VT State Foliage Report for September 20th, 2006

[admin]

VICTORY, Vt. – The color change is accelerating rapidly at the higher elevations along the spine of the Green Mountains, with mid-stage to some spots of near peak color in the north and colors brightening to mid-stage in central and southern Vermont.

The mountains and hillsides of the Northeast Kingdom are making a timely change this year, a pattern that flows down the length of Vermont as spotters report brightening changes at higher elevations. The higher mountain valleys in more southern areas like Weston, Stratton and Mount Snow expect a good early to mid-stage color display for the weekend.

In every area of the state the mountain gap roads and marshy areas will provide good perspectives on the brightest of the emerging colors.


Best Bets: The Northeast Kingdom is in mid-stage with pockets of near peak color in the upper elevations. Last week’s frosts stepped up the progression of color everywhere. Victory Basin and the extensive Northeast Kingdom Trails for cyclists are recommended for foliage emersion.

Routes 105 and 108 through Fletcher, Montgomery, Richford and Enosburg are at about 30 to 40 percent color.

In the Stowe, Morrisville area, Rtes. 12, 100 and 108 over Smugglers’ Notch are suggested, with an emphasis on the shorelines of Lake Elmore and the Green River Reservoir. Moose sightings are also a good possibility in the area.

Central areas of the state have early to mid-stage color, especially in the Roxbury and Roxbury/Warren Gap area and along Rte. 100 in the Mad River Valley. Individual trees are nice and bright - mostly red maple on wetter soils. I-89 around the Northfield exit is also showing some nice early color.

In southern Vermont the red maples in the wetlands are at peak. The best roads are Rte. 9 east of Bennington in the towns of Woodford, Searsburg, Readsboro, and Somerset. Rtes. 11 & 30 east of Manchester are also very good, Good color in Winhall, Peru, and Landgrove.



Here are some reports from Vermont State Foresters on the emerging color:

Matt Langlais, Caledonia/Essex Counties (Northeastern Vermont): As the Autumn Equinox approaches, the Northeast Kingdom is in mid-stage with pockets of near peak color in the upper elevations. Last week’s frosts certainly stepped up the progression of color everywhere. Get off the beaten path and head for the Victory Basin where the dark green spires of the firs contrast sharply with the brilliant foliage of the surrounding deciduous trees. Damon’s Crossing offers a spectacular long-range view across the basin. There is no better time of year to get out and explore the Kingdom on your bike or in your hiking boots. Check out Kingdom Trails in East Burke Village. The trails there provide countless opportunities for the autumn experience as they wind through sugar orchards and over hilltop fields. It surely doesn’t get any better.

Jim Tessmann, Franklin Grand Isle Counties (Northwestern Vermont): The foliage is changing very fast this week. Fletcher, Montgomery, Richford and Enosburg are at about 30 to 40 percent color. Best routes are 108, and 105. Individual trees on the mountain sides have very brilliant colors this year.

George Buzzell, Orleans County (North Central Vermont): This week and coming weekend promise lovely foliage -- a few scattered spots of near peak, but, in general throughout Orleans County, the colors are closer to mid-stage or even a little beyond.

Raymond J Toolan, Lamoille County Forester (North Central Vermont) Somewhat early muted colors are showing up in growing patches all over the county. Best "loops" for viewing are Rte. 100 from Stowe to Rte. 108 (Mountain Rd) over Smugglers Notch to Jeffersonville on 15, turn right on 15 and come back to Rte. 100 in Morrisville. There is also the Rte. 15 to Rte. 108 to 109 to 118 to 100 south and back to 15, which goes up around by Belvidere Pond. Any of the lakes and ponds are showing very nice color around their shores: Lake Elmore, Lake Eden, Belvidere Pond, Green River Reservoir and Sterling Pond to name a few. The colors are strong to reds, oranges and yellow and appear to be getting brighter.


Note: while watching the foliage keep an eye out for moose. This writer found himself within 12 feet of a 1,100 or so pound bull with a six foot rack just yesterday.

Russ Barrett, Washington County Forester (Central Vermont) Best early color I have seen to date is in Roxbury and Roxbury/Warren Gap area. Individual trees are nice and bright - mostly red maple on wetter soils. I-89 around the Northfield exit is also showing some nice early color. I haven't been in northern part of county recently, but should be heading to Worcester and Woodbury later this week. I would suspect that RT 12 between Worcester and Elmore is also starting to show some color.

Susan Roy, Waitsfield Foliage Spotter (Central Vermont) Recent cloudy weather has accelerated the trees to some early color in isolated areas of the Mad River Valley on Route 100. The greens of the maples are softening and beginning to show their true colors. Some vibrant reds can be seen in areas around springs and swamps. At the higher elevations about 20 percent color change can be seen. Sunny weather will slow down the progress of the leaves to make this year’s autumn foliage long lasting and one to remember.

Jim White, Bennington County Forester (Southwestern Vermont): Best colors are any wetland with red maples. They are at peak. Best roads are Rte. 9 east of Bennington in the towns of Woodford, Searsburg, Readsboro, and Somerset. Rtes. 11 & 30 east of Manchester are also very good, with good color in Winhall, Peru, and Landgrove.