Blankets of Color Spreading Across Maine This Weekend

October 12, 2016 — The 2016 fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports peak conditions throughout Maine this upcoming weekend. 

"Those leaf peepers who prefer a less hectic weekend for a fall foliage drive, now that the busy Columbus Day weekend has passed, will find that we're still awash with color as most areas are still at peak or slightly beyond peak conditions. There is nowhere in the state of Maine that is untouched by the breathtaking colors of fall," reports Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson. "Northern Maine still has plenty of color and low leaf drop," Ross also noted. 

Maine's unique fall festivals continue. The 32nd Annual Harvestfest & Kidsfest is an event for all ages happening in York Beach on October 15. The festival features live music, local food vendors, juried crafters and Old-Fashioned Market vendors from all over New England. Children will enjoy games, pumpkin carving and painting, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. 

It's the perfect time to visit Mount Desert Island this fall. Guests will be leaf peeping as they run a marathon, half-marathon or relay on October 16 as part of the award-winning Mount Desert Island Marathon. October 16 is also Great Maine Apple Day at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Try and buy delicious apple treats, enjoy kitchen workshops and speakers, an apple pie contest and more. 

For those looking for a coastal fall foliage road trip, head to Boothbay to explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens featuring ornamental gardens, waterfalls, stonework, and sculptures. From there, drive to Camden Hills State Park, about a one-hour drive. Summit Mount Megunticook via the Megunticook Trail, a one-mile moderate hike to the top for views overlooking the summit of Mount Battie, the town of Camden, and the entire Penobscot Bay from Acadia National Park to Monhegan Island. Descend the mountain via the Adams Lookout Trail before taking a right back onto the Megunticook Trail to return to your car. The total round-trip length is 2.6 miles. For additional views, drive to the top of Mount Battie, also in Camden Hills State Park. 

If you are hoping to head Downeast, take a road trip to Acadia National Park to see the foliage in Maine's beautiful national park. Drive up Cadillac Mountain for the ultimate fall foliage view in the park. On clear days, you are able to see nearly 100 miles from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Rent a bike on the island and pedal along the carriage roads to enjoy the foliage at a different pace as you meander through the valleys and mountains of Mount Desert Island's glacially carved landscape. 

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 continues. 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.