Planning for the Foliage Season
Vermont's foliage season usually begins during early or mid-September and extends into late October. The magic moment of the 'best' foliage can be found at many different times and places as the season progresses.

	Make reservations well in advance - especially if you want to visit on a weekend.
	The first two weekends of October are the state's busiest of the whole year. Book these dates as early as possible.
	Consider staying in an alternate area - Remember, Vermont is a small state and an hour's drive can take you from one side of the state to the other.
	Consider a multi-night stay in a resort area with day trips to surrounding sites and attractions.
	Book mid-week. Properties that fill up on weekends often have vacancies during the week.
	If you do not make advance reservations, the Vermont Lodging and Restaurant Association recommends securing a room by 4 p.m. each day. Vermont resort areas have ample lodging facilities, including inns, hotels and condominiums, during the foliage season. Lodging will often be available at these areas when beds are filled in large towns.
	Contact lodging bureaus at major resort areas and Regional Marketing Organizations for the latest information on availability.

	Different varieties of trees change at different times. Red maples are among the first to change, especially those along roadsides and in wet areas.
	The earliest foliage change generally occurs in the northern part of the state near the Canadian border and at higher elevations.
	By mid-September full color begins to appear across the north, moving progressively south during October. Typically, groups of trees with brilliant color can be found throughout September.
	"Peak" color is a bit of a myth, since every person has their own ideas of what "peak" looks like. Typically, the fullest color can be found from late-September in the north through mid-October in the south.
	Many experienced foliage viewers actually consider late October the most beautiful time in Vermont. Once the most brilliant colors have passed, the hills take on a subtler and richer range of hues that are just as beautiful, if not as spectacular.

	Innkeepers often require a minimum two-night stay during foliage season, especially on weekends.
	Expect to make an advance deposit to assure your reservation.
	Be sure to understand the innkeeper's policy on refunds or reservation changes.