Foliage in the Green Mountains is near or at peak color this week, and the leaves will continue to brighten in the lower valleys over the next several days into Columbus Day Weekend. Fall color that is near or at peak can be found in many areas of Vermont, especially in the Green Mountains and in higher elevations throughout the state. Meanwhile, lower elevations and the foothills are showing mid-stage color with pockets that are close to peak.
“Peak color is rolling over the Green Mountains from the eastern slopes to the western ridge,” says Tom Olson, a foliage spotter for Rutland and southern Addison counties. “Trees, particularly soft maples, along rivers and marshy areas are displaying bright reds and oranges.”
Best Bets: Route 100 in the Mad River Valley between Warren and Moretown is showing incredibly bright shades of red and orange this week, and state Forester Russ Barrett says foliage in this area is the best he has seen in years. In this area, also try Route 100 through Granville Gulf Reservation and Route 17 from Waitsfield to Starksboro.
In the Northeast Kingdom, color continues to shine on Route 2 between West Danville and Concord, Route 5A from West Burke to Westmore, Route 5 from Barnet to Barton, and Route 114 from Lyndonville to Island Pond.
In central and north central Vermont, try Route 12A from Roxbury to Northfield, Route 12 from Randolph to Northfield, Route 100 from Waterbury to Stowe, Route 302 from Barre to Groton, Route 110 between Washington and Chelsea, and Route 108 from Stowe to Cambridge.
Look for shades of gold, orange and red along Interstates 91 or 89, and then explore from there. “I would recommend a drive on either I-91 or I-89 to get an overview and then strike off on secondary roads,” said Windsor County Forester Jon Bouton. “The key is finding a vista where you can see up or down a valley or across a field at mountains.”
In the Rutland/Killington region, higher elevations are at peak, particularly on Route 100 between Killington and Stockbridge, Route 73 between Rochester and Brandon, and Route 4 from Killington to Rutland. Vibrant color can also be found on Route 125 from Hancock to Middlebury, and Route 7 from Middlebury to Rutland.
“For those of us located west of the Green Mountains in south central Vermont, this means peak color in the higher elevations this week and in the foothills and river valleys thereafter,” Olson says. “With just a mild frost thus far in the lower elevations, great color could extend past the third week in October in the lower Champlain Basin and north along the lake to St. Albans.”
Foresters and foliage spotters also recommend Route 12 from Woodstock to Bethel, Route 107 from Stockbridge to Royalton, Route 131 between Brownsville and Ludlow, Route 106 between Reading and Woodstock, and Route 100A through Plymouth Notch.
Colorful foliage can also be found in the higher elevations of Route 9 between Brattleboro and Bennington, and Route 100 between Wilmington and West Bridgewater. Also try Route 35 between Chester and Grafton, Route 11 between Manchester and Londonderry, Route 30 from Jamaica to Manchester, and Route 7 between Manchester and Rutland, and Route 7A from Manchester to Bennington.
Additional suggested routes include Route 140 from East Wallingford to Poultney, Route 30 from Castleton Corners to Sudbury, Route 53 around Lake Dunmore, and Route 22A from Fair Haven to Shoreham.
While foliage is still in the early to mid-stages in the Champlain Valley, the contrast of the green meadows, brown corn fields and marshy areas is very colorful.
The Vermont Hospitality Council advises making advance reservations because the most popular lodgings may fill early on busy weekends. Some innkeepers may require a minimum two-night stay, especially on busy weekends. Vermont tourism officials encourage visitors to take advantage of midweek specials during the foliage season as part of the statewide “Midweek Peek” promotion. Deals range from discounted lodging to free Vermont products. For details, visit www.VermontVacation.com/midweek.
Also available on the website are several tools for planning a Vermont Fall Foliage tour:
Fall Foliage Forecaster
Lodging Availability Forecaster
20 Scenic Drives
Fall Travel Tips
For more information, visit www.VermontVacation.com/fall