The colors will be most vivid with the morning dew and morning light. Watching the dawn mist rise off our forest-ringed lakes and rivers may be the best treat of all. D O linger to enjoy the late-afternoon light. The deep shadows late in the day set off all colors against areas of darkness. D ON'T expect to stay but one night.
Most places expect a two-night minimum during foliage.
D ON'T let your lack of lodging stop your visit. Local Vermont chambers of commerce, for instance, keep a quiet list of hospitable locals who open up that spare room in their homes for intrepid leaf watchers. If possible, D O come midweek. D O look skyward, especially if you're hiking. The raptor migration is worthy of a trip in itself.