WEEK 1, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
Throughout Vermont, fall foliage season is underway. Many roadside trees, or those growing in wet areas, are showing a mix of yellows, oranges, and reds. Trees in the Northeast Kingdom region currently have the most fall color in the state, with the Upper Green Mountains and Capital Region starting to turn as well.
The colder climate and dry conditions in the NEK have allowed foliage to start the breakdown of chlorophyll and reveal the yellows and oranges present underneath (they’re present all year, but masked by the green chlorophyll.) Vibrant scarlet hues are showing up on red maples in the area, with sugar maples and ash species showing off with fiery oranges and yellows.
All around the state, we are seeing a swath of areas showing some degree of fall color. It’s a great time to get out and explore, particularly with a good weather forecast for Saturday around the state.
Best bets: The Northeast Kingdom is a great spot to see fall color this weekend. A drive along the Northeast Kingdom Byway would provide plenty of opportunities to see full displays of fall color, as would hikes in Groton State Forest or Maidstone State Park. Although not as far along as the NEK, driving the Green Mountain Byway is always beautiful and pops of color are sure to be visible.