[force139]

My travel companion has always wanted to visit Vermont at foliage season. We have limited time on this trip and a free place to stay in Dutchess County, New York. I feel that Vermont couldn't possibly that much different from this part of New York in terms of scenery, little towns, etc., and that it is a 400-mile roundtrip to see more of the same when we could use that time to see areas around Dutchess County that we don't know. I'm not discounting the value of a road-trip, but I just think that we can do our road trip closer to our home base and spend less time at 70 mph.

He feels that Vermont will have some special "only-in-Vermont" vibe or look and that we'll be glad we took the time.

I'm curious to hear the opinions of those who know Vermont and Dutchess County, NY (or equivalent). Is the difference just shades of gray, or are their compelling reasons to take a ride through Vermont (Bennington, Brattleboro, Woodstock are the areas under consideration).

[Summerz]

I don't know N.Y. but for a short trip first places that come to mind are Woodstock, and Killington/ or other ski areas, and Lake Champlain or Lake Dunmore for example..
For some backroads Lincoln gap.
Hope you have a safe trip, I'm sure some other folks here can give you some more ideas also.

[Wingfoot]

Originally Posted by force139

My travel companion has always wanted to visit Vermont at foliage season. We have limited time on this trip and a free place to stay in Dutchess County, New York. I feel that Vermont couldn't possibly that much different from this part of New York in terms of scenery, little towns, etc., and that it is a 400-mile roundtrip to see more of the same when we could use that time to see areas around Dutchess County that we don't know. I'm not discounting the value of a road-trip, but I just think that we can do our road trip closer to our home base and spend less time at 70 mph.

He feels that Vermont will have some special "only-in-Vermont" vibe or look and that we'll be glad we took the time.

I'm curious to hear the opinions of those who know Vermont and Dutchess County, NY (or equivalent). Is the difference just shades of gray, or are their compelling reasons to take a ride through Vermont (Bennington, Brattleboro, Woodstock are the areas under consideration).

Belive me, the leaves aren't aware of state lines.
I lived in Bennington and when we went "leaf peeking" we went over to NYRt.22 N which had better views and 1/20th the traffic.

[harry chickpea]

The fall color depends more on the mix of tree types, cold weather, rain or lack of same than anything else. Last year, after a brutally hot dry summer, we had a fall show that was every bit as good as ANY I saw in Vermont over a thirty year period. This was in Alabama!

The traffic in Vermont during leaf-peeping season has been horrible in the past. Maybe not as much now with the economy the way it is, but enough to take into consideration.

Dunno if the old Storm King Highway near Kingston is still accessible, but it had some nice views, and Kingston had an old Inn that was nice. In driving through, I never saw any decent color around Poughkeepsie. Lake George has some real good color. Look for areas with maples and stay away from areas with a lot of birch.

[square peg]

Just curious, Harry... What kind of trees do you have there in northern AL?

This morning I drove in a pouring rain from Bath, ME to the NEK. The best color I saw was during a small lift in the clouds while passing through Jackson, NH on Rte. 2 a little west of Gorham. Unbelievably brilliant is all I can say. The rain just kept coming down in buckets, so no pics. Very few leaves on the ground compared to my backyard in N. Troy which still hasn't seen the best of color this year. We haven't had a frost in this valley either. If anyone is going to be near Rte. 2 this weekend I strongly suggest you check it out.

[OhBeeHave]

Dutchess County is south of the MA/CT border. Peak for that area is going to be earlier than peak in VT. The date of the trip will ultimately decide VT vs NY.

New England Fall Foliage Color Map and Tracker
Foliage Report

According to the NY Site, this weekend will be about 30-40% change for Dutchess
at this time.

[franaissance]

I went to VT for the first time this summer. I didn't know what to expect and was so impressed. It made the mountains of NY look so bad...Was in Stowe. Came back to NY via ferry at Lake Champlain (Burlington) which is about 45 min. to Stowe (Ben and Jerry's on way....Stayed at Trapp Family Lodge was GREAT, Stunning!!!)

I can't wait to go back. VT is the way to go!!! Maybe your friend can wait for next year...do NY this year...

[harry chickpea]

"Just curious, Harry... What kind of trees do you have there in northern AL?"

Oaks (red and white), Hickory, Sweetgum, Pine, Cedar, Boxwood, Crepe Myrtle (gorgeous in spring), Redbud, Dogwood, Pecan, Tulip, Poplar, Privit, Elderberry, Persimmon, Mimosa, and the usual fruit trees grow - pears, apples, etc.. We've got most of these on our property. Wetlands have the willows and more water loving trees. The zone is interesting, some types of (non-fruiting) banana can overwinter,
yet there can be snow, and temps in the 20s in the winter are somewhat common.

I was surprised just how brilliant the colors were after that drought summer. This fall looks like it will be a dud here. WAY too wet and the leaves are beginning to brown as soon as the green goes out.

[mustmove]

The hills around Duchess County aren't as impressive as further North. Your best bet might be going straight up the throughway(I-87) to the Adirondacks. Closer than Southern VT and prettier.

[Ellwood]

We live in Saratoga and drive to VT via Route 61. I drove over this morning and the mountains in VT with the various colors are beautiful. I believe the mountains and the sun shining make the difference as they look like a canvas that someone painted with glorious splotches of colors. There are some pretty roads in NY, especially with the barns in the foreground, but the VT colors can't be beat.