Vermont Foliage Report: October 6, 2020
Foliage Conditions
Vermont is right in the heart of another storybook foliage season, with fall color now present in every part of the state as some regions move beyond peak, others come into peak, and still others are just beginning to see leaves changing. Western and southern areas and the Champlain and Connecticut Valleys are enjoying early to mid stages, with splendid color throughout and plenty of green leaves still present, even as they also see swaths of bare branches on ridges and exposed areas. Color abounds in much of Central Vermont, while the northern areas and the Northeast Kingdom are largely in late stages of the season, with most leaf color now piled on the ground, reminding us that leaf peeping isn’t just about looking up, but also about looking down underfoot. Even in places where color is past peak, some late-turning species such as aspen, birch, and oak are still predominantly green, promising more amber and even red hues ahead. No matter where you are in Vermont, the season is still well worth taking in.
Early October is also an excellent time to experience the harvest in Vermont. Get outside and visit a local orchard to pick your own apples (and to pick up a bag of cider donuts), or amplify your senses by watching the fall color while tasting your way through the Green Mountains with Vermont’s world-renowned craft food and beverages.
Recreation Recommendations
With comfortable temperatures and mostly sunny skies forecast for much of this week, getting outdoors for any type of adventure won’t disappoint. Tour boundless back roads by bike, and be sure to bring along your camera to capture the season’s best as many gravel roads are now lit up with fallen leaves. Hearty bikepackers might want to venture out along the Green Mountain Gravel Growler to experience the season and some of the finest craft beverages on the same route.
Vermont State Parks offer many of the state’s best recreation opportunities, and many parks are still operational this weekend. Try out a hike, paddle, or fishing outing at Molly Stark State Park or Woodford State Park. The Mount Olga trail and fire tower at Molly Stark and the Woodford Trail at Woodford are two favorite hikes.
For seasoned and novice sportspeople alike, foliage viewing and hunting also go hand in hand. Another great way to enjoy Vermont’s foliage is walking with a friend and dog in search of ruffed grouse and woodcock. Much of the early successional forest these birds need to thrive can be found in old mountain farming communities on both state and US Forest Service land. Besides providing ample habitat, these communities are a beautiful collection of stonewalls, cellar holes, and cemeteries that create an amazing backdrop for photography and hunting alike. The overgrown orchards that often accompany these areas provide food for wildlife of all kinds and are often some of the best hunting in the state. Whether in the Connecticut River Valley or Champlain Valley, consider river bottomlands for a fantastic upland hunting opportunity. Look for thickets of alder, birch, and poplar along rivers and streams to start your search. These river bottom locations also provide a great chance to hunt and fish in one location. With a drier spring than in years past grouse appear to be more abundant, and cooling weather will have flights of woodcock moving south.
Hunting Season Safety
For many Vermonters and visitors, autumn isn’t just the season for brilliant color in the forest—it’s also hunting season. While exploring Vermont this fall there are several things you can do to increase the safety and enjoyment of both you and those hunting.
· Wear blaze orange. Increasing your visibility, and that of your four-legged companions, should be a top priority. Blaze orange shows up better than other bright colors in forests, allowing others to quickly identify you as human or pet. Many semi-urban trail systems allow archery hunting, so orange should be used by everyone enjoying the outdoors from September to December regardless of location.
· Make some noise. Nobody enjoys being surprised and a quiet conversation, whistling a tune, or wearing a bell can alert somebody of your presence even when visibility is low.
· Share the space. Hunters have been scouting, planning, and practicing all year in anticipation for Vermont’s hunting seasons to open, and having others in the area is often detrimental. If you see a parked vehicle that you believe belongs to a hunter, please consider going elsewhere or at least giving them some space, both out of courtesy and safety. Please remember that intentionally interfering with a hunter is a criminal offense in the state of Vermont.
· Check for ticks. An unpleasant part of any outdoor activity is the constant threat of tick-borne illness. Always change clothing and check for ticks after being outside.
Learn more about hunting and sharing the woods safely at vtfishandwildlife.com.
Photo credit: Kaitlin Alford, Vermont State Parks