Out-of-staters can pay big bucks for visits to look at what we can see free every fall: Maine’s outstanding foliage.

Thanks to that annoying spring and summer rain, this year’s colors are the best in years, experts said.
Beginning this weekend and continuing into next weekend, foliage will be at the peak for central and western Maine, says outdoor expert Gary Best of the Maine Department of Conservation.

Do make a leaf-peeper date. I know, the house doesn’t clean itself, and who’s going to do all that home cooking? But soon the colors won’t be here. We’ll have all winter to cook and clean.

We asked Best, the guy who knows Maine’s outdoors, for a list of good foliage drives and hikes in central and western Maine.

“For a driving route, any of the scenic byways is good,” Best said. One of his favorites is the scenic highway that cuts through Grafton Notch.

“It is just beautiful,” he said. “Once you get into the notch it’s just lit up with color. This coming weekend and next weekend it will be a fabulous drive.”

Grafton Notch is near the New Hampshire border past Bethel in the Newry area, accessed by Route 26.

Another outstanding drive is the Height of Land on Route 17 in Rangeley. Actually, much of the drive to and through Rumford on Route 17 will be dazzling, capped off by the Height of Land. The overlook will make its beauty obvious as you drive the byway around the lakes toward Rangeley.

The best way to see the colors is to get out and hike, Best says, or take a stroll or go on a picnic if that’s your comfort level. He recommends hiking in Grafton Notch State Park.

“The hiking there is world-class,” he said. “This hike is 2.6 miles. When you get to the Table Rock (peak), you’ll have a commanding view.” Short and long trails extend through a spectacular, scenic area at the end of the Mahoosuc Range.

Beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, free (with park admission) guided foliage hikes will be offered at Grafton Notch State Park in Newry. The guided hike will be easy and family-friendly, Best said. Rangers will lead and explain why the leaves change, what triggers leaf drop and how to identify trees.

Best also recommends hiking Bald Mountain in Rangeley.

“It’s a nice hike to get to the top,” he said. “It’s not too long. There’s an observation tower. It has stunning, beautiful views” of the Rangeley Lakes. The climb is moderate, “a pretty easy hike achievable by most anyone.”

If you’re up for a bit more “adventure,” try Tumbledown Mountain in North of Weld. “It’s more strenuous than Bald Mountain, but still far from Katahdin,” Best said.

Tumbledown has something for everyone, Best said. Boulders to climb. Beautiful wooded trails. Plenty of views (which means plenty of up). When you reach the top, you’re rewarded with a view and a pond on top of the mountain. It’s a great hike to introduce young climbers, Best said.
“It’s gorgeous.”

When hiking, you need to be prepared: Wear layered clothing, take plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes or boots,  watch your steps carefully (to avoid a sprained ankle or broken leg) and ensure you’ll have enough light to make the hike back. 

For more on fall foliage in Maine: http://www.mainefoliage.co.

For information on Maine trees: http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/pubs/ftm/ftm_centennial.html.

Autumn can be seen in all its splendor at the covered bridge on Sunday River Road in Newry.