Fall Equinox Arrives and Brings with it Autumn Colors

September 19, 2018 — Maine’s leaf-bearing trees will show off their usual colors of yellow, orange and red in the upcoming weeks. The second Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry reports spotty color change in the forest. Most of Maine is seeing a thirty percent color change with a very low, ten percent, leaf drop. Forest Rangers in the western mountains of Maine are reporting less than ten percent color change with very low leaf drop.

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.

“With the first day of fall arriving this upcoming weekend and the weather becoming more seasonal, pockets of color will start emerging in many parts of the state. It will be a great weekend to head outdoors to apple and pumpkin pick, visit a state park or fair, or just take in the leaves,” according to Gale Ross, Maine’s fall foliage spokesperson.

Kick off the first official weekend in fall with one of the many outdoor-focused activities taking place throughout the state. For those who enjoy agricultural fairs and sustainable living, the Common Ground Country Fair will be held from Friday through Sunday, with exhibits and displays on agriculture, fibers, livestock, energy, healing and more. The Cumberland County Fair will start on Sunday and continue throughout next week with fun activities for the whole family, from rides to a Demolition Derby.

New in 2018 is the Great Maine Outdoor Week, extended from the usual Great Maine Outdoor Weekends, starting Friday through next Sunday. This provides the perfect opportunity for people to enjoy the season through outdoor recreation with others interested in similar activities.

For a fall foliage tour, jump in the car and head to The Maine Highlands. Start your journey in Bangor to explore Cascade Park and continue on to Maine’s largest lake, Moosehead, in Greenville. Experience fall colors from the lake aboard the 1914 steamboat, the Katahdin. For hikers looking for great views, take on one or more of the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit’s six peaks. While traveling in this area that is true to its name, be sure keep your eyes ready to spot a moose amongst the changing leaves.

Autumn enthusiasts can visit the state’s official foliage website at 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 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.