I don’t know if this should be termed a foliage report or maybe a “condition” report. This article focuses on the conditions of the leaves, the roads, and a few of the businesses that we visited last weekend. So, let’s get the ball rolling!

Welcome my fall foliage friends. It’s less than 30 days to the 1st “official” day of Autumn 🍂 😀 and Lisa and I were up in Northern Vermont looking around this past weekend.
In 2021 I made a report around the 6th of Sept. Well due to all the “early” reports of fall colors, I needed to go up into Vermont and take a look around. I still can’t make an iron-clad observation but I will give my best guess… at the end of the article. (Here is a spoiler)

First off… There is no “real” fall color anywhere being reported. (But some swamp maples are putting on quite a bright show!) Keep up with the foliage reports by subscribing!

Starting on Sat Morning 26 August 2023

Our goal was to drive 🚗 the Mohawk Trail (Route 2) in Massachusetts over to Route 112 where we turned North to cross into Vermont and jump on Route 100. Before we got there we stopped for lunch at our favorite lunch counter in Erving Massachusetts at the Freighthouse Antiques. We both had freshly baked slices of strawberry rhubarb pie. We then followed that with a shared chicken wrap. Both were fantastic. (I’m old, I’m allowed to start with dessert)

We embarked on a scenic road trip from the border of VT, catching Route 100 through the heart of Vermont, and traveled north towards the picturesque town of Stowe. The trip taken on Route 100 showcases the natural beauty Vermont is renowned for. (Driving straight through is around 6+ hours) WITHOUT stopping. We took Smugglers Notch up and over to Jeffersonville and Points North. (The total for today’s driving was a little over 8 hours and 300 miles…) 

If you’re longing for a captivating road trip through Vermont, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the allure of Route 100. Discover the picturesque towns, embrace the natural splendor, and let the open road carry you on an unforgettable adventure. For more in-depth insights and travel tips, you can read about driving along Vermont’s fabled Route 100 in this comprehensive article. Happy travels!

Road Conditions along Route 100

Route 100 was good, 97% of the way. Near Killington Route 100 had one lane closed but that was the only big issue all day. We found another small road issue near Ludlow. There were a couple of spots that were gravelly. Generally, the entire route was very drivable.

Our first stop was at Cold Hollow Cider Mill outside Stowe

We did stop at Cold Hollow for a couple of cider donuts, and to explore. Much like the Vermont Country Store, Cold Hollow is a destination stop. From kitchen seasonings to mugs, and sweatshirts to ball caps, you will find something to take home. I was drawn to the ball caps seen on the left. I left mine in Acadia Maine at a restaurant and have been wanting a replacement.

Our 2nd stop was at the south entrance to Smuggler’s Notch

All through this trip so far the color observed is GREEN, Lots of green which left me relieved. As much as I was excited to be out looking for fall colors, The fact that I didn’t find much more than a few leaves here or there (except for swamp maples) left me relieved. As much as I want to see it this is waaay too early.

After leaving Cold Hollow we took the alt-route to 108 skipping the traffic in Stowe. This took us over to Route 108 and Smuggler’s Notch. We stopped at the South entrance to Smugglers Notch and I took a moment to launch my new Mavic 3 Pro drone. It was a short trip to see the valley heading up through the Notch. The clouds were caressing the side of Mount Mansfield.

The varied colors of green that we see on the sides of the valley is pretty much what we would expect to see in late August. But there are a few points of real color mixed in there. I took a close-up shot and several branches in yellow can be seen and I think a tree in red is on the lower right.

As far as foliage goes, Green is the predominant color in Vermont. On Sunday we drove to Isle La Motte on Lake Champlain and we did see a lot of color in the Bogs around the shore of the Lake where the swamp maples are turning colors but these are trees where their trunks are in the water. There were some bright colors seen in the swamp maples which I hope carries over to the rest of the trees yet to turn

BUT… Most trees that I’ve seen have been… Well, wait for the overall report below…

I have published my 2024 fall foliage calendar. This year I created my calendar with 12 scenic months of New England images. This will allow you to explore New England from top to bottom in all seasons. Also, on the same page, is my 2024 covered bridge calendar and a Winter in New England. Click the link on my calendar page to go to Lulu.com and view/purchase.

My Thoughts on Conditions in this Foliage Report

Maine

As noted above Laura Casey in Maine has sent pictures of swamp maples that have been turning with bright colors. She also states that some regular trees (non-swamp maples) have started to change as well. I think most areas are still green outside of the Carrabassett/Sugar Loaf region. This area she is reporting about does turn early in most years and this year is no different. But the webcams of Katahdin, Lake Ebemee, and around Stickney Hill, all show similar to what I saw in Vermont and New Hampshire this past weekend.

Up in the Carabasset Valley of Maine, Laura Casey and her husband are posting images of Swamp maples in the Carabassett Valley that are turning early. Since we had a family get-together up in Vermont, I decided to take the long way to check out Vermont and see if there was any good color to worry about. As of this time, I haven’t seen any stunning fall colors from New England (yet).

New Hampshire

Chris Whiton from White Mtn Images says “It’s green here in northern NH, other than the occasional stressed roadside tree and swamp maple. Canopies seem more lush this year with all the rain, but that might just be due to the leaves always being wet 😁”.
(Jeff says) I think there MAY be some early turning but much of it will be early stress turning. We should see a long drawn-out process… I think I will be getting a headache 🙃 😩 😕 through this season… So… good color (25-35% towards turning) may arrive early but it won’t be peak… but it may be very nice a bit earlier this year.

Vermont

Another issue I am seeing more of is the tar spot and Anthracnose funguses. When I got to Sheldon Vermont this past weekend My brother-in-law pointed out his big maple that was just dropping leaves and they were not turning anything but brown. Laura Casey says a Norway maple in her yard did the same thing as well. Brown and dropping, where last year it turned a bright yellow.

Driving Alert: The town of Pomfret will close Cloudland Road from 23 September to 15 October this year to stop the level of traffic in front of the Sleepy Hollow farm. The farm has been causing so many traffic issues, that the town finally decided to stop all motorized traffic. Also on the other end of Cloudland Road which is Barbor Rd, that is also limited traffic so no slipping in that way Also if you try to park within walking distance, that will be stopped as well.

I want your expectations to be set so that when not if… you do see these issues you are prepared. You will see some bare trees this year, it is a fact, more than last year, it will be noticeable.

Connecticut

The early report from Connecticut NHPR reports that with all the rain they think the fall colors will be slow to start but long-lasting and very bright, boy I hope they are right!!!

Conclusion

My Foliage Report says: At no time during our trip along Route 100 did I see any issues to worry about. But I think the colors may come on faster IF… IF we get the right weather.
BUT! The current forecast for the next 7-10 days across New England says we are looking at temps rising into the low to mid-80s for the highs and lows will be in the upper 50s to low 60s before the temps drop back down again. The near-term temps are probably going to slow any changes down for the next week. After that, we’ll have to see.
But I would lean towards earlier dates NOT 2-3 weeks early but being here a week early might work this year… Again depends on the weather we get.
Warmer weather – slower color development, Cooler temps = quicker color development

My best guess this early and in lieu of a good/accurate forecast for the weather is that it will start weak and slowly build from the last week or so of September into October. Some color may arrive early but it will be more of the type of a few trees at a time with more slowly adding on. This may mean “Bright Peak” if you find it will be far and few occasions this year…

As far as the roads go in Vermont. I trust the newengland511.org for road conditions. Also, we saw a few stores here or there that were closed but we didn’t see any massive issues. We did not have time to go into Montpelier which I hear is still suffering greatly. If you NEED to go into Montpelier, be prepared for many closed businesses.

Most other places that we saw in Vermont last weekend looked to be in good shape. The Vermont Country store and the town of Weston Vt. looked great 👍

Jeff Foliage Folger

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

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