MONTPELIER, VT ûIt 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,ö Paganelli says, “but it is a wonderful time to tour the back roads.ö

“The wooly bear caterpillars I have been seeing have very large center bands this year,ö 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.

Vermont’s 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 Vermont’s 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.