Chasing Autumn: Exploring New England’s Maple Leaves

Chasing Autumn: Exploring New England’s Maple Leaves 🍂

New England’s maple leaves are famously breathtaking, but this year, our plans coincided with a particularly dry and leafless season. With most renowned spots already past their prime, we set out to discover where we could still find vibrant colors.

Hidden Gems in Vermont 🌳

First, we turned to local forums in Vermont where residents shared the best spots for fall foliage. Locals often drive through these areas daily and have the latest updates. Near Burlington, the Champlain Lake area—due to its lower elevation—still had some remnants of red leaves. As we drove through, we were pleasantly surprised to see some color along the way. However, the mountains were low and lacked significant trails, offering limited viewpoints.

Crossing the Bridge to New York 🗺️

It’s important not to have a narrow focus on Vermont alone! As we drove, we noticed that the trees on the other side of the lake had fantastic colors. We crossed the bridge into New York State, where a lakeside park revealed three trees with incredibly vibrant hues, possibly due to irrigation efforts! One of the trees looked almost like a lychee with its beautiful transitions of red, yellow, and green, making for a perfect autumn photo opportunity.

Hiking the Indian Head Trail 🏞️

The Indian Head Trail in New York State also didn’t disappoint. Although the hike lasted about six hours and many leaves had already fallen, the viewpoints—especially near water sources—delivered expansive views filled with color. The effort was definitely worth it!

Reflecting on the Journey Along VT-100 🍁

Finally, we took a nostalgic look at the iconic VT-100, even in its bare state. It allowed us to appreciate the beauty of nature in all its phases. This experience served as a reminder of the joyous moments to come when we return, providing a twofold happiness in the future!

The Heart of Leaf Chasing ❤️

Chasing autumn leaves in the East resembles a farewell ritual for many, as we anticipate the long, somber winter ahead. Just like how Seattle residents cherish their warm summer, this seasonal change deserves our full attention. The essence of this ritual lies in the heart that beats wildly for the ordinary moments of life—pausing for a leaf, being touched by a ray of light. May we always keep this innocence and passion alive, falling in love with the world anew with each passing season.

Join us in embracing the beauty of fall as we gather memories under the vibrant canopy of autumn leaves! 🌍🍃