2024 Vermont Foliage Planner

Vermont’s 2024 fall foliage promises brilliant colors across its Green Mountains and surrounding valleys, with peak viewing around early October, long-lasting hues, and standout late-season color near Lake Champlain.

2024 Guide to Vermont Foliage

Vermont Overview

Vermont’s Green Mountains are its central focus for fall foliage, with forests filled with sugar maple, beech, and birch trees that turn in brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow each fall. No other state in New England turns so uniformly, making it the perfect state for long, scenic road trips. East and west of the Green Mountains, color spreads towards the two river valleys bordering the state, the Connecticut to the east and the Hudson to the west.  

2024 Vermont Foliage Forecast

The overall forecast for Vermont’s 2024 fall foliage is very good, but some of the state’s summer weather may impact the fall. The headlines of historic flooding in Vermont were a bit of a mischaracterization, as only the northeast corner was affected. There have been much drier areas in the central and southern parts of the state, but no significant drought. With overall healthy forests and an outlook for a seasonable fall pattern, the timeline should be close to normal this year. Color should be long-lasting, and bright. And if sunshine is abundant in the coming weeks leading, there’s a good chance for a lot of red foliage this year!  

The lingering risks are leaf fungus developing in the northern wet areas, which looks increasingly less likely, and a lack of cool air ahead of peak. But all signs are positive! 

See More: New England Fall Foliage | 2024 Forecast

Where to Find Early Vermont Foliage

By late September the first of Vermont’s peak autumn colors arrive in the cool valleys and rolling highlands of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. It’s an iconic area to see the fall foliage, with quaint towns and farms, great restaurants and breweries, and many outdoor recreation opportunities like mountain biking, hiking, and paddling. 

Where to Find Late Vermont Foliage

The last place in Vermont for fall color is surprising, as the peak wave typically moves from north to south, but not in the charming small city of Burlington. Its proximity to Lake Champlain, and all of the heat the water retains, creates a stunning pocket of late color despite bare (and possibly snow-covered) views from much of the surrounding Adirondack and Green Mountains. Look to visit the city in the third week of October, after most leaf peepers have left the region! 

Best 2024 Vermont Foliage Weekend

October 5-6, 2024. If you can travel ahead of the crowds, you’ll be treated to high color along much of the spine of the Green Mountains, as well as the Northeast Kingdom.  The river valleys may not yet be fully bright, though.  

Suggested 2024 Vermont Foliage Drive

Smugglers Notch is a fantastic, narrow winding road through the forests west of Stowe. The change in elevation, the stunning views, and the access to hiking and climbing make this an ideal drive to see the changing leaves. You can also take a side trip and drive up to the summit of Mount Mansfield (toll road), the highest peak in the state, for a memorable bird’s eye view!  

See More:14 Favorite Fall Drives in New England

More New England Foliage

Best Apple Orchards in New England

Apple-picking is just one of those fall activities that never seems to grow old. Yankee senior food editor, Amy Traverso, provides a list of the best apple orchards in New England.

Fall Foliage Train Tours

Looking for a fun, new way to experience the autumn color in New England? Fall foliage train tours are a great alternative to driving.

Best Corn Mazes in New England

If you look forward to making your way through a corn maze each fall, here’s a list of the best corn mazes in New England from Maine to Rhode Island.