Fall Colors are Spreading Throughout Northern Maine

September 28, 2016 — The 2016 fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports spreading color throughout Maine. Northern Maine is reporting low (10-30 percent) color change. Northern portions of zones 3, 4 and 5 are also showing low color change.

Typically, northern Maine (zones 6 and 7) reaches peak conditions the last week of September into the first week of October. The rest of the state's progression of color will start occurring from north to south in mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak conditions mid-to-late October. 

"As suspected, with the cooler fall-like temperatures, colors are starting to emerge in northern Maine. Now that our weather has taken a more seasonal turn, colors will be changing daily as the entire state starts going toward peak conditions in October," stated Gale Ross, Maine's fall foliage spokesperson. "Rangers in northern Maine believe we will start seeing moderate colors (30-50 percent) this upcoming weekend," Ross noted. 

This weekend is Maine Craft Weekend, a great opportunity to explore the life and work of craft artists and craft brewers of Maine. Tours of craft studios, breweries, businesses and events are taking place throughout the state. Head to Freeport for the annual Freeport Fall Festival happening October 1-2 on L.L. Bean's campus. Sample and vote for Freeport's best chowder, enjoy a juried art show and listen to live music all day. Attend Living History Days, the Maine Forest and Logging Museum's biggest event of the year. Happening October 1-2 at Leonard's Mills in Bradley, guests will experience 1790s re-enactors, demonstrations, sawmills in action and the restored Lombard log hauler running on steam power.

Sunday, October 2, marks the start of Maine's largest fair, the 165th Annual Fryeburg Fair. Enjoy livestock, an exhibition hall, farm museum, craft demonstrations, harness racing, nightly entertainment and more. 

For an adventurous fall foliage road trip, embark on the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway. This 78-mile byway winds through Maine's Kennebec Valley for continuous foliage views. The road begins in Solon and stretches all the way to the Canadian border. Be sure to stop at Robbins Hill for unrivaled views of the valley. Once you get to The Forks, take a right onto the Lake Moxie Road and continue until you see a brown sign on the left indicating the Moxie Falls Scenic Area. Take this two-mile round trip hike to see one of Maine's highest waterfalls with a 92-foot vertical drop. This is an easy-to-moderate hike you don't want to miss. Or, spend your day whitewater rafting the Kennebec River while enjoying breathtaking views of the foliage. 

Leaf peepers can visit the state's official foliage website, www.mainefoliage.com, to sign up to receive weekly reports by email, and can share their photos from throughout the state as the progression of color begins. Our Facebook page will also include statewide events taking place throughout the foliage season. For more information about fall activities and events in Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com.