As the Foliage Turns – Episode 12: Mid-October Fall Color Update

Hey everyone, this is Jeff Foliage, and welcome to Episode 12 of As the Foliage Turns!
It’s October 16th, 2025, and we’re heading into the home stretch of this year’s New England fall foliage season. While we’re definitely closer to the end than we’d normally be for mid-October, But… there are still plenty of beautiful spots showing bright autumn color — especially if you know where to look.

🌅 The Season Feels Ahead of Schedule

Standing outside at sunset tonight, I couldn’t help but notice how the season feels a bit ahead of itself. Normally, we’d still have strong mid-season color in northern areas, but 2025 has been unusual from the start. Between uneven rainfall and warm spells, the foliage timeline has shifted — yet there are still vibrant pockets of color waiting to be found.

🍁 Where to Find Fall Color This Weekend

If you’re within driving distance, this weekend looks fantastic for leaf-peeping. Let’s take a quick tour of where you can still find those brilliant reds, oranges, and golds:

Northwestern Vermont

Places like Swanton, Fairfield, and St. Albans are showing strong color. These small farming towns aren’t the typical tourist hotspots like Stowe or Woodstock, but that’s part of their charm.
Expect lower lodging rates, local farm stands, and quiet backroads lined with maples. When I visited on Monday, the hillsides were glowing with color, and I even caught barns and cows framed against the autumn backdrop — classic Vermont scenes.

If you’re in the area, don’t miss Hudak Farm Stand in Swanton. It’s filled with pumpkins, baked goods, and photogenic barns — a perfect stop for both your camera and your taste buds.

🌳 Southern New England Foliage Reports

I’ve been getting updates from friends and fellow photographers across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, and here’s the latest:

Massachusetts

Photographer Joshua Bennett has been exploring south of Boston — towns like Duxbury, Pembroke, Hanover, Norwell, and the Jacob’s Pond and Norris Reservation areas. Reports show plenty of late color with maple canopies glowing over quiet roads and historic cemeteries. Definitely worth a weekend drive.

Connecticut

Photographer Jonathan Steele shared images from Chapman Falls, the Eightmile River, and even a mysterious, unnamed back road (he claims his car chose it for him!). He also crossed the Chester–Hadlyme Ferry, where reflections of colorful leaves on the water made for perfect New England autumn scenes. As always, you’ll find a mix — some bare branches, some peak color, and everything in between.

Rhode Island

Photographer Butch Lombardi reports that routes 102 and 44 are looking excellent. Rhode Island had almost no drought this year, and the colors are responding beautifully — 30% to 70% of trees have turned and more are changing daily. Expect full color progression over the next week or two, especially around Providence, where Photographer Mark Spremulli has been capturing some brilliant scenes.

🌤️ Weather and Travel Outlook

No snow in the forecast through October 29th, and this upcoming weekend looks mild and sunny. Temperatures should climb into the upper 60s by Sunday — ideal for exploring southern New England’s backroads and state parks. Whether you’re hiking, photographing, or just leaf-peeping, this weekend is one of your last, best chances to catch vibrant foliage before it fades.

🎁 Support My Work & Get Ready for the Holidays

If you can’t make it up this year but still love New England’s autumn beauty, check out my calendars on Lulu.com — they make great gifts and are proudly made in the USA.

You can also find my fine art prints, puzzles, mugs, and home décor on Fine Art America, featuring many of the scenes I’ve talked about here. Links are below — and if you order early, you’ll beat the holiday rush.

🍂 Final Thoughts

Even as the season winds down, there’s still magic to be found across New England. From quiet Vermont farm roads to coastal Rhode Island, each region is offering its own version of autumn beauty.

So grab your camera, your favorite sweater, and maybe a maple creemee — and get out there to enjoy what’s left of this fleeting, colorful season.

Until next time, have a wonderful fall foliage day — and take a moment to enjoy a sunset or two while you’re at it. Photographer John Rowe caught last night’s sunset (15 Oct 2025)