Predictions of fabulous foliage exciting for Mohawk Trail merchants

SHELBURNE FALLS, Mass. (WWLP) - Business people along the Mohawk Trail are elated by predictions that this could be a banner year for fall foliage.

They remember all too well the disaster that Tropical Storm Irene brought to their doorstep last year. Numerous closed roads and damaged businesses, combined with late-arriving foliage, was devastating for Franklin County.

According to Helen Gould, the 53-year owner of Gould’s Sugar House and Restaurant, she remembers the best foliage year as one in which “all the maple tree’s leaves turned a bright red.” She told 22News that she would like to see history repeat itself this year.

There is a good chance of that. Peter Tomyl of the Mohawk Trail Association told 22News that with cool, crisp nights and warmer days, it looks like it is going to be a great foliage season this year.

It's a welcome prospect at Hager's Farm Market on the Mohawk trial in Shelburne. A good foliage season helps owner Kim Stevens sell visitors what Hager's is known for

"Apples, pumpkins, baked goods, and maple products. These are the big four I guess," Stevens said.

During a typically good season of lustrous leaf colors, visitors from all over the country and the world make Franklin County their destination.

"We just need to have a good foliage season, and let's hope mother nature gives it to us," Gould said.

This year’s predicted foliage peak for the Mohawk Trail is just after Columbus Day Weekend.