The Best Fall Foliage in 2017

VT 🍁 17' 

I have been chasing after fall foliage for years. As most of you know, Vermont is crowned the best place for fall foliage because of the high density of famous maple trees across the state. Having the experience of living in Vermont for two years more than a decade ago, I recall one week sometime in late September, the whole backyard of my school was lightened up with golden color. That same week, I was riding in a car heading to a supermarket. On the way, I witnessed mountain after mountain glowing with red, orange and yellow colors. It was so beautiful that my jaw was almost on the ground. That scene stayed in my head for the next decade. It was, in fact, the peak of Vermont fall foliage.

More than a decade later, after missing the foliage two years in a roll, I finally made it in 2017!

Some would think that fall foliage would be the same every year, but it isn't true. Fall foliage is like cherry blossom, the color of the leaves changes depend on many factors with most important being the temperature. Maple trees in particular change color early, and in general, after the first frost. According to a Vermont local, the fall foliage this year was not as vibrant and stunning as the past, mainly because the late arrival of first frost in addition to the warmer than usual fall temperature. "Look at that tree right next to the road. It's a maple tree, but strangely it's still green!" said an owner of a Vermont maple farm surrounded by maple trees during past peak.

Although some of the fall foliage this year was not as pretty as previous year, I was lucky enough to hunt down some of the best foliage in Vermont as well as in Pennsylvania (which is only a few hours away from NYC, why not!)

Here are the best of Fontaneous fall foliage for 2017 with photo locations and insider tips:

This is my first stop - Equinox Pond, Manchester, Vermont.

This pond actually belongs to the Equinox Hotel, but it's opened to the public during the day.
(Gate at the entrance will be closed after sunset)

Pinnacle summit in Stowe, Vermont. Entire trail takes about 3 hours to complete.

Best time to be: Sunset. 

I basically left the summit 10 minutes before the sun completely disappeared, and I was hiking down in the dark for a good 1.5 hour which was pretty scary.

Note: Trail markers are not very visible, therefore download the google map within the area prior to the hike is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. (Yes, GPS works even when mobile phone is on flight mode) 

Kent Pond in Killington, Vermont.

The entrance of the unpaved gravel road that bring you to this pond can be easily missed, which makes this area pretty secluded and perfect for picnic time!

This is Lake Wallenpaupack in Greentown, PA. (GPS coordinates: 41°22'06.4"N 75°16'37.3"W)

One of my favourite places - Lake Harmony in Kidder Township, PA.

There is a restaurant in the area with outdoor sitting - Nick's Lake House.

Perfect spot for weekend brunch if you time the foliage right!

Some stunning scenery on the way to Vermont.

Life is so beautiful, isn't it?

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(Please note: All photos in this post are taken by me, except the ones with me in it, so please be respectful and do not use them without my consent. Thank you.)