This is the time of year that many of us have been waiting for, and more so after the long hot summer we’ve had. The air is crisp, apples and cider are ready, pumpkins are everywhere and the fragrance of fall leaves mingles with the pine needles on the forest floor to make a mix that is unmistakable . . . autumn! Going on a leaf-peeping tour entertains our thoughts. There are many scenic drives in Maine and New England to provide you with days of foliage delights.

There are 95 roads in the U.S. that have been designated as Scenic Byways and Maine is lucky to have four of them. Two of them I have already highlighted in past road trips, the first being the Rangeley loop that runs along routes 4 and 17. The other one is Route 201, the Old Canada Road, that runs from Solon through Jackman to the Canada border.

The other two are the Acadia Byway, which runs through Acadia National Park, and the Schoodic National Scenic Byway, which runs along Maine’s Downeast coast. For more information on all of these trips go to: http://www.visitmaine.com/attractions/sightseeing_tours/scenic_byway/

But don’t think that those are the only good scenic areas to be found in Maine; there are so many more. For today’s trip I started out in Auburn and worked my way up to Mount Blue in Weld. For those of you who are handicapped or unable to hike up a mountain for whatever reason and, therefore, miss the beautiful scenic views offered from a mountain top, Mount Blue State Park is for you. You can drive all the way up Center Hill, within the park, and find picnic tables and easy hikes around the top, along with a fantastic view of Webb Lake and the surrounding mountains. And with this year’s show of colors, the view is even better.

So get your Maine Gazetteer — just for backup — and let’s get going!

When you head out to Mount Blue State Park, stop off at the Greenwood Orchards stand on Route 4 and pick up some fresh apples along with some cider for the trip. Don’t forget the great fresh baked goods you’ll find there, and they also have other products. Keep in mind they ship apples and will be open through December 31 selling wreaths and Christmas trees. Try their apple brownies . . . you’ll love em!

Greenwood Orchards

174 Auburn Road, Route 4

Turner

225-3764

To see a different style of “road art,” as I call it, go north on Route 4 to Crash Road in North Livermore. Follow it almost to the end and turn left onto Alden Hill Road. Be watchful and you will see all sorts of “critters” on the left side of the road, from trolls to Tweety and Sylvester, and a giant Maine Mosquito. Some of these “critters” are creatively made from tree parts and whatever else could be found to use.

Continue on this road and it turns into a dirt road. Keep going. Turn right on Phipps-Canada Road and continue onto Riley Road. This will bring you by a spot near the railroad tracks where you can pull off and get some really great photos of the tracks, the Androscoggin River and foliage.

Get back onto Riley Road and up the road there are two pullouts that are of interest. The first is Snoopy Site on Riley Road, run by Verso Paper. It is a small carry-in boat launch and also has a very beautiful view of the Androscoggin River. For more information about other recreational activities along the Androscoggin River call the Environmental Department Office of Verso Paper at 897-3431.

Up the road just a short way is Pine Island, also run by Verso Paper. You can drive over a bridge to the island and park. There are a few picnic benches and short trails on the island with beautiful views of the two dams. There is a carry-in boat launch there, also, for canoes and kayaks.

From Pine Island continue on Riley Road to Route 17 and follow this to East Dixfield Road and turn left. Continue until you come to Route 2. Turn right onto Route 2 to Wilton. (Along the way will be plenty of great views and potential photo stops.) Make a left turn onto Main Street in Wilton. It’s a small town with big surprises. For a gastronomic treat you won’t soon forget stop off at:

Calzolaio Pasta Company

284 Main St

Wilton

645-9500

www.calzolaiopasta.com

A really great Italian food restaurant that caters to your taste. They have excellent dining facilities inside and, weather permitting, a great outdoor deck. The restaurant is in an old mill next to the canal, so the ambiance is wonderful. Eat in or take out.

And then, don’t miss:

Bass Park

Main Street

Wilton

http://www.wiltonmaine.org/recreation.html

This is at the curve on Main Street at the foot of Wilton Lake. There is swimming in the summer, and a grassy park with a gazebo and play areas for kids. It also has picnic benches. Wilton has other parks, so check out the town’s website.

From Main Street turn north onto Route 156. This route is less traveled, but a very scenic drive. It is Weld Road and will take you to up to Weld. On your way you’ll want to stop off at:

Sweet Maple Farm

391 Weld Road

Wilton

645-4596

They are selling fresh fruit, vegetables, maple syrup and specialties like Raye’s Mustard (made in Maine) and jars full of pure Maine honey. Owner Roger Hall said if his truck is there, stop in.

Continue driving north on this very scenic route until you come to a junction in Weld. Turn right onto Center Hill Road. Follow this road until you come to a scenic overlook. If you want, stop and spend a few minutes to take in the view of Webb Lake and the surrounding hills. Continue on Center Hill Road until you come to the turnoff for Center Hill, in Mount Blue State Park, and head up.

You can end your road trip here near the top of Center Hill or go back down to Center Hill Road, take a right and continue on Center Hill Road until you come to Mount Blue Road on the right. Be aware that these are dirt roads you are traveling on, and Mount Blue Road is a one-lane road, but the foliage you will see is well worth it. Follow this up to the next parking lot and a trail up Mount Blue, for the adventurous ones who feel like hiking. It is a 1.6-mile hike to the top of Mount Blue, but well worth the views you will see when you complete it. For more information visit the website: http://www.maine.gov/doc/parks/

For more scenic byways and tours and places to see, check out these websites:

http://www.byways.org/explore/states/ME/

www.parksandlands.com

And for foliage information: www.mainefoliage.com