U.S. Forest Service employees of Vermont’s Green Mountain National Forest are gearing up for what is expected to be peak foliage in many parts of the state.

Green Mountain National Forest Supervisor Colleen Madrid said it’s a special time for Vermont residents, visitors and the 400,000 acre forest.

Madrid says she expects there will be an influx of local and visitor traffic in the coming weeks and is encouraging motorists to be mindful of where they park and to use extra caution when driving in the forest.

The Green Mountain National Forest serves between 3 million and 4 million visitors a year.