Scenes of Vermont Forums

September 11, 2023: It may seem early, but there are already areas of Vermont where fall color is underway. The weather this summer kept things interesting all season long. From a hard frost in mid-May, to flooding in July and the continued rainy weather throughout the summer, there was no shortage of challenges for trees to endure. Nevertheless, trees are resilient, and the forests are healthy in Vermont, setting us up for a great foliage season. 

So far, there are patches of color in northern areas of the state, with red maples showing off their scarlet hues around wetlands and upper elevations. Sugar maples have begun changing in some locations as well, with yellows and oranges poking through periodically. The wet weather this summer took its toll on some sugar maple foliage, and we have seen areas where foliage has turned yellow or brown color due to fungal infections. But fear not, this isn’t the case for all sugar maples and there are plenty of trees in the hills and forests that look as healthy as can be, ready to begin their autumnal display. 

Best bets: It is still early, but for those looking to get out and see the first glimpses of fall, areas in the Northeast Kingdom are a good bet. Areas near Lake Willoughby, Island Pond, and Burke have patches of color to seek out

It has been a very wet summer, as everyone here knows, and not sure what effect it will have on the colors. Was doing my daily walk in the woods today and there are a few signs of the impending color, but nothing really worthwhile yet!