Maine is ablaze with color, here’s a list of regional celebrations
Courtesy / Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
A map showing when peak foliage will occur throughout Maine.
Maine's leaf-bearing trees are reaching their peak in most regions of the state with dazzling colors of yellow, orange and red this week — with lots of regional fall foliage and harvest events scheduled to celebrate the occasion.
The fifth Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and 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, the report stated. 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,” Gale Ross, Maine’s fall foliage spokesperson, said in a news release. “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.”
Here are some upcoming events
Maine's unique and fun-filled festivals continue with the 34th Annual HarvestFest & Kidsfest in York Beach on Saturday, Oct. 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, Oct 14, the Great Maine Apple Day event will take place at the Common Ground Education Center in Unity. Visitors will have the opportunity to try and buy delicious apple treats, enjoy kitchen workshops and speakers, watch cider-pressing and more.
The department also noted that next week's Harvest on the Harbor kick-off on begins Oct. 16 and continues through Oct. 21 in Portland. The event focuses on Maine's diverse culinary offerings and landscape.
In the midcoast region, the department advises: “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.”
And for Downeast, it suggests taking 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 Oct. 14 as part of the award-winning Mount Desert Island Marathon.”
State’s fall foliage website
Autumn enthusiasts can visit the state's official foliage website to sign up to receive weekly reports by email and can share their photos from throughout the state as the progression of color begins.
The department also noted the state’s Facebook page will include statewide events taking place throughout the foliage season will also feature colorful fall shots. For more information about fall activities and events in Maine, go online here.
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