The view around Kent Pond looking back towards Pico Mountain

The view around Kent Pond looking back towards Pico Mountain

An ocean storm exiting New England well to the south of Killington has kicked up some high cloud cover over the region today; muting the sunshine in the process. But, if anything, it provides a slight enhancement to the "leaf peepers" touring the Green Mountains.

I took a short drive around town this morning to take in some of the fall color. Instead of heading up to the resort, I traveled towards "Thundering Brook" to get a different perspective.

Color around Kent Pond is developing nicely. While much of the foliage around the lake is still green, there are swatches of red from glowing maples that highlight the views. In addition, birch and poplar trees in the forest around the pond are showing some yellow in their tips. It is just enough to give a little shine to the foliage canopy on panoramic views, but not enough so that you would really notice much if you were standing near an individual tree. Oak trees are also starting to rust slightly, giving the overall tableau a burnt orange palette.

Temperatures in the area are similar to yesterday, with highs in the lower to mid 60's. It does feel slightly cooler, as the sun is muted behind high clouds. But overall it is a very pleasant day to travel around Vermont for those taking in early season foliage.

Color progression is visibly occurring each day. The tall trees which tower over the back of the inn are starting to show bolder colors interspersed with the normal forest green shades of mid summer. Barring any unfortunate weather events, I will stick with my earlier prediction that peak foliage colors in Killington will occur between October 5th and 8th. But again, that is a highly localized guess, with peak color in the immediate area to the east and west of Killington occurring later in the month.

Where ever you may be .. keep it in the fairway...And take in some of the fall foliage beauty of Vermont.