SCENIC VERMONT • FALL COLOR UPDATES
Vermont Fall Foliage Report
Weekly Vermont foliage updates, peak color guidance, and the best places to see fall color across the Green Mountain State.
This report is updated weekly through foliage season
Prepared by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Each week during September and October, a team of foresters report on the progression of Vermont’s renowned fall foliage throughout the state.
WEEK 3, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026
Peak fall color is just around the corner for many parts of Vermont. With nighttime temperatures dropping and recent sun-filled days, the red leaves are showing up more and more. The red leaves we see (anthocyanins) are generated in response to these environmental cues, whereas the yellow and orange leaves are masked all year until the green chlorophyll begins to degrade. You can see this increase in red foliage through many parts of the Upper Connecticut River Valley and White River Valley. Areas further north (Northeast Kingdom, Upper Green Mountains, and the Capital Region) have had great color for at least a week now as they approach peak. Some hillsides in southern Vermont have fall color in pockets, but color should start progressing this week. With a sunny forecast for the weekend, it’s a great time to explore the variety of fall colors across the state.
Best bets: Northern Vermont looks outstanding right now. The Northeast Kingdom is at peak, with the Green Mountains and their foothills fast approaching the same. The drive along US 302 from Barre to the New Hampshire border is gorgeous right now. Hikes in Worcester, Belvidere, and Groton will have great foliage on the trails and the bonus of stunning lookouts this weekend with the sunny forecast.
WEEK 2, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026
Fall color isn’t quite at peak yet, but it is developing nicely across more areas of the state. The Northeast Kingdom (NEK) still shows the most color. Foliage in Northwest Vermont and the Champlain Islands has started to take on more autumnal hues this week. Color is starting to spread throughout the state, with reports of brilliant reds coming in from the Okemo Valley. The sunny days and cool nights we’ve had over the last week are the perfect conditions for leaves to showcase their oranges, yellows, and reds. Expect to see some areas lighting up with color this weekend. We are still in the “Tracking Foliage” stage throughout Vermont, with some sections of the NEK approaching “Presumably Peak” in the coming days.
Best bets: The Northeast Kingdom is still the spot to see the most fall color this weekend. A drive along Route 232 through Groton State Forest would offer beautiful views, as would exploring areas around Maidstone and Brighton. With the slopes of the Green Mountains starting to fill in with color, drives along Route 15 from Jericho through Hyde Park or Route 12A from Northfield to Randolph are sure to be scenic.
Foliage Report – 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.