Northeast Kingdom

[pwt54]

If you are going to be in Burke and you have time, take route 114 to East Burke. About 2.3 mile north of East Burke look for the Victory Road on the right. This road goes through Gallup Mills and Granby and ends on route 102 in Guildhall. This road starts paved but is mostly dirt. Good foliage on this road. Or in West Burke, take depot Street of route US 5 to Burke Hill Road. This goes to Sutton. In Sutton turn left on the Ridge Road and then right on the Sheffield Road. This takes you to route 122 in Sheffield. Good views on this road, at least until the put the windmills up there.

[admin]

I can't honestly recommend the Burke Toll Road. The road is steep and you are going to put plenty of wear and tear on your brakes coming down. It caused by calibers to lock up completely and smoke was coming out of my brake pads when I got down. As well the view is mainly to the North. You will see the Willoughby Gap and Mt. Orford or Owl's Head way in the distance. I find that vista like this don't really show the color. It will probably look quite brown from that high up. Added to this, Burke charges a hefty fee for peepers. It is free the rest of the year!
Tim

[Andy]

Tim: This is exactly the kind of information that makes this forum so great. I was planning to drive up there last year, but didn't get there. If I get over to Burke this year, I'll know enough not to do it.

I have been up the Mansfield toll road a number of times and agree with your thoughts on the color. In addition, unless you get crystal clear conditions the atmospheric haze makes picture taking problematic. Mansfield is probably worth it to say you did it once, though.

[pwt54]

The only great view on Burke is from the fire tower. If heights bother the fire tower is out. You will have some good long views in the Sutton/Sheffield area.

[Chessie]

Was up in the Kingdom this weekend. Color isn't quite peak yet. For instance, a lot of the maple trees on Darling Hill Road in Burke are still pretty green. The trees around Lake Willoughby are mainly light yellow. There is some good color around but it's spotty. I think we need some good frosts to kick the deeper colors of the leaves into gear. On the drive home I did notice that the mid-elevation hills off I-91 and I-93 are looking pretty good and getting near peak. I'm thinking Corinth and Peacham might be nice next weekend.