Best Time To See Fall Foliage in Vermont

Stratton scenic lift rides
Stratton Mountain, Vermont. September 10, 2021. Photo: Zach Gould

Fall foliage in Vermont is a sight to be seen year after year. Like the snowflakes that are soon to follow, no two foliage seasons are ever the same. No matter how many times you see Vermont’s fall foliage, there are always new colors, perspectives, hikes, secret spots, and peak days to take in. Stratton Mountain features many unique perspectives of the surrounding Vermont peaks. Taking in the fantastic vistas of fall foliage is guaranteed each fall.

Located in the heart of southern Vermont, Stratton makes for an excellent day trip from southern states, or the perfect basecamp for a weekend fall foliage tour with a large variety of lodging accommodations. Lodging accommodations are located on the resort, with restaurants and retail locations just a hop and skip away from your room to unwind after a day of adventure.

Best Time For Fall Colors

So when is the best time to see the fall foliage in Vermont? Depending on the summer leading up to peak leaf-peeping, the weeks will vary year to year. As of this blog post, September 20, 2021, the foliage seems to be creeping in slowly but surely this autumn. After a rain-filled summer, it was easy to notice how green and vibrant the trees were on sun-filled summer afternoons. The trees are healthy and full of water and they all seem to be hanging on to their green pigments a bit longer this summer. The conclusion, it should be an incredibly vibrant October 2021.

September Foliage 2021

Vermont foliage chairlifts
September 8, 2021 Photo: Zach Gould

We noticed the first leaves turning the week of September 5. Red leaves started to appear on tips and single branches of trees.

Vermont foliage tour
September 13, 2021 Photo: Zach Gould

The week of September 12 saw an increase in reds and oranges. While we are still a few weeks away from peak, the falls colors are beginning to creep. As you drive up the Stratton access road, you will begin to notice reds and yellows peppered into the road’s edge.  We have seen more colors popping up on the mountain, but the views are currently still dominated by green leaves. It’s a good weekend for a scenic gondola ride to get up in elevation and see the variations colors on a big scale, instead of taking them in from a single viewpoint.

Stratton fire tower
View from the Stratton fire tower. Imagine it with some added color! September 19, 2021 Photo: Andrew Kimiecik
Vermont foliage updates
The foliage is upon us here in southern Vermont. This is the first significant difference we’ve seen week to week here at Stratton. The colors are now noticeable on the drive up to the mountain, and a scenic gondola ride or hike reveals even more beauty. While we are still an estimated 2 to 4 weeks away from peak foliage, the colors are a sight to see this week. Fall is officially here in more ways than one, with the first official day of autumn this week, and a true change in the colors in southern Vermont. September 21, 2021. Photo: Zach Gould
September 21, 2021. Photo: Zach Gould
Best Southern Vermont foliage
We have seen more vibrance in the trees this week, as it is truly looking like leaf season in Vermont. The colors are noticeable from anywhere on the mountain, and on a drive down any scenic southern Vermont road. Favorite fall hues are beginning to fill in the canopies more and more each day. We have seen the reds really pop in the leaves, as we are now seeing the first signs of strong yellows and golden tones up in the treetops. It’s a great weekend to enjoy a Scenic Gondola Ride through the foliage and up to the summit of Stratton. September 29, 2021 Photo by Zach Gould.

October Foliage 2021

Best Fall Foliage in Vermont
October 6, 2021 Photo by Zach Gould
Vermont Peak Fall Foliage

We’re in the week of peak here in southern Vermont. The trees have really popped this past week, bringing near peak fall colors to the mountain, just in time for the long weekend. Take in the fall sights at Stratton’s annual HarvestFest celebration on Saturday, October 9 with scenic gondola rides, live music, brew fest, kid’s activities and more all under the spectacular autumn leaves.  October 7, 2021 Photo by Zach Gould.

Peak Fall Foliage in Vermont
October 9, 2021. Photo: Zeke Neubauer

View our Top 10 Vermont Fall Foliage Picks

Stay tuned to Vermont’s Leaf Squad, including weekly reports of Stratton as we head into peak fall foliage season in Vermont.

Posted September 2021 by Andrew Kimiecik

Stratton Fall Foliage

Excited to see the colors? Here’s what to expect on Your Fall Vermont Weekend Getaway to Stratton.