Prepared by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Each week during September and October, a team of foresters report on the progression of Vermont’s renowned fall foliage throughout the state.
October 14, 2025
Trees in many of the central and northern mountains have shed their leaves for the year, but that doesn’t mean foliage is past us. The southernmost counties still have great reds on the oaks and sumacs, and even some green leaves that haven’t changed yet. The broader valleys, such as the Champlain, Connecticut River, and Otter Creek valleys, still have a good mix of color as well, though the incoming rain this week may bring some leaves to the ground rather quickly. It’s also the time of year where some of the unusual suspects provide fall color for us – conifers like larch trees that shed their needles annually show off flashes of yellow around wetter areas, while some hardwood species like oaks and beech trees hold their auburn and ocher leaves deep into the fall and often winter. In short, there are still a lot of trees with fall foliage present, but it might take a little more travel time to find the best spots.
As “stick season” (the time of year between fall and winter) approaches and we see more leaves on sidewalks than on branches, views from peaks open up, and evergreens stand even more prominently among bare deciduous trees. Peek through tree branches, crunch through leaves as you explore trails, and enjoy the quiet of Vermont’s shoulder season before snow blankets hillsides.
Best bets: The southernmost regions of the state still have a good mix of fall color – a drive across VT Rt. 9 could be nice this week. Reports from the Vergennes area in the Champlain Valley region suggest that the fall color is still great there and in the surrounding towns.