vacationbound

Hello everyone. I am trying to plan a short trip to central Vermont and I have read that fall foliage is best during the first two weekends of October. Unfornately, I can't go at that time. I need to choose between mid September and mid October. Can someone from that area please help me out with which would be a better choice? I know that it won't be peak foliage in mid to late October, but will there be the possibility of some foliage or will all the leaves have fallen from the trees by then? If I have the choice, I'd rather see the trees green than bare which leads me to think of going in September. Are the days very hot in mid September? I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.

cheapbutnice

I suspect that future answers will disagree but I would vote for mid-October. I went last year, the weekend after the lodging rates dropped and it was beautiful.It felt like winter and you could see the beautiful scenery much better.My son who lived there voted for mid-September but suspected that lodging may be already booked for this year.

vacationbound

Thanks for the input cheapbutnice. I guess what I am wondering is if the trees have dropped their leaves in October. I would really like to go when there are still leaves on the trees. I can still get lodging for September if that would be a better time. I like the idea of the winter feel in October, I just would rather not go then if the trees will have already fallen. Also, I am concerned about September because I wonder if it gets very hot at that time. You mentioned that your son suggested September. What are the pros to going in September over October? Thanks!

cheapbutnice

September is more crowded, more expensive and more colorful. All of this is relative in a very rural & beautiful state.Read the previous request for more than you could possibly imagine for the best fall foliage colors.In any case, September is cool and beautiful-heat will not be a factor. Enjoy

seetheworld

Check out the foliage tracker and you get the answer to your question. Here is the link

http://www.foliage-vermont.com/foliageinflash.htm

dmkujat

What a lot of people may not understand is that "peak" time is really dependant on a lot of weather conditions and it isn't always predictable until you get closer to the fall season. I live in northern Michigan and used to work for our Visitors Bureau, so we used to get all the calls in spring and summer asking us when "peak" color season would be! Of course we would chuckle because its anybody's guess at that time. I will say that we were in Vermont in the Champlain Valley 2 years ago the first week of October. The leaves were pretty green the first half of the week, but magically, as the temps dropped one night, we woke up to so much color it was unbelievable! But then, if you get a good storm...wind and rain...those leaves can drop rather quickly! I would try to go the latest you can in your time frame....it certainly IS beautiful there when there is color!

casanic

To avoid disappointment, if your only choices are mid-September or later October, I would go with September. There will be some color mixed with the emerald green, and the weather will be splendid! (My sister and brother live near Waterbury; just down the road from Stowe). Waiting until October could result in naked or almost naked trees, and cold cloudy days.

vacationbound

Thank you so much everyone. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your input. Be well and happy travels to all!

kaudrey

vacationbound,

Just to give you another thought - since you have to travel a certain weekend - why don't you go farther south? If you go to Massachusetts instead, you wouldn't have to worry as much about being past the peak time.

Just a thought. Central MA is beautiful also. The Birkshires would be great that time of year.

Karen