State of Vermont foliage report No 3 Thursday October 7th, 2021

[admin]

Fall Foliage Report—Week 4
OCTOBER 7, 2021

This weekly report is from the desk of the Michael Snyder, the Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Forest, Parks and Recreation.

Vermont’s fall foliage season is unfolding with a delightful variety of conditions across the state. Nearly all stages of color development can be found. While the Northeast Kingdom and higher elevations of north and central Vermont are or will soon be in peak conditions, much of the state’s foliage is still showing early and mid-season color. This year’s show has been beautiful, if tantalizingly gradual as summer-like weather continues into early fall.

Among the highlights of the season so far are red maple, with particularly long-lasting color, as the dependably show-stealing maples are aglow with photo-worthy oranges and reds, while yellow hues from birch complement the display. Another standout this year is ash, which can sometimes be overlooked, showing off a range of colors from yellow to purple. And although it’s still early in southern and western parts of the state, color is coming on strong there, too. As we enter Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend with more mild and inviting weather forecast, seize every opportunity to get outside and enjoy this storybook time of year.

BEST BETS:

Experience the leaves by bicycle or just take a simple stroll on one of Vermont’s countless maple-lined back roads, or take in peak from a peak with a hike (find trails and lots more hiking info here)! While you can’t go wrong with just about any activity outdoors in any corner of the state, a few highlights this week include exploring Smuggler’s Notch State Park on foot and by car, hitting the trails at Willoughby State Forest, and biking on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.

~ Michael Snyder, Commissioner, FPR.

[loafer89]

Southern Vermont is at peak, even slightly past in a few spots. The Connecticut River Valley isn't far behind. Looks like a spectacular weekend coming up weather and foliage wise.