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Home » Foliage Articles » Should You Visit Vermont This Fall?

Should You Visit Vermont This Fall?

New England Fall Foliage avatarPosted on by

People are asking, “Should we cancel?” I say, “I don’t think you should cancel”…

Remember this is all my opinion and no “official” Vermont office has informed me one way or another as far as an “official” stance from the State of Vermont. All my information is based on data on the internet as of 5 August 2023 and things can/will change between now and October. So let the traveler beware.

Also, this article does not address the effect of all the rain we have been getting here in New England this summer. Anthracnose and other fungi that affect our Maples/ and Oaks will (not maybe), WILL be showing themselves this summer into fall. HOW BAD it will be is the subject of my next article. Today I’m only looking at the Flood and its effects.

“Should we Cancel” This is a tough one to call, back on 15-17 July, Lisa and I drove through southern New Hampshire up to the eastern edge of the Vermont border. We traveled through “areas like Claremont NH, and North Hartland Vermont (Stopping at the Willard-covered bridges seen below) Then we Jumped on Route 89 at Whiteriver Junction and went to Swanton VT.
A couple days later on our trip home we came East across Route 58 through Lowell Vermont to Hazen’s Notch and stopped for lunch in Saint Johnsbury and then down Route 5.

As we followed Route 5 South (on the 17th of July) we noticed that the Connecticut River looked MORE like a lake at certain points, instead of a river.

The Willard covered bridge over the Ottauquechee River in autumnWillard twin covered bridge with the river raging below
The normal river level in Autumn is seen in my gallery here and after the July 2023 torrential downpours that Vermont received seen in my gallery here.

I admit we weren’t trying to get near Ludlow, Londonderry and Andover, Barre, or Montpelier which were hit hard by 6-9+ inches of rain causing the floods… (among other towns).

We didn’t want to cause an issue as far as more traffic than was needed in those areas. I’ve sent an email to the Vermont Emergency folks to see if any areas should be avoided in October (no answer) but at this time I would say in the next 60 days we should see things as “better” than they were in July.

We Are Vermont – 2023 Flood Disaster Relief

I was checking on various websites and if you are interested in A. what you can do and B. What new info there is on the flood situation in Vermont?

I found this page on the Vermont.com website where you can see current updates and if you are so motivated, donate to the repairs. Now Vermont.com is the Vermont Tourism website but I feel they are fairly trustworthy.

Disaster Relief

If you want the direct link to their disaster relief page try this one https://vermont.com/disaster-relief/. You will see Ads there so let the Leaf Peeper beware…

Also, Jasper Hill Farm has a list of agencies that can use your donations. Clicking in this paragraph will take you to their website with the listings of agencies that are helping Vermont businesses and families.

Vermont DOT Road Updates

New England road status

Ok, now this one you should have on your phone. The https://newengland511.org/ is suitable for all of New England so you can look over the next day’s travels.

I find this one very helpful for seeing problem areas when I’m making plans on where to go.

Normally, we don’t have to worry about it, but it’s always good to take a quick look just to see if there are any road issues before you travel.

Also picking up a Delorme Gazetteer for New Hampshire & Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, or Connecticut & Rhode Island (affiliate link)

Addendum: This is an article that I think is very important. So I’m including a link to my fall foliage primer. It may provide answers to your queries, but if it doesn’t, feel free to leave a comment at the end of the article.

sleepy Hollow in Pomfret Vermont during the autumn fall colors

jeff’s Take on
visiting Vermont in October

Explore Vermont

Ok, this really comes down to you but from what I’m seeing and hearing from my photographer friends and the New England DOT website, the travel in Vermont is pretty good. Yes, Ludlow, Barre, and Montpelier were hard hit but if you stay away from the known flooded areas you are fine. The businesses that are open or will open soon NEED your tourism dollars.

August River Status 2023

As of August 5th, the rivers are back in the green (normal river levels) While I’m not a scientist or associated with ANY agency, I think Vermont is recovering and if this “calm” weather trend continues, then much of Vermont will welcome your visit.

There are so many areas in Vermont to visit that were not as impacted. If you have reservations, check with the B&B, Inn, Motel, etc… for what they are seeing in their area. I’m sure they will give you good guidance on what travel is like currently.

If you don’t trust that, then change your location to New Hampshire, Maine, or Massachusetts… You get the idea. So many areas were only mildly impacted that it doesn’t make sense to cancel your whole trip. But if you must, New England will be here next year. (I think) 🙂

Articles on Tamworth and Mount Chocorua

Lisa has put together a list of farm businesses that are selling their products online and you can support them by buying the Locally-made products. (We put our favorite farm in there as well (Cider Hill in Amesbury MA)

That finishes the article. The flooding was tough on some Vermont towns but not others. If you stay away from the areas where the Vermont DOT site says there are roads/bridges out, then you shouldn’t have too many troubles

Jeff Foliage Folger

Autumn is a state of mind more than a time of year – Jeff Foliage

Visit my Amazon affiliate store for items that Lisa and I have curated for you. These items are either New England-made or things we think will make your fall foliage trip more successful.

Comments

Should You Visit Vermont This Fall? — 2 Comments

  1. I agree with JEFF- GO to VERMONT! Times are changing in Vermont- we think Nature doesn’t change but Mother Nature does create change- whether its floods or invasive bugs that are destroying some of the trees we love to see- GO to Vermont-support the LOCAL businesses which is part of the fabric and part of the JOY of discovery and it is these businesses that create subjects in our photos- whether they are Historic Farmhouses, barns, covered bridges=this STATE needs us AND the COLORS may be there too! And Vermont is close to NH or Upstate NY so you an also explore nearby areas as well- I do think we will find COLOR–so make plans and go enjoy Autumn in Vermont.

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  2. My wife and I just returned from a 5-day trip driving through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. We were impressed with how the communities in Vermont had responded to the recent flooding.
    Other than crews working on road repairs causing some delays, we experienced no issues traveling through the area. This is the greenest that we have ever seen those areas. Yes, we did include a stop at Polly’s Pancake for some delicious food and the usual great service.
    Now we are ready to head back up in October leaf peeping with some friends..
    Thanks for your information, it was very helpful.
    Hoss

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