Vermont Foliage Forecaster

Thanks to the State of Vermont Department of Tourism, we've included their "Vermont Fall Foliage Forecaster" to show you where and when the colors typically change in Vermont during a normal foliage season.

 

Instructions: You can start and stop the animation at any time. Additionally, you can click on the date to advance the animation manually.   Please note: This is only an approximation of typical foliage color progression. The exact timing of the color change varies year to year. Please refer to our official foliage reports for the latest foliage information. Leaves change color based on a variety of factors including light level, temperature, soil conditions and more. Here in Vermont, the color starts in northern regions and at higher elevations, progressing southward and downward into the valleys.

 

Below is a chart showing definitions of the terms foresters use when describing the foliage color change.

Enjoying Foliage Season in Vermont

• When to come : Vermont 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. 
  
• Who: Foliage reports are a prediction of the conditions that will exist, developed from reports submitted by Vermont foresters twice weekly in September and October. 

If you would like to see more fall photographs taken at Mile Square Farm, visit our fall scenery page. See additional Fall Foliage Photos taken at Mile Square Farm on previous Columbus Day Weekends and new photo images provided by Matt Ramos.