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Maine Fall Foliage Report
October 10, 2018
MAINE IS ABLAZE WITH COLOR
Augusta, ME - Maine’s leaf-bearing trees are showing off their dazzling colors of yellow, orange and red this week. The fifth Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry reports northern Maine and parts of Downeast Maine will be slightly past peak this upcoming weekend. The rest of the state is moving toward peak conditions.
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.
“For all you leaf-loving outdoor enthusiasts who prefer to take those quiet leisurely drives throughout Maine, this is your weekend. While much of Maine will reach peak or near peak conditions, there are still plenty of beautiful fall foliage colors to take in, especially in central and southern Maine, and right along the immediate coast,” according to Gale Ross, Maine’s fall foliage spokesperson.
Maine’s unique and fun-filled festivals continue with the 34th Annual HarvestFest & Kidsfest in York Beach on October 13. The festival features live music, local food vendors, juried crafters and old-fashioned market vendors from all over New England. Children will enjoy games, pumpkin carving and painting, horse-drawn wagon rides and more. Crafters can also look forward to this weekend’s Maine Craft Weekend, featuring a statewide tour of Maine craft studios, breweries, businesses and other Maine craft-related events.
This Sunday, the Great Maine Apple Day event will take place at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Try and buy delicious apple treats, enjoy kitchen workshops and speakers, watch cider pressing and more. Mark your calendars for next week’s Harvest on the Harbor kick-off on October 16 and continuing through October 21 in Portland. The event focuses on Maine’s diverse culinary offerings and landscape.
Catch the foliage along the coast by heading to Boothbay to explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens featuring ornamental gardens, waterfalls, stonework, and sculptures. From there, drive to Camden Hills State Park, about a one-hour drive. For unparalleled panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding fall hues, drive to the top of Mount Battie.
If you are hoping to head Downeast, take a road trip to Acadia National Park to see the foliage surrounded by mountains, lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. Drive up Cadillac Mountain for the ultimate fall foliage view in the park. On clear days, you are able to see nearly 100 miles from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Rent a bike on the island and pedal along the carriage roads to enjoy the foliage at a different pace as you explore Mount Desert Island. This weekend, visitors will be leaf peeping as they run a marathon, half-marathon or relay on October 14 as part of the award-winning Mount Desert Island Marathon.
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.
Week of October 10, 2018
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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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Past Peak
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Moderate
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6
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Past Peak
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Moderate
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5
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Peak
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Moderate
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4 North
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Past Peak
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Moderate
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4 South
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Peak
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Moderate
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3
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Peak
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Moderate
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2
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Peak
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Moderate
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1 North
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Peak
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Moderate
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1 South
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High
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Moderate
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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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