The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway provides dazzling views of fall foliage. Photo © Clark Gregor, licensed Creative Commons Attribution.
Maine
The timing of Maine’s fall foliage owes much to the summer weather that precedes it, and so does the quality (although the annual spectacle never disappoints). In early September, as deciduous trees ready themselves for winter, they stop producing chlorophyll, and the green begins to disappear from their leaves. Taking its place are the spectacular pigments—brilliant reds, yellows, oranges, and purples—that paint the leaves and warm the hearts of every “leaf-peeper,” shopkeeper, innkeeper, and restaurateur in the region.The colorful display begins slowly, reaches a peak, and then fades—starting in the north in early-mid-September and working down to the southwest corner by mid-October. Peak foliage in far-north Aroostook County usually occurs in late September, about three weeks after the colors have begun to appear. Along the South Coast and Mid-Coast, the peak can occur as late as the middle of October, with the last bits of color hanging on even beyond that.
Trees put on their most magnificent show after a summer of moderate heat and rainfall; a summer of excessive heat and scant rainfall means colors will be less brilliant and disappear more quickly. Throw a September or October northeaster or hurricane into the mix, and estimates are up for grabs.
So predictions are imprecise, and you’ll need to allow some schedule flexibility to take advantage of the changes in different parts of the state. Mid-September-mid-October, check the state’s Department of Conservation website for frequently updated maps, panoramic photographs, and reports on the foliage status (this is gauged by the percentage of dropped leaf in every region of the state). Or call the Foliage Hotline (888/624-6345). Another resource for info on driving tours during foliage season is the website of the Maine Office of Tourism.
Fall-foliage trips are extremely popular and have become more so in recent years, so lodging can be scarce in some areas (although you’ll often find beds in adjacent towns). Plan well ahead and make reservations, especially if you’re headed for the Kennebunks, Boothbay Harbor, Camden, Bar Harbor, Greenville, Rangeley, and Bethel.
Excerpted from the Sixth Edition of Moon Maine.
