Vermont Blog - 3) Fall Foliage

PERU FAIR IS BACK IN TOWN

Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:10:00 -0400

The Peru Fair has returned to its home stomping ground after a three-year absence. The one-day fair has drawn crowds of up to 10,000 during its 26-year run. People come from as far away as Europe to experience this fall classic event. The day begins at 9 a.m., featuring The March of the Porkers Parade at 9:45 a.m., Sat. Sept. 29 a.m., according to The Bennington Banner.

The pig-theme continues throughout the day with an organic pig roast beginning at 11 a.m. Entertainment and 75 Vermont crafts vendors will be on hand, along with hay rides and magic acts. The fun ends at 4 p.m. Park at Bromley Mountain where shuttles are waiting to take you to the fair site. It's a nice way to enjoy a fall day.

Fall Season In Flight

Thu, 26 Oct 2006 09:11:00 -0400

The avian migration southward is in full flight as Vermonts foliage season closes to the russet color of late changing oaks and the brightening of tamaracks. Clusters of lingering, bright maples are still to be found in lower elevation valleys, especially in town and village centers. And hillsides with stands of oak are showing russet to burnt umber in the last stage of fall color. Around 2,000 snow geese can be observed at the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area on Route 17 near West Addison. As with the leaf season, the migration is winding down, but the annual spectacle of the distinctive geese remains impressive. Serious birders know that other northern species of interest can be observed in this area during the migration. Best Bets: The tamarack season is emerging in swaths of lemon yellow across the hillsides of the Northeast Kingdom and beginning to appear in other areas of the state. The tamarack appears to be a species of evergreen during the growing season, but, in fact, is deciduous, making a late-season color change and dropping its needles as the snow begins to fly in November. The lower reaches of the valleys west and east of the Green Mountain Range are still holding areas of past peak color. Routes 7 and 7A north from Bennington and Routes 30 and 22A are suggested. To the east in the Connecticut River Valley Route 5 north from Brattleboro retains areas of color. Hillside stands of oaks are at full color along Route 2 and I-89 between Waterbury and Burlington. Oaks are also prime in clustered stands along Lake Champlain. This is the final foliage report for 2006, a season that came closer to following the expected timeframe for the color change than the previous two years. During both of those seasons an unusual flow of tropical air from ocean storms delayed the onset and duration of the foliage change. Until next year, you can find more gorgeous Fall scenery in Vermont.com's photo gallery, thanks to local photographers... But truly, you've got to be here to fully enjoy the leaves. We hope you visit us for next year's Foliage Season. Parts of this update are thanks to the USDA Forest Service and the Vermont Department of Tourism. You can find additional details by calling their fall foliage hotline at (802) 828-3239... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!

Second-Stage Foliage Show

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 10:02:00 -0400

With the tamaracks brightening to lemon yellow in the Northeast Kingdom and foliage at full color in the valleys of southern Vermont and along Lake Champlain, this years season still offers much to enjoy. At higher elevations the under-story foliage in many places is just coming to peak even though the taller trees in the canopy have dropped their leaves. This second-stage foliage show offers a bright and close up backdrop for hikes on woodland trails and drives along country roads.

Stick Season is Approaching

Wed, 18 Oct 2006 12:01:00 -0400

Areas of good color can still be found throughout Vermont as we are starting to head into 'Stick Season' in most parts of the state. Stick Season refers to the period after foliage has finally left most of the trees and before the first lasting snows fall and cover the branches. This year many of the 'sticks' are still brightly adorned with oranges and yellows, and after a couple of recent frosts, some reds as well. It is truly an amazing foliage year because, though we are seeing more bare trees each day, literally every stage of color is still in evidence from early mid-stage to peak. Recent frosts went a long way toward moving along the slower color and also brought out some brilliant peak oranges and even some scattered reds, for some of the most vibrant colors of the season. In the absence of any serious cold however, it will not be unreasonable to expect pockets of very nice color through the upcoming weekend.

Statewide Foliage Summary

Thu, 12 Oct 2006 15:10:00 -0400

The color change is continuing the mid October march down the hillsides and into the valleys of central and southern Vermont where near peak to full peak conditions will prevail during the coming week. And, while leaf drop is noticeable in northern Vermont and on the higher elevations of the mountains, many colorful hillsides remain. Village centers also tend to retain foliage color well into October.

Autumn Brilliance On Schedule

Fri, 06 Oct 2006 09:06:00 -0400

With a timely nip of frost and fair sunny weather forecast through the Columbus Holiday weekend, this season's foliage viewing is expected to be bright and beautiful throughout Vermont. Foresters expect some high elevation leaf drop from the vigorous line of showers that moved across the Green Mountains Wednesday night, but the cooler air Thursday and Friday will bring a touch of morning frost and bright blue skies for the weekend. In general, most higher elevations and mountain valleys will be at full color or near-peak conditions through the coming week, while mid-stage conditions will continue to brighten in the lower elevations of the Connecticut River Valley and the Lake Champlain Valley, especially across east facing hillsides. In short, foresters and spotters predict ideal conditions for enjoying the autumn scenery throughout the state during the coming week, and likely the week beyond. With more peak foliage popping out around the state daily, travelers will benefit most from a route that includes some elevation change and that combines a valley drive with some mountain roads and gap crossings. Vibrant color will be most obvious at higher elevations and in the lower, marshy areas near water, but mid-stage colors will be brightening up considerably along the hillsides and lower elevations.

Enjoying Foliage Season in Vermont

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 10:38:00 -0400

Around this time each year, we get several emails from our viewers asking "When should we come to Vermont to see the leaves change and where should we go?" Below are some tips to help answer these questions. When to come: Vermont's fall foliage season usually begins early to mid-September and extends through mid October. It varies somewhat from year to year. As such, there are many 'peaks' so that you can make your plans based on the timing and location that works for you. Where to Go: Vermont's foliage season typically begins in the north and at highest elevations, then progresses both south, and into lower elevations. The Northeast Kingdom generally experiences the first foliage change. Lower elevations in southern Vermont, the Lake Champlain and Connecticut River Basins typically exhibit peak foliage conditions later than other parts of Vermont. Exceptions: Individual roadside trees, those in cities and towns, in swampy, disturbed or other areas where normal forest conditions do not exist may change earlier than those in nearby forests. Why it Happens: As autumn approaches, a variety of factors cause changes in leaf pigment production. Green gives way to the varied hues, already in the leaves, which are seen during foliage season. Vermont's foliage is always among the best because of a variety of other natural factors, including soil types, amount of forested land, topography and a broad range of tree species, with a large amount of maples. How Best Enjoyed: Come prepared to tour and see all the sights. Foliage season prediction and reporting is, at best, an inexact science. The 'best' foliage can be found at many different times and places as the season progresses, and might be just around the corner. Time of day, lighting, weather conditions, all alter the view slightly. Foliage viewing is also subjective, so, take time to check around many corners and over the brow of several hills to find your favorite.

Statewide Fall Foliage Summary

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 11:02:00 -0400

With the first frost of the season nipping some of the sheltered valleys of Northern Vermont, flares of color are beginning to emerge in typical fashion across higher elevations and in the swampy areas frequented by red maples. Through last weekend, sunny daytime highs in the 70s provided pleasant weather for touring the countryside as the early stage color change gains momentum. Vermont.com will provide you with updates on this page as the foliage changes. In the meantime you can find more gorgeous Fall scenery in Vermont.com's photo gallery, thanks to local photographers... But truly, you've got to be here to fully enjoy the leaves. We hope you visit us. Parts of this update are thanks to the USDA Forest Service and the Vermont Department of Tourism. You can find additional details by calling their fall foliage hotline at (802) 828-3239... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!

Fall Foliage is Here!

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 15:50:00 -0400

MONTPELIER, VT It is early for any significant foliage color, but Central Vermont Forester David Paganelli reports that potential exists for a spectacular year. Plenty of moisture during the growing season has made for deep, full crowns on the sugar maples and all pastures and hayfields are lush and green. We have just the very earliest hints of color here and there, Paganelli says, but it is a wonderful time to tour the back roads. The wooly bear caterpillars I have been seeing have very large center bands this year, adds Lamoille County Forester Raymond Toolan. According to traditional lore, a broad center band on these black and brown banded caterpillars is a harbinger of a crisp autumn and a cold, snowy winter. Vermonts foliage season typically begins in earnest in mid September in northern Vermont and at higher elevations and progresses steadily southward and to lower elevations through mid to late October. It is important to remember that Vermonts small size makes it easy for travelers to explore the countryside and experience every color stage while discovering the many different regions of the state.