The clubhouse at Green Montain National Golf Course starting to show fall colors

The clubhouse at Green Montain National Golf Course starting to show fall colors

It's starting. The wonder of the change in seasons we call Fall Foliage is happening right now in Vermont.

This week saw the arrival of normal fall weather to the region. Nights are becoming much colder, with overnight temperatures approaching 40. While we have not yet challenged the frost line of 32F, it is only a matter of time.

During the day, we are experiencing stark contrasts. Guests leaving in the morning for their trips around Vermont are experiencing temperatures in the chilly 45-50F territory. When they return to the inn later in the afternoon, they are basking in the glow of Vermont to temperatures in the mid-70's. We have had only a couple of overcast and slightly damp days. Most days have been punctuated with cloudless bright blue skies.

On the fall color front, the colors in Killington have begun their change in earnest, albeit slowly. At the inn colors are starting to appear at the mid-levels of the tree canopy. While much of the forest is still showing green, in the early morning and late afternoon periods when the sun is at a sharp angle, the color contrast is starting to be come more pronounced.

Color on Route 100 north in the area of Green Mountain National Golf Course is farther along. This area is outside of the shadow of Killington Peak. It receives less moisture that what is received in the area immediately around the inn, as a result the color is slightly more advanced.

Guests are reporting the appearance of nice colors on Route 100 north of Killington. The gaps across the Green Mountains between Route 100 and Route 7 are starting to show more definitive color with the increase in altitude. Route 7 north of Rutland is normally behind Route 100 north of Killington, and that observation still is holding true this year.

Over the next couple of weeks we can expect an accelleration of color change through out the state of Vermont. A cold night with general temparatures below freezing will set the process in place. It is only a matter of time at this point, but I would guess that the early weekends of October and the weeks between will show great color throughout Vermont.

We hope to see you at the Birch Ridge Inn when you visit Killington.

In the mean time....Wherever you may be... hit them straight... keep it in the fairway... and don't forget your sunscreen.