FALL FOLIAGE REPORT | ISSUE 3 OF 7

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September 26, 2023: Fall color has arrived across the state. Whether in northern or southern Vermont, trees are changing from entirely green to their autumnal outfits. Foliage that changed color early due to fungal infections provided an early showing of muted yellows in recent weeks. As these leaves fall, the surrounding colors are made more visible, and have already begun putting on quite a display!

The southernmost counties are just getting underway with color change, but as one moves north the landscape is filling with vibrant hues. Sugar maples in Rutland and Washington counties are displaying nice golds and oranges across the landscape, with red maples providing their classic bright reds. Lots of candy-apple reds are dominating the landscape in northwestern Vermont as well, especially in low-lying areas near waterways. In the Northeast Kingdom, the red maples are really putting on a show. We will likely see peak conditions there in the next week or so. The best viewing for foliage in the region is from high points on the landscape right now. Taking in the sights from the summit will allow you to see the most color as the tops of the trees change first.

We are right on schedule for peak foliage as we move from September to October in far northern locations, and early October for the rest of the state. With sunny weather in the forecast for the next week, it’s a great time to get outside and see what makes Vermont so special at this time of year.

Best bets: Northern areas – summits in the Northeast Kingdom like Mt. Pisgah and Wheeler Mountain. Backroads between Craftsbury and Glover where large old sugar maples line the roads. The 51-mile Northeast Kingdom Byway will likely show pockets of saturated color through St. Johnsbury, Lyndon, and Burke. The wetlands near Swanton and the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge look great as well. Swanton is also one terminus of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, open to walkers, cyclists, and wheelchair users.

Central Vermont’s mountain towns such as Warren and Fayston, as well as the hills around Killington, will also be a good bet around this time. The Scenic Route 100 Byway stretches across south-central Vermont and was named among the most scenic routes in New England by Yankee Magazine, passing through Stowe, Waterbury, Warren, and Killington.