Peak Fall Colors here in Vermont: Hike to Elephant's Head in Smuggler's Notch

 

I took this photo from about 300ft above me with my dji mini 4k drone. The colors leading into Smugglers Notch show why this is one of the most famous drives for 'leaf peepers' here in America.

Leaf peeping season is on here in Vermont. Early October brings some amazing natural views to our state, especially up in the mountains where I live. Here in Stowe, tourists from all over flock here to catch a glimpse of the forest turning bright yellow, fire red, and all shades of orange. It only last for a short while and we never know if it will be a good year, but for now, the wait is over.

I wanted to get some unique shots of the changing of the leaves, so I decided to head up to Smuggler's Notch. There are some amazing hikes and views, and that should be where the colors start to change first. I was in luck! I stopped right at the beginning of the notch at a picnic area to send up my drone for a look above the canopy. The colors were magnificent.

I had always wanted to hike up to Elephant's Head Rock, and today I had the time. So I packed some water and my drone in my backpack and took off. I had to rock hop across a river, then hike strait up to a ridgeline to connect with the Long Trail. The Long Trail covers then entirety of Vermont, from south to north, through the Green Mountains. I ascended about 2000ft and after a couple of miles I made it to Elephant Rock. It is way off the beaten path, so not many people ever make it here. This is a good thing because there is only enough room for about 3 people max to hang out in the clearing atop it.

I took advantage of having it to myself by sending up my drone. It gave me a perspective that I never would have had otherwise. I had no idea I was standing on a towering spire of a cliff. Thanks to the drone I was able to see that and get a photo. The colors were dramatic, as was the scenery. I decided to push on farther to check out Sterling Pond before descending back down to the road.

I thought about trying to hitch a ride back to my car, once I was at the bottom of the Sterling Pond trail. But it was such a beautiful day that I decided to walk back the few miles along the road. I stopped often to take photos and take in all the views. All I can say is that its a great time to be in Vermont.

It is just about peak season here in the Vermont mountains! Take a look at these colors.

A couple of other hikers were nice enough to take this photo for me. Everyone I met on the trail was just as nice as could be.

One of my favorite photos but I have to explain. This is from my drone high above me looking strait down at me on top of elephant rock. It is a massive cliff with beautiful colors way down below.

I tried out the panorama feature of the drone in this shot.

Towards the end of my hike I took a side route to snag a few photos at Sterling Pond. It is so high that only spruce and other evergreens exist, so no fall colors. Still beautiful though.

Back down near the road, a natural springs flows from the side of the mountain. I used a long exposure to photograph this movement of the water under the fall colors.

Sterling Pond without a drop of wind. The reflections were amazing.

The view from my perch atop Elephant Head rock. I would not have been able to get this photo without my drone.

Even walking back along the road brought some wonderful views.

Walking back through the Smugglers Notch allowed me the time and freedom to explore lots of little caves and giant boulders along the way.

Once the trail got high enough in elevation it changed to evergreens.