Vermont Fall Foliage Reports
Vermont Fall Foliage Reports
VT Weather | Foliage Forecaster | Fall Festivals | Golf Guide
2021 Foliage Season: Final Report
October 28, 2021
The 2021 Foliage Season is coming to an end and we have enjoyed a spectacular foliage season in Vermont this year. By now, most of the state is considered "past peak," with a only few hidden pockets of color left. Any remaining color won't last long now, and as we move thru "stick season," the chill in the air is a reminder that a white blanket of snow will soon be upon us.
If you couldn't make it to Vermont during this year's Fall Foliage Season, you can find some gorgeous Vermont Fall scenery in our Autumn Photo Gallery, thanks to local photographers and visitors to Vermont. But truly, you've got to be here to fully enjoy the leaves. And remember, it's never too late to plan a fall vacation in Vermont!
-- Vermont.com
The "Current Conditions" map is approximate, based on the reports we receive.
Foliage color generally starts to change in the higher, cooler areas, spreading down into the valleys, and moving from north to south across the state.
"Peak" colors can be found at many different times & places as the season progresses, and the timing varies from year to year, based on the weather.
Current Conditions:
Beyond leaf peeping, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Vermont's mountains, meadows and villages during the fall. You can find fun things to do in Vermont with our Vermont.com Calendar of Events. Don't see your event? Feel free to suggest an event so we can add it to our Calendar.
COVID-19 NOTICE
Due to the Delta variant, things are changing rapidly. We recommend that if you are planning to attend an event in Vermont, please check directly with the event to see if it has been rescheduled.
FOLIAGE REPORTS FROM AROUND THE STATE
The Vermont.com Foliage Reports are provided thanks to the Vermont Department of Tourism, and by volunteer members of our "Leaf Squad" from around the state. You can send us a foliage report for your area of Vermont, including a photo, description, and the location & date when the photo was taken.
To view our past Foliage Reports, visit the Vermont.com Blog.
NORTHERN VERMONT:
October 18, 2021 in Stowe, VT
09/06/21
09/14/21
09/27/21
10/05/21
10/18/21
"Here is my final report. We are past peak but there is still some color around. It was very warm on Saturday with storms moving through on Saturday evening. Cooler on Sunday, finally felt like fall. We lost a lot of leaves over the weekend from the storm, and that changed our foliage conditions dramatically. We have a mix of some peak trees and some trees that are past."
-- Scot Baraw, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
CENTRAL VERMONT:
No Current Reports for Central Vermont
SOUTHERN VERMONT:
October 25, 2021 in Manchester, VT
"Although leaf-peeping season is over, there's still color to find. Look at the view at the Green Mountains beyond the Manchester View property to see what looks like an impressionist painting with dots of orange, red and yellow among the evergreens. Along the roads, a maple here and there will delight with bright orange leaves. The crisp cool autumn air is perfect for hiking and biking, as well as local and outlet store and gallery hopping. Whether you visited the Manchester and the Mountains region or missed the chance this past fall, now is the best time to reserve for next year."
-- Robin Green, The Manchester View
STATEWIDE:
October 22, 2021
"Vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows continue in Southern Vermont and the Champlain Valley, and isolated, protected forest coves and pockets in other parts of the state still pop with color as well. And while most of the leaves have fallen in other areas, the landscape is still touched with fall beauty as color transitions from high in the trees to below on the forest floor, village greens, and backyard lawns. This time of year, tamaracks emerge as quieter standouts, transitioning from olive to gold and contrasting with the darker shades of evergreens around them.
Over the past 30 years, FPR forest health staff and colleagues in forest science have documented that the length of the forest’s growing season has increased by over a week. This year’s foliage season was deliciously slow and made more gradual in part because of a lack of frost, but the lengthened growing season caused by climate change also contributes to these extended foliage conditions.
And while the 2021 foliage season may be drawing to a close, there’s still plenty to explore and admire in the landscape of Vermont. Venture out into the woods and you’ll rediscover scenes that were hidden through summer and fall: stone walls, cellar holes, and other historic remnants of generations past who lived and worked the land; habitat features; tree architecture showcasing each tree’s distinct form and shape; and new recreation opportunities to scout out."
-- Mike Snyder, Commissioner of Forest, Parks and Recreation,
Vermont Department of Tourism
To view past Foliage Reports, visit the Vermont.com Blog.
2020 Reports:
September 14, 2020
September 17, 2020
September 24, 2020
October 1, 2020
October 8, 2020
October 15, 2020
October 22, 2020
October 29, 2020
2021 Reports:
September 9, 2021
September 16, 2021
September 23, 2021
September 30, 2021
October 7, 2021
October 14, 2021
October 21, 2021
FOLIAGE TIPS:
Best Bets: During the earliest part of foliage season, viewing is more about elevation than location. Your best chances for spotting color are to "get high" or "get low." Higher elevations with panoramic views will allow you to spot smatterings of color in the valleys below. Alternatively, you can "get low" - marshy areas near bodies of water typically offer the first areas of foliage change and also offer a wide variety of tree species which enlarges the palette of early season colors.
Helpful Tip: Plan Ahead!
Foliage season is a very popular time to visit Vermont, so if you want to stay in a particular place on a particular weekend, call in advance to make sure rooms are available. Having your lodging plans made in advance will avoid unnecessary stress and allow you to enjoy your foliage season odyssey. Also too, it is a good idea to make dining reservations as early as possible in the day or even the night before.
When To Come For "Peak" Foliage:
There is no one "perfect" time to visit Vermont to see peak foliage. Color change begins in mid-September and runs through the first two to three weeks in October and varies by elevation, progressing from north to south and higher to lower elevations during the course of the season. As such, there are many "peaks" so that you can make your plans based on the timing and location that works for you.
Science Behind the Leaves Changing Colors:
During the short summer months, broad-leafed trees such as maples, oaks and birches produce food to nourish themselves for growth. They do this through a process known as photosynthesis, using the energy of the sun to produce food. As the days grow shorter in early fall, the increasing periods of darkness trigger leafy plants to slow down photosynthesis and stop growing. A pigment in the leaves called chlorophyll (which gives leaves their green color) is used in photosynthesis, so the slowing of this process means there is less green pigment. But leaves contain pigments other than green, called carotenoids and anthocyanins. Once the greens fade, carotenoids are revealed (yellow, orange, and brown colors), anthocyanins and are produced (red and purple colors).
Certain colors are characteristic of particular plant species. Red maples live up to their name by turning scarlet, while most sugar maples glow a warm orange. Aspen and birches display sunny yellows, while oak and beech leaves turn bronze and gold. Most of Vermont"s fall foliage color is provided by red and sugar maples, two resilient tree species that constitute more than 50 percent of our forest"s trees. You can find even more details on leaves and their changing colors, courtesy of the US Forest Service: Why Leaves Change Colors
Find more info about Fall Foliage in New England,
from photographer Jeff "Foliage" Folger.
Vermont Fall Foliage Season
from the Vermont Department of Tourism
FOLIAGE FORECASTER
Please note: This is only an approximation of typical foliage color progression. The exact timing of the color change varies year to year.
To use this map:
- Click the << icon to view the season stages color key.
- You can scroll through the weekly dates at the bottom of the map.
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FAQs
Are the leaves changing yet in Vermont? ›
Color change begins in mid-September and runs through the first two to three weeks in October and varies by elevation, progressing from north to south and higher to lower elevations during the course of the season.
Where is the best fall foliage in Vermont? ›Route 100. Stretching 200 miles from Massachusetts to Lake Memphremagog at the Canadian border, Vermont's Route 100 has been called the best foliage drive in the state — and even the most scenic foliage drive in all of New England.
Is Vermont past peak foliage? ›Typically, the fullest color can be found from late-September in the north, through mid-October in the south. Many experienced foliage viewers actually consider late October to be the most beautiful time in Vermont.
Does rain make fall foliage better? ›Autumn Weather
The right weather during the autumn can promote more intense color production. The reds (anthocyanins), which require sunlight for production, are enhanced by cold and sunny days. Rainy and windy weather during the autumn can knock leaves down prematurely thereby shortening the color display at its peak.
New England leaf peeping is at its finest in Vermont, where wilderness covers 75 percent of the land. Surrounded by more maple trees than anywhere else in the region, you'll find the brightest of yellows, oranges, and reds on nearly every highway and country road.
Is October a good time to visit Vermont? ›October is the best time to visit Vermont for fall colors because this is the time that all the leaves start to change and fall off the trees. While it does get a bit busier in Vermont during the fall because all the leaf peepers visit the state, it's truthfully not as busy as you'd think it is.
How long does peak foliage last? ›California. Peak time: Mid- to late October is the best time to view fall color, starting from the higher elevations in the Shasta Cascade region down to the foothills and coast.
What is the best time to see fall colors in New England? ›MASSACHUSETTS, CONNECTICUT and RHODE ISLAND:
Peak foliage usually occurs in mid-October from the Berkshires to northwestern Connecticut, late October in interior Massachusetts and Rhode Island and early November for Cape Cod.
Vermont is known for its forested natural beauty, majestic green mountains, scenic hiking trails, and destination-worthy skiing. The state is also famous for its picturesque wooden covered bridges, of which there are more than 100.
What does past peak foliage look like? ›So, “past peak” means many things to many people. Most time, as the leaves lose their “peak” color and brightness, they will get duller and darker and they will either still be on the tree or they will be on the ground. Especially after a windy or stormy day.
Is Vermont worth visiting? ›
Vermont is a state that begs to be photographed. The entire state is like a gigantic picture postcard that is filled with scenic beauty at every turn, historic buildings and towns that are considered some of the prettiest in the United States.
How long does fall foliage last in New England? ›The latter is the tricky part, since peak color is always a moving target and dependent upon so many changeable factors. New England's fall foliage season generally lasts about six weeks across the region, says Salge, “but usually only a week or two in any particular spot.”
What are the colors for fall 2022? ›According to this season's street stylers, the best fall fashion colors in 2022 are bright and beautiful, from head-to-toe oranges and zesty lime greens to classic autumnal browns and grays.
How cold does it need to be for leaves to change color? ›A combination of temperatures between 32-45 degrees F at night and bright sunny days are peak conditions for trapping sugars in leaves, allowing anthocyanins to develop and enhance color.
Is GREY a fall color? ›Grey: Grey is a great soft neutral perfect for cooler weather. From slouchy grey sweaters to grey skinny jeans, grey adds a mature hue to any fall wardrobe. Red and Burgundy: From Thanksgiving dinner to fall trips to the apple orchard……. shades of red and burgundy are the perfect festive fall colors.
Is Vermont or New Hampshire better for fall foliage? ›While foliage drives in NH usually involve dense tree-laden routes with occasional glimpses of lakes and rugged mountains, drives in VT offer more consistent vistas over sweeping farmland and rolling hills.
Which state has the most beautiful autumn? ›- Maine. The first stop on our list is Maine. ...
- North Carolina & Tennessee. The second area on our list is in Both North Carolina and Tennessee. ...
- New York. The third state on our list of best places for fall foliage is New York State. ...
- Vermont. ...
- Georgia. ...
- New Mexico. ...
- Arkansas. ...
- Oregon.
Vermont is known for foods like Vermont cheddar cheese, maple syrup and the ever-popular Ben and Jerry's ice cream. It is also home to many farms, artisan foods, fresh produce, wineries and breweries.
What is the average temperature in Vermont in October? ›October Weather in Burlington Vermont, United States. Daily high temperatures decrease by 12°F, from 64°F to 52°F, rarely falling below 41°F or exceeding 75°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 10°F, from 48°F to 38°F, rarely falling below 27°F or exceeding 58°F.
Is Vermont an expensive state to live in? ›Average Cost of Living in Vermont: $47,397 per year
Vermont has an above-average cost of living when compared to the rest of the United States, but this is normal when compared to its New England neighbors, as the region ranks above the rest of the nation in terms of expenses.
What state has longest fall season? ›
#1 Vermont
Vermont's fall foliage season is the longest in the United States, starting in early September and ending around late October.
Color Trend Fall 2021: Vibrant Yellow
Like a jolt of energy, this electric yellow is the color we need after a dark year. And it's just as versatile as any other hue, from sporty separates (Victor Glemaud and Claudia Li) to elegant shapes (Proenza Schouler, Prada, and 3.1 Phillip Lim).
Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) Grows up to 75 feet or more and is one of the first trees to change color every year. Their long leaves are yellow and they have bright yellow buds. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) has mitten-shaped leaves that can be purple, red, orange, or yellow and it grows up to 50 feet.
Why is the foliage so good in New England? ›In New England, a large percentage of trees produce a pigment known as an Anthocyanin, which results in brilliant reds and purples commonly seen around this time; a change that is particularly pronounced in the region's sugar maple trees.
What is the best time to see fall colors in Maine? ›Generally northern Maine is at or near peak conditions the last week of September into the first week of October. Central, and western mountains of Maine are at or near peak Indigenous Peoples' Day week/weekend. Coastal and southern Maine generally reach peak or near peak conditions mid-to-last October.
What is the best time to see fall colors in New Hampshire? ›Exactly when fall colors "peak" (aka are at their most colorful) changes a bit each year, but the approximate time frame for New Hampshire is almost always early to mid October. Be sure to keep checking Visit New Hampshire's Foliage Tracker and Foliage Reports to estimate when the colors will be at their best!
What is the number one tourist attraction in Vermont? ›1. Stowe. With a covered bridge, white-spired church, weathered barns, and ski trails down the mountainside, Stowe is everybody's image of Vermont.
Is Vermont a Republican or Democrat state? ›Vermont has voted Democratic in every presidential election since. Since 2004, Vermont has been one of the Democrats' most loyal states.
What famous people are from Vermont? ›- Ben Bagley, musical theater producer and innovator.
- Orson Bean, film, television and stage actor.
- Field Cate, actor, musician.
- Luis Guzmán, actor.
- Will Lyman, actor.
- Kevin McKenzie, artistic director, American Ballet Theater.
- Alessandro Nivola, actor & producer.
California. Peak time: Mid- to late October is the best time to view fall color, starting from the higher elevations in the Shasta Cascade region down to the foothills and coast.
What does past peak foliage look like? ›
So, “past peak” means many things to many people. Most time, as the leaves lose their “peak” color and brightness, they will get duller and darker and they will either still be on the tree or they will be on the ground. Especially after a windy or stormy day.
What is Vermont color? ›Known as the Green Mountain State, it comes as no surprise that the color green is integral to the State of Vermont's visual identity. The Vermont Green shown to the right is the official State color and is the only green to be used within the Moon Over Mountains logo.
What is Vermont known for? ›Vermont is known for its forested natural beauty, majestic green mountains, scenic hiking trails, and destination-worthy skiing. The state is also famous for its picturesque wooden covered bridges, of which there are more than 100.
What are fall 2022 colors? ›According to this season's street stylers, the best fall fashion colors in 2022 are bright and beautiful, from head-to-toe oranges and zesty lime greens to classic autumnal browns and grays.
What state has longest fall season? ›#1 Vermont
Vermont's fall foliage season is the longest in the United States, starting in early September and ending around late October.
Color Trend Fall 2021: Vibrant Yellow
Like a jolt of energy, this electric yellow is the color we need after a dark year. And it's just as versatile as any other hue, from sporty separates (Victor Glemaud and Claudia Li) to elegant shapes (Proenza Schouler, Prada, and 3.1 Phillip Lim).
Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis) Grows up to 75 feet or more and is one of the first trees to change color every year. Their long leaves are yellow and they have bright yellow buds. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum) has mitten-shaped leaves that can be purple, red, orange, or yellow and it grows up to 50 feet.
Why are the leaves not changing color this year? ›These unseasonably warm temperatures confused many deciduous trees. Normally trees begin to prepare themselves for winter dormancy by stopping the production of chlorophyll (which enables the leaves to remain green and vibrant) as the temperatures grow colder.
Why are the trees changing colors already? ›When sunlight and photosynthesis decline in autumn, the green chlorophyll, which is unstable, begins to break down and reveal the underlying colors. That means that a tree changing much earlier than those around it is breaking down chlorophyll faster than it is being manufactured.
Is Vermont a good place to live? ›A new CNBC report ranks Vermont as the best place to live in America. The business channel used factors like affordable housing, education quality, cost of living, healthcare quality, job opportunities and environment to come up with the state rankings.
What do people wear in Vermont in September? ›
In Vermont, the weather in September is usually cool and crisp, so people tend to dress in layers. They might wear a light sweater or jacket over a t-shirt, with a scarf or beanie to keep their neck and head warm. Jeans are also a popular choice of clothing to wear in Vermont during September.
What's the best month for fall foliage? ›Typically, the second and third week of October are the peak times, but it shifts depending on where you live and your local weather conditions. Foliage starts to change in the northern-tier states out West and in the Midwest by late September. By October 4, the leaves in some areas will be past their prime.
What are people from Vermont called? ›People who live in Vermont are called Vermonters.
What is the number one tourist attraction in Vermont? ›1. Stowe. With a covered bridge, white-spired church, weathered barns, and ski trails down the mountainside, Stowe is everybody's image of Vermont.
Why is Vermont so special? ›Vermont not only has breathtakingly picturesque landscapes and endless scenic places to explore, but the state also has exceptional food, safe cities, great schools, and down-to-earth people.