VT Weather | Fall Festivals | Golf Guide
"The 2020 Foliage Season has come to an end and this is our last update of the year. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
If you couldn't make it to Vermont this fall, you can still 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 early to plan your next 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.
Beyond leaf peeping, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Vermont’s mountains, meadows and villages during the other seasons. 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 REMINDER
Masks are mandatory in public places effective 8/1/20. #MasksOnVT
If you're planning to attend an event in Vermont, please check directly with the event to see if it has been rescheduled.
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. To submit a report for your area, please send it to Foliage@Vermont.com, along with a photo of the location you are reporting from, and the date when the photo was taken.
To view past Foliage Reports, visit the Vermont.com Blog.
For more info on current conditions, call Vermont's Seasonal Hotline at (802)828-3239 ... and tell them Vermont.com sent you!
Sorry, No Current Reports for Northern Vermont
"What a beautiful fall it has been! This week we are open for drinks and dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Call us to guarantee your table. Come by this weekend to enjoy Chef Mike's creative cuisine, custom cocktails, good friends and good times.
Now is the time... foliage season is winding down... starting Sunday, October 25, we are taking a late fall break and will see you in December. Thank you for all your support in this crazy year!"
-- Carol Ryan, Innkeeper, Red Clover Inn & Restaurant
"Although autumn colors are fading with falling leaves, we look forward to a fun and fabulous winter and ski season! With opening day only 27 days away, snow topped Stratton Mountain over the past few days. The Green Mountains welcome visitors to hike and bike, while Manchester has wonderful dining and shopping options, as well as museums, galleries and fun adventures. Our inviting panoramic vista is, as always, spectacular at the Manchester View, all year-long!"
-- Robin Green, The Manchester View
"The leaves are falling to the ground and the air is crisp at night. Our first snowfall is right around the corner and we are excited for 'all things winter' like apres ski, hot toddies, Vermont fleece blankets, snowman and winter fun. Soon enough, Manchester, Vermont will transform into the very definition of a ski town. Located just moments away from Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain, and Killington Mountain, Kimpton Taconic Hotel is the perfect home base for your snow-filled adventures. Check out our winter recreational offers and new apres ski package on our website.
Looking forward to welcoming you soon!"
-- Anastasia Nichols, Kimpton Taconic Hotel
"Well friends, stick season is well underway. While some trees are still clinging to their last orange leaves, more are bare ready to be covered with snow. Thank you to everyone who came up to recreate and enjoy the mountains safely and responsibly.
As we look forward to the winter, we remind everyone to play safe, play smart, and enjoy the mountian.
For information about our projected opening day and other travel guidance please visit our website. See you next year!"
-- Luke Robins, Stratton Mountain Resort
"Chilly afternoons call for fresh hot coffee enjoyed around the fire pit! At the Hampton Inn & Suites, after the leaves fall the patios will still be showing off their bright pots of mums, pumpkins, and gourds echoing the shades of fall. Our guests continue to enjoy the season’s last burst of glorious color as they explore Manchester. We hope to see everyone back again soon to experience Manchester Merriment and the Magical holiday season."
-- Colleen Mullaney, Hampton Inn & Suites
To view past Foliage Reports, visit the Vermont.com Blog.
2020 Reports:
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
