State Foliage Report for September 20th

[admin]

SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

As gorgeous late summer weather continues to bring warmth, bright sunshine, and scattered showers, fall foliage colors are developing nicely, albeit gradually, throughout most of Vermont. The Northeast Kingdom is fast approaching peak color however, and is expected to be at 50–75 percent at many locations over the coming weekend.

Similar conditions are emerging at higher elevations along the Green Mountains, although the majority of Vermont is still exhibiting early stage color: individual trees and groups of trees with fantastic mixes of full color — birches in brightening yellows, red maples hinting at the vibrant reds yet to come, and lots of roadside color in asters, goldenrods, woodbine, and sumac — all within a backdrop still largely green, but fading and changing with every day.

The forests of Vermont appear primed and ready to unveil another spectacular display over the next few weeks.


Best Bets (North to South):
– The Northeast Kingdom Byway between St. Johnsbury and Newport along Vermont Route 5A should provide for some prime viewing of the seasonal colors. Mountain bikers can stop at Kingdom Trails in East Burke for some of the top riding in the country. Burke Mountain and its Hotel & Conference Center is another beautiful destination to enjoy natural scenery.

– The ride between Montpelier and Danville along US Route 2 comes alive this time of year. While there, veer off to the Owl’s Head Trail at Groton State Forest, where a light hike on the trail will yield some unbelievable vantage points above Lake Groton, Kettle Pond and sweeping views of colorful maple trees. While there, visit the Great Vermont Corn Maze in West Danville.

– Take Vermont Route 242 between Montgomery Center and Jay, and make a stop at Jay Peak Resort -home to numerous outdoor activities and the Pump House Indoor Waterpark. After winding through Jay, follow the drive south on Vermont Route 101 to Troy for a relaxing spin through some wonderful fall scenery.

[ctyanky]

Hi Tim: sounds like the NEK will be peaking all next week, the last full week of September. Not that unusual, but just a tad early. 50 to 75% "sounds" early when you think about it though, that's just two days away! It also started earlier up there so no surprise. I'm sure the next weekend, the 29th and 30th and the 1st of October will be just as beautiful in the NEK.....

[From_the_NEK]

If it wasn't for this unusually warm weather we would have been peaking this week. The heat has really slowed down the initial early color change.

[ctyanky]

This is good for the folks coming up next week!