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Maine Fall Foliage Report
September 23, 2015
Gradual Changes in Leaf Color Taking Place in Northern Maine
Augusta, MAINE (September 23, 2015) - With the official arrival of autumn ushering in cooler temperatures, the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry reports 15-20 percent color change and very low leaf drop in northern Maine (zones 6 & 7).
“While we were fortunate to enjoy an extended summer-like weather pattern, our warm sunny days and crisp evening temperatures will start the succession of color from north to south. Typically, northern Maine begins to see peak or near peak conditions the last week of September into the first week of October, with the rest of the state nearing peak conditions in the middle of October. If our weather pattern continues, we may still see an abundance of color in late October along the coast and the southern part of the state,” according to Gale Ross, fall foliage coordinator.
It’s the perfect time to drive or bike along the St. John Valley Cultural Byway. This route, rich with Maine's Acadian heritage and culture, runs 92 miles along the northern border of Maine and through the St. John Valley.
With a forecast of sunny skies predicted for the weekend, it’s a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the fall events happening in Maine.
Join in the celebration of rural, sustainable living and sample organic foods featuring Maine-grown ingredients at the Common Ground Country Fair taking place in Unity, Sept. 25 through Sept. 27.
In southern Maine, the Eliot Festival takes place Sept. 25 and 26 with an antique car show, Maine crafts and more. In addition, Sept. 26 is Punkinfiddle, a National Estuaries Day Celebration that fosters stewardship of coastal environments. This day of family fun and learning takes place at Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm.
Leaf peepers can visit the state’s official foliage website, www.mainefoliage.com and sign up to receive weekly reports by email and share their own photos from throughout the state as the progression of color begins.
For more information about fall activities and events in Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com.
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Zone Number
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Color Change
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Leaf Drop
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7
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Low
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Very Low
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6
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Low
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Very Low
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5
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Very Low
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Very Low
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4
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Very Low
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Very Low
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3
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Very Low
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Very Low
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2
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Very Low
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Very Low
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1
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Very Low
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Very Low
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Foliage Zones
Zone 7: Northeastern Maine, including Fort Kent, Caribou, and Presque Isle
Zone 6: Northwestern Maine
Zone 5: Western Mid-Maine, including Greenville, Rangeley, Bethel
Zone 4: Eastern Mid-Maine, including Houlton, Millinocket, and Calais
Zone 3: Central and Southwestern Maine, including Bangor, Augusta, and Fryeburg
Zone 2: Downeast Maine, including Machias, Bar Harbor, and Penobscot Bay
Zone 1: Mid-Coast and South Coastal Maine, including Camden, Portland, Kennebunkport, and Kittery
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