Fall Foliage Season is Right on Track

September 18, 2019 – Maine’s leaf-bearing trees will show off their brilliant colors of yellow, orange and red in the upcoming weeks. The 2019 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry reports spotty color change in the forest. Northern Maine is reporting less than 30-percent color change with very low, less than 10-percent, 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.

“We’ve been on a roller-coaster ride in regard to the weather. Maine has experienced summer-like conditions in early to mid-September. Not to worry, though,” notes Gale Ross, Maine’s fall foliage spokesperson. “As the days grow shorter, and the nights grow longer and cooler, which they will, Mother Nature will take over with her paintbrush to reveal breathtaking autumn colors,” Ross added.

With the beautiful weather predicted for this weekend, embrace the official start of fall on Monday with a busy weekend of outdoor and autumn-inspired events. On Saturday, head to Bethel with the whole family for the Bethel Harvestfest & Chowdah Cookoff and enjoy the much-anticipated chowder competition and apple pie contest, vendors, chainsaw-carving demonstrations, free horse-drawn wagon rides and kids’ activities including a petting zoo. Or, travel to Maine’s historic city of Bath for Pints on the Pier at the Maine Maritime Museum to enjoy Maine beer and food trucks along the Kennebec River.

For fairgoers looking to take advantage of the ideal forecast, the Common Ground Country Fair will be held from Friday through Sunday, celebrating rural agriculture traditions with exhibits, livestock, fibers, healing and more. And, the Cumberland County Fair kicks off on Sunday and continues throughout next week with fair food, rides, harness racing and the 31st Annual Pumpkin and Squash Weigh-Off.

Next week, the Acadia Night Sky Festival starts on Wednesday and lasts through Sunday, September 29. Get the full event schedule for stargazing in Downeast’s dark skies.

For an incredible chance to see the transitioning fall leaves with a backdrop that is unlike any other in the state, pack the car for a road trip through The Maine Highlands. Follow along the Katahdin Woods & Waters Scenic Byway to take in the National Monument filled with scenic vistas overlooking Katahdin and miles upon miles of untouched wilderness. Amongst the changing leaves, keep an eye out for a moose and other abundant wildlife.

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 the different regions of the state as the progression of color begins. Our Facebook page will include statewide events taking place throughout the season, and our Instagram account (@mainefoliage) will feature colorful fall shots. For more information about fall activities and events in Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com.