Leaf Peeper’s Guide to Foliage and Fun 2020
“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.”
— Oscar Wilde
That’s how it is around here. Vermont. Green, green, green … then hints of red, yellow, orange, spring green, brown, mostly on trees that are stressed, or dying, or want to be first in line. Then bam! An explosion of color.
Like Mr. Wilde says, suddenly, seemingly all at once, summer is fall. If you run into a local on your trip north this September or October — made more difficult with masks and COVID and virus fears — every single one of them will be sure to regale you with tales of how “the leaves just aren’t as colorful this year” or “it’s never been more beautiful” or “fall comes later and later every year.” That last one might just be true.
So, if you happen to take your fall trip a little too early or a little too late, fortunate son or daughter, it does not really matter. There are old mills and mountaintop trout ponds and scenic streams and waterfalls to explore, and on this you can trust us, they are beautiful year round, no matter the luster of the leaves. Well, if you get it just right and hit Peak Foliage, as we like say, that’s like your first maple creemee of the season.
(Note: If you get about in your car or bike or kayak in different parts of the state, you’re bound to hit peak foliage no matter when you come, from the third week of September to the third week of October. High elevations and NEK, early. Valleys along Mountain flanks, mid. Champlain Valley and southern Vermont, late.)
— Greg Popa
Submit your lively landscapes, pretty petioles and other fine fall photos. Shutterbugs have now until Nov. 1 to submit up to three photos, which will be shared online and, perhaps, featured in print. Staff will vote and select first, second and third place winners. To share your favorites, email foliage@stowereporter.com.
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