Maine Foliage Updates: Leaves dropping as peak foliage reaches coast

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry map

Oct. 18 — The state’s final foliage report indicates peak and past peak conditions throughout most of Maine. Peak conditions are approaching the coast with more than 70% of the leaves dropping.

“While we had color because trees do what they need to do to prepare for their long winter nap, the colors were muted in some areas and breathtaking in others. Our rainy, wind-swept weather played a significant role,” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson.

Fall foliage blends Oct. 4 with a barn’s patina on the Flat Road in West Bethel. Rose Lincoln/Bethel Citizen

Oct. 11 — Maine Forest Service staff reported peak and past peak color conditions with moderate to high leaf drop in western and northern Maine. Color changes in central and coastal Maine are rapidly approaching peak.

“Despite the wind-swept rain we received in the past two weeks, Maine is still showing plenty of color, blended in with the green of the oaks along the immediate coast,” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson. Ross also said that conditions in Acadia National Park are approaching peak.

A bee collects pollen Oct. 8 from asters growing under a maple tree dropping its leaves at the Monmouth Town Beach. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Oct. 5 — The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports moderate to high color change throughout most of Maine.

Rangers in northern Maine report peak color conditions with moderate to low leaf drop. The area is on track to reach peak conditions this week.

“The conditions projected for this upcoming long holiday weekend set us up for one of the best weekends to plan your fall foliage outdoor activities,” said Gale Ross, Maine’s fall foliage spokesperson. “The fall colors are emerging in the canopies across Maine, and the leaves are still intact, making it perfect timing for leaf-peeping enthusiasts.”

Zander Dow, 11, tries his luck fishing Tuesday from Martin Point on Sabattus Pond in Sabattus. “That’s pretty much what he thinks about from the time he gets up in the morning to the time he goes to bed,” his mother, Kathy Dow, said. “He does like to hunt, but fishing is his passion.” Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Sept. 27 — The official state foliage observers predict that northern Maine should reach peak conditions during the first week of October. Fall colors will spread from north to south through mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak color during mid-to-late October.

“It’s anticipated that Maine will see warmer temperatures this upcoming week. But keep in mind, we are still in the midst of shorter, sunny days, followed by crisp, cool nights without a killing frost, which helps accelerate the beautiful foliage colors that makes fall in Maine so special!” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson.

Sept. 20 — The Maine Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports less than 30% color change throughout Maine. Maine Forest Service Rangers in northern Maine report very low to low color change (10% – 30%), with very low leaf drop throughout the entire state.

“There was concern that the strong winds and rain from Hurricane Lee this past weekend would significantly impact our fall foliage season. Our trees have remained resilient, and leaves remained intact. Now that its nice and quiet, with autumn arriving this weekend, lets kick back and enjoy the changing season,” said Gale Ross, Maines fall foliage spokesperson.

Sept. 18 — While Maine’s foliage spokeswoman predicts the abundant rain will result in bright colors, a former Mount Washington meteorologist believes the lack of sunny days and excess moisture will mean more diluted hues. The leaves are expected to start turning in northern Maine this week and we’ll start to see how the summer’s weather affects the colors.