Timing your visit to view Vermont's splendid fall foliage display is tricky, at best. There are a number of variables involved in determining when the colors will be the most vibrant in each region of the state. Following are some basic guidelines you can use, as well as some general information about leaves and why they change color.
Chlorophyll is a pigment found in green plants. Chlorophyll cells use light energy to synthesize carbohydrates from carbon dioxide and water - a process called photosynthesis which makes plants grow. As the days get shorter, the decrease in daylight reduces the energy needed for photosynthesis to occur. As the chlorophyll content in the leaves diminishes, other pigments become more dominant.
A yellow leaf indicates that the carotenoid pigment is dominant. Beech and Aspen leaves will be bright gold or yellow, while Oaks and Maples will turn red and purple due to sugar accumulating during photosynthesis due to the substance known as phloem becoming inactive.
When does the foliage season begin?
Due to the weather variables, it is nearly impossible to accurately predict exactly when the leaves will start turning color. The northern regions of Vermont will begin sooner than the southern regions, due to warm afternoons followed by cool evenings. However, an over-abundance of rain and wind or an extreme heat wave and drought, will effect the overall timing and vibrancy of Vermont's foliage season.
As a rule, the earliest change can be found near the Canadian border towns of Newport and Derby in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, and St. Alban's in the Northwestern region. In these regions and the areas surrounding Burlington, Montpelier and St. Johnsbury, the foliage season begins in mid-September and peaks by the last week of September running into the first week of October. The farther south you go, the later the change takes place, until the Southern region starts to turn by late September, usually peaking around the second week of October.
How long does the foliage season last?
The foliage season generally lasts about three weeks. Weather plays the key role in determining the length of the season. Warm, sunny days followed by cool nights are the best conditions for a long season. Once the leaves have changed, a hard rain or strong wind can end the season abruptly.
How can I be assured of accommodations during foliage season?
The only sure way to guaranty that you have a place to stay is to start your search early. Many visitors reserve their next year's accommodations as they depart during this year's visit. Again, one cannot be sure of the exact color-change timing, so this method can be disappointing if your dates are too early or too late. It is best to start your inquiry in the Spring, asking for availability during the dates you have in mind. By mid-Summer, your innkeeper will have a little better feel of what to expect, and may be able to adjust the dates of your visit accordingly. Rest assured that by August first, most accommodations in all regions of Vermont will be reserved during the last week of September and first week of October, often through Columbus Day weekend.
One thing is for sure - every hotel, motel, inn, bed and breakfast, and even most campgrounds, will be sold out during Vermont's foliage season. If you have not made advance reservations, you may still be able to acquire midweek accommodations - which some folks believe is the best time to visit due to the reduced traffic and waiting lines at attractions.
When is the best time to visit Vermont during foliage season?
Without a doubt, the best fall foliage experience will be found during midweek visits. Lodging choices will be far greater, and small villages found along back roads offer quaint midweek venues such as church suppers and flea markets - the essence of Vermont country living. Restaurants and attractions stay open later during foliage season, so your activity options are not limited during midweek visits. And, traffic, attractions, shopping, and sight seeing is much more enjoyable without the crowds.
Come to Vermont to stay and play a month, a week, or just for the day!
