Peak Conditions Still Visible Along the Immediate Coast

October 16, 2019 — This last of the fall foliage reports from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry reports peak and past-peak conditions throughout most of Maine, with coastal regions (zones 1 and 2) reporting high color (less than 70 percent color change).

“A nor’easter is heading our way tonight and tomorrow which has the potential to strip the trees of their leaves. However, for those of you who are adventurous and still want to catch a glimpse of the fall colors, a hike in and around the blueberry fields in Downeast Maine is a must-see,” noted Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson. “If you haven’t seen the blueberry fields ablaze with the fall colors, you will not be disappointed,” added Ross.

For foodies looking for a unique experience, Portland’s annual food and spirits festival, Harvest on the Harbor, will kick off Thursday and continue throughout the weekend. Events include the Maine Lobster Chef of the Year competition, Straight Up! Boozy Bash, a Bloody Mary & Roast Pork Breakfast Taco Brunch, Oysterfest and more.

Maine’s unique fall festivals continue with York’s 35th Annual Harvestfest & Kidsfest on October 19. The festival features live music, local food vendors, juried crafters and old-fashioned market vendors from all over New England. Children can look forward to games, a roaming railroad, storytelling, face painting and horse-drawn wagon rides.

This Sunday, visitors in Downeast will be leaf peeping as they run a marathon, half-marathon or relay, or as a spectator as part of the award-winning Mount Desert Island Marathon.

If you’re not ready to bid farewell to foliage season, OgunquitFest is next week from October 25-27. On Friday, there is trick or treating at downtown shops, and on Saturday, an Autumn Bazaar, whoopie pie-eating contest and ghostly tours. For even spookier Halloween fun, check out Fright at the Fort at Fort Knox in Prospect.

Catch the foliage along the coast by heading to Boothbay to explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens featuring ornamental gardens, waterfalls, stonework and sculptures. For a more adventurous take on leaf peeping, try your hand at rail cycling or even rock climbing with opportunities in the MidCoast region.

Autumn enthusiasts can visit the state’s official foliage website at www.mainefoliage.com to sign up to receive weekly reports by email next foliage season, and can share their photos from throughout the state as foliage continues. Continue to stay connected to our Facebook page and Instagram account (@mainefoliage), featuring Maine fall events and colorful fall shots. For more information about fall activities and events in Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com.