When does it peak?
Estimating the peak is a daunting prospect but since the whole season in any given area only lasts about three weeks and the middle of that being roughly around the second week of October in this southwestern part of the state one could pretty comfortably say the peak will be then, although there may be splendid colors in late September and even the third week of October. Vermonters are ripe with speculation and prediction but it's about as reliable as predicting the weather in January for a June wedding. One day of solid rain will change everything overnight as will two very cold nights or a few unseasonably warm days... the variables are too many to list. For a really detailed up-to-the-minute report for the entire state call (802) 828-3239.

How long does it last?
Generally about three weeks. Sometimes you will see a tree that has begun to turn late in the summer. Trees that begin to turn very early are usually diseased or stressed in some way. The most favorable weather conditions for brilliant red colors are warm sunny days followed by cool nights with temperatures below 45 degrees F. Rain and wind will end the show pretty quickly once the colors have changed.

What kind of weather can we expect?
Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night with differentials as great as 50°. If you are going out early, bear in mind that it may warm up to 75° or even 80° at mid-day and, likewise, if you go out during the heat of the day, when the sun goes down, the temperature may plummet amazingly fast and you don't want to be caught out on a hike without warm clothes. Dress in layers and keep extras in the car or your knapsack. Most likely the days will be temperate, about 65° to 75° but the nights will by cool, dropping quickly to 30° or 40°

What is there to do in the area?
Well, we've got you here and we plan to entertain you. There are fairs and festivals and events happening all over the place. Check out the Events page of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce site. For informative, scenic and educational tours, let Back Road Discovery or Nature Walk show you southern Vermont.

What makes them change color?
In the summer, hardwood leaves contain green, yellow and orange pigments. It is chlorophyll that gives the leaves their green color and masks the yellow and orange pigments. The shorter days and cooler temperatures of Autumn trigger chemical changes in the trees which break down the green pigment revealing the other colors and resulting in the bright fall foliage. Sunny, cool days and cold, but not freezing, nights are the optimal conditions for the brightest colors. If you want to know more, visit Science Made Simple

What are the optimal viewing conditions?
There is a greater contrast and more depth of color on overcast days and in the early morning and particularly the late afternoon when the sun is low. In bright sunlight, as in mid-day, the colors become "bleached" out.

How can one predict the foliage season?
With such variables as temperature, rainfall and sunlight, no one can truly predict how brilliant the foliage will be in any given year or how long it will last or when it will peak but it's assuredly the subject of endless speculation in these parts.

Where are the best views?
Basically, if you're in the valleys, look up and if you're in the mountains, look around. The views are everywhere! Of particular note is the Sky Line Drive to Equinox Mountain (altitude 3,845 ft.) and both Stratton and Bromley offer scenic chairlift rides. Route 100 and Route 30 offer very scenic auto or cycle touring. If you find a particularly beautiful color spectacle, please tell us at: