won't be.

I'd also keep an eye on the weather forecast and how much rain falls in the area of Vermont you are interested in visiting. Also check out the webcams in Stratton for an idea of what foliage is left after the rain.