“Highlighted by an extended period of sunshine forecast through the Columbus Weekend, comfortable temperatures and brightening foliage are anticipated as Vermont’s color progression moves southward and into the lower elevations.
The first widespread frost of the season on Thursday morning is expected to accelerate the color change into the mountain valleys where a predominant green has lingered longer than usual this year.
‘All the gap roads are near peak or at least at mid-stage. Beautiful! The views of the Green Mountains from these roads are world class in any season, but especially incredible with the hardwoods pastels contrasted against the softwoods rugged green,’ says Addison County Forester Chris Olson.
In northern Vermont the mountainsides are at peak as the mountain valleys come into full color from Newport across the Greens to Enosburg Falls and south to where east-west U.S. Route 2 crosses the state. The lower elevations right along Lake Champlain remain in early to mid-stage color change.
All of the higher elevations across the central, middle third of Vermont will be at near-peak to peak conditions through the weekend. The foot hills west of the Green Mountains, near Middlebury, Brandon and Rutland, are showing mid-stage to near-peak color, depending on elevation.
In southern Vermont the higher elevations from Ludow to the Mount Snow region along Route 100 will display mid-stage to near peak conditions through the weekend. Lower elevations along the Connecticut River Valley to the east and the area from Bennington to Manchester on the west side of the state will be showing a variety of early to mid-stage color.
Motorists are reminded that while travel is normal on most state roads a few closures and several work zones remain; please drive with caution and consideration.”
“The Vermont Hospitality Council advises making advance reservations because the most popular lodgings may fill early on busy weekends during the foliage season. 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.”
The Fall Foliage season in Vermont is one of the busiest times of the year while visitors flock from all over the world to witness the beautiful changing colors. This year it will be more important than ever to call ahead for reservations and check on Road Conditions.
Parts of our updates are thanks to the USDA Forest Service, the Vermont Department of Tourism, and various “Leaf Peepers” around the state. If you’d like to be on Vermont.com’s “Leaf Squad” to help report the Foliage conditions in your area of Vermont, please contact us!
To view our first-hand reports throughout the state of Vermont, visit our Vermont Fall Foliage Reports.