Autumn is Finally Here

September 27, 2017 — The Fall Foliage Report from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports 70 percent color for the upcoming weekend in northern Maine, while the rest of the state is at 30 to 50 percent color change with low leaf drop throughout the state.

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.

To bring about the intensity of the autumn colors, we look forward to the warm days followed by cool nights. As the days begin to get shorter and the nights longer, the dazzle will soon be visible in central, southern, coastal and western mountains of Maine," according to Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson. 

Celebrate the fall colors and the great outdoors this weekend with more than 100 events taking place throughout the state as part of Great Maine Outdoor Weekend from September 29 – October 1. On Saturday, for adults looking for something fun to add to their calendar, the Maine Maritime Museum will host their inaugural beer-tasting event, Pints on the Pier, with live music during sunset over the Kennebec River. Sunday, October 1, marks the start of Maine's largest fair, the 167th Annual Fryeburg Fair, considered to be one of the best agricultural fairs in the United States. Enjoy livestock, an exhibition hall, farm museum, craft demonstrations, harness racing, nightly entertainment and more.

For an epic fall touring route, travel the 78-mile Old Canada Road Scenic Byway that winds through Maine's Kennebec Valley. This road begins in Solon and makes its way to the Canadian border. Be sure to stop at Robbins Hill for unparalleled panoramic views of the valley. Once in The Forks, take a right onto the Lake Moxie Road and continue until you see a brown sign on the left for the Moxie Falls Scenic Area. This easy-to-moderate two-mile hike will lead you to one of the state's highest waterfalls with a 92-foot vertical drop. To experience the season a bit differently and to take advantage of the warm days that have been upon us, consider whitewater rafting the Kennebec River during the last couple weeks the outfitters are open while enjoying breathtaking views of the foliage.

Autumn enthusiasts can visit the state's official foliage website at www.mainefoliage.comto 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 include statewide events taking place throughout the foliage season, and our Instagram account (@mainefoliage) will also feature colorful fall shots. For more information about fall activities and events in Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com.