Runs from the third week of September through the third week of
     October, starting north and moving south, starting at higher elevations
     and moving lower. There is almost always fall foliage color somewhere in Vermont      during that period.

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     Earliest fall foliage colors appear in the Northeast Kingdom and along the spine of
     the Green Mountains. Latest fall foliage colors are in the Champlain Valley and the
     Lower Connecticut River Valley and Bennington County. Look for
     pockets of brilliant red fall foliage early in red maple wetlands along roads. 

     The weather in the spring of 2006 produced a normal crop of green
     leaves. We had a mix of wet and dry weather quite typical for the
     season. The dry spring early, slowed leaf opening slightly. This should not
     significantly impact fall colors.  Assuming no major changes, the fall foliage 
     should be fully prepared to put on an outstanding show.

     Tree health indicators such as size, number and growing season are 
     normal statewide for this time of year.

     Trees growing in highway medians, urban settings and along roads are
     susceptible to stress from drought, road construction and winter kill, so
     they should NOT be used as indicators for the overall health and condition
     of the forest trees that produce our autumn foliage colors. Early foliage coloration in      these sites just whets the appetite forfall foliage color to come. 

     Most of Vermont fall foliage color is provided by sugar and red maples. Their
     reds, oranges and yellows are always spectacular. These color backed
     by the purples of ash, the brilliant yellows of birch and poplar and
     interrupted by the greens of the softwoods make the nature-painted
     scenes complete. 

     Weather conditions from just prior to and until leaf drop will be the most
     important factors in foliage color. Heavy rainfall, high winds and strong
     storms can sometimes effect foliage. Frost timing and cloudy days also
     can make an impact on the strength of the colors. Local visitor centers
     are an excellent source of viewing information regarding local roads and
     vistas. 

Vermont is renowned for its fall foliage in part because of the landscape
setting in which it appears; mixed hardwood and softwood interspersed with
rustic farms and small villages, vistas or backdrops of the White, Green and Adirondack Mountains. Even small amounts of fall foliage color can create beautiful scenes with these elements! We have many of these unique settings along every major highway and small byway in Vermont.

Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation