The Valley Fall Spectacular

Yeah, we know. And we might be a bit proud that Vermont has some of the best fall foliage in the U.S.  But, do you know all you need to know? In case you are visiting the Valley, or are hosting some visitors, here are a few foliage facts.

Use the list below to identify which tree you are seeing. 

• Yellow=Alder, Beech, Ash

• Red=Maple, Pin Cherry, Oak, Tupelo 

• Orange=Oak or Maple

• Green=Pine, Cedar, Hemlock, Balsam Fir, Spruce

There are so many ways to view the gorgeous MRV colors. Here are a few ideas:

• Mountain Bike on the Revolution and Evolution trails behind American Flatbread

• Take a Mad River Glen chairlift ride uphill on one of the fall foliage weekends and hike downhill on the green trail ski slopes (Antelope to Broadway to Bunny is one route) 

• Enjoy a Sugarbush chairlift ride on October 12th during Community Weekend. Ride down or hike down Lower Jester after feasting on your packed picnic at Allen’s Lodge. 

• Canoe on Blueberry Lake where the waters are calm and cool. If you go early enough, you might see deer enjoying the water, too.

• Summon your daring for a glider ride at Warren Sugarbush airport. The views from thousands of feet in the air are beyond description. Click here to learn more.

• If you prefer a car tour, drive up Route 17 and stop at the top of the App Gap. Or, head down the other side and appreciate the foliage as you motor into the Lake Champlain Valley. 

Timing is always the tricky part. When friends or relatives ask you when the foliage will “peak”, send them to this site. The short answer for 2024 is that since the MRV had very little rain in September, expect an early leaf-peeping season. Leaves are turning already! My guess for peak this year is Indigenous People’s Day; a three-day weekend perfect for leaf peepers.