Vermont’s fall foliage usually reaches its broad peak from the last week of September into the first week of October, but there is no single peak date for the whole state. Color tends to appear first in northern areas and at higher elevations, then develop in lower valleys and farther south. For trip timing, check the latest Vermont forestry report and tourism forecaster, then compare updates for the specific area you plan to visit.
When does fall foliage usually peak in Vermont?
Vermont Tourism’s forecaster describes the usual broad peak window as the last week of September and first week of October. Treat that as a planning range, not a statewide appointment: weather, elevation, time of year, and tree species all affect when a particular place turns.
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How the season typically progresses
- Early season, September: Green begins giving way to fall color.
- Tracking foliage, mid- to late September: Higher elevations generally show more color first.
- Presumed peak, late September into October: Mountains and valleys may show saturated color, though they can be at different stages.
- Forest floor, mid- to late October: Leaves fall; valleys may retain color after mountain areas have peaked or become bare.
Vermont Tourism says 78% of the state is forested; its page does not state when that figure was published. The size of the forested area helps explain the breadth of the foliage season, but it does not make timing uniform.
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Where was color peaking in the latest dated 2026 reports?
These reports are snapshots, not forecasts for later travel dates. Foliage changes quickly, so use the newest local update available when planning.
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| Report and date | What it reported | Areas or outings it named |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation weekly report, September 30, 2026 | The Northeast Kingdom was at peak; Green Mountain areas and foothills were approaching peak. Some southern hillsides had pockets of color. | US 302 from Barre toward the New Hampshire border; hikes in Worcester, Belvidere, and Groton. |
| Deerfield Valley regional tracker, October 2, 2026 | Higher elevations near Mount Snow and Somerset Reservoir were at peak, while lower valley color was still developing. The tracker said lower areas could continue to show color over the following couple of weeks, without specifying how long peak would last. | Mount Snow, Somerset Reservoir, and lower parts of the Deerfield Valley. |
The difference between these reports is a useful reminder: a statewide label such as “peak” can conceal substantial local variation.
How to track foliage before your trip
- Open the state weekly report. Vermont Tourism hosts the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation’s weekly foliage report. The department says its foresters report statewide progression each week during September and October: Vermont foliage reports.
- Use the forecaster to understand the stages. Vermont Tourism’s foliage forecaster explains the broad seasonal progression and why higher elevations often change before valleys: Vermont fall foliage forecaster.
- Compare the area you actually plan to visit. Northern, central, and southern Vermont—and mountain slopes versus nearby valleys—may not be at the same stage. Favor a dated observation for your destination over a general seasonal range.
- Check again close to departure. A regional update can add detail that a statewide report does not. For the Deerfield Valley, for example, the October 2, 2026 report distinguished higher elevations from lower valley areas: Deerfield Valley foliage tracker.
How to choose between destinations
Compare three things: the destination’s region, its elevation, and the date of the latest report. Northern locations and higher ground tend to show color earlier; lower valleys and southern areas may follow. If two places appear to be at similar stages, choose based on your route and practical conditions rather than assuming one is certain to peak on a particular day.
A regional travel guide notes that popular corridors can be busy on peak weekends and mobile service can be spotty in rural areas. Download offline maps before setting out, consider an early start on a scenic drive, and check the mountain forecast so you can prepare for conditions: Deerfield Valley travel and foliage guide.
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The September 30, 2026 state report named US 302 from Barre toward the New Hampshire border and hikes in Worcester, Belvidere, and Groton as that week’s best bets. Those suggestions reflect the report’s dated conditions; they are not promises of peak color on a later visit.
Vermont Tourism also notes that gap roads can be colorful during the tracking stage and suggests scenic drives, paddling, or a forest stroll around presumed peak. Match the outing to the latest report and local conditions rather than relying on a route name alone.
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