 Foliage along the Cross Rd. in Waitsfield Sept. 24, 2009. Photo: Jeff Knight 09/24/2009
Most areas of Vermont will be displaying multiple stages of colorful foliage over the next several days, especially in the higher elevations and in low-lying sections.
Pockets of trees displaying bright color can be seen across the state during this first week of fall. Foliage is moving into mid-stage color in the higher elevations with varying shades of orange, russet, yellow and red. Red maples located in moist low-lying areas are close to peak color, and ash trees are beginning to turn purple-yellow.
State foresters say that almost everywhere in Vermont there are trees displaying full color. "I am definitely seeing a change in the foliage since last week," said Windsor County Forester Jon Bouton. "Many hillsides are still displaying more green than other colors, but the reds and yellows under the green are beginning to show. We have some clear, cool weather forecast for the latter part of the week, which should definitely make it worthwhile for people to get outdoors."
Best Bets: In northern Vermont, Route 105 from Bloomfield to North Troy is excellent for fall foliage viewing, as is Route 114 from Lyndonville to Island Pond. Also try Route 5 from Barnet to Coventry, Route 5A from West Burke to Westmore, Route 14 from Craftsbury to Albany, and Route 2 from West Danville to Lunenburg.
 Foliage along the Common Rd. in Waitsfield Sept. 24, 2009 Photo: Jeff Knight
Interstate 89 from Georgia to Montpelier offers beautiful views of orange, red and yellow foliage along the hillsides. Bright color can also be found on Route 108 between Stowe and Cambridge, Route 14 between Chelsea and Williamstown, Route 12 between Montpelier and Elmore, and Route 125 between Hancock and Middlebury. Look for purple-yellow ash on Route 64 and Route 12 in Northfield.
Early-stage foliage in the higher elevations is starting to progress quickly in southern and lower central parts of the state, where shades of orange and yellow are the dominant colors with brilliant pockets of red.
Route 5 along the Connecticut River from Bellows Falls to East Thetford is showing a variety of color, as is Route 14 along the White River between Hartford and East Randolph. Another recommended drive is Route 100 from Weston to West Bridgewater, which extends along the eastern side of the Green Mountains through some higher terrain. People driving this route will see the upper reaches of many rivers, including ponds and wetlands that are quite colorful.
Explore along Route 9 between Brattleboro and Bennington, and Route 100 between Killington and Rochester, where you'll find outstanding red color. Also try Route 73 from Rochester to Brandon, Route 140 from Mount Holly to Wallingford, and Route 103 from Ludlow to East Clarendon.
Spots of red, orange and yellow can also be seen along Route 7 between Wallingford and Danby and Route 7A between Manchester and Bennington.
Soft maples in low-lying marshy areas, such as Route 73 from Brandon to Sudbury and Route 30 from Whiting to Castleton Corners, are showing early to mid-stage color ranging from burnt orange to gold.
 Sugarbush as seen from the Cross Rd. in Waitsfield Sept. 24, 2009 Photo: Jeff Knight
In general, higher elevations will offer the most panoramic views of emerging color across the valleys, and many swamp or marsh areas will offer some of the most vivid and varied early season change.
The Vermont Hospitality Council advises making advance reservations because the most popular lodgings may fill early on busy weekends in late September and the first two weekends in October. Some innkeepers may require a minimum two-night stay, especially on busy weekends. Vermont tourism officials encourage visitors to take advantage of midweek specials during the foliage season as part of the statewide "Midweek Peek" promotion. Deals range from discounted lodging to free Vermont products. For details, visit www.VermontVacation.com/midweek.
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