The Latest Maine Fall Foliage Updates

Our good friends at MaineFoliage.com report to us that recent evening frosts have sped up the foliage process -- good news for those wishing to leaf peep sooner than later in the "Pine Tree State" (the state's nickname really doesn't give justice to the fall foliage season here).

As of Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2008, The Maine Department of Conservation stated that rangers in far northern Maine have reported observing between 50 and 75 percent peak leaf color in western Aroostook County and the northern portions of Somerset and Piscataquis County. Rangers are also reporting between 30 and 50 percent peak fall leaf color in eastern and southern Aroostook County, northern Penobscot County, and locations north of Rangeley in Franklin County.

Foliage, however, in northern Washington County is low -- 10 to 30 percent peak color -- which is also being reported in the southern part of the county, and in Hancock, Kennebec, Androscoggin and southern Penobscot counties.

The Maine coastline, from Kittery to Belfast, is less than 10 percent toward peak.

The Fish River Scenic Byway in Aroostook County, along Route 11, will have significantly great color for a weekend drive, making it an ideal time to hike or fish at Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle.

Pristine Baxter State Park, the lakes between the park and the town of Millinocket, and the Moosehead Lake region, also should be ideal for the fall foliage crowd during the next week. Reports are also favorable for the northern section of the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway in Somerset County.

For the most up-to-date fall foliage reports, visit MaineFoliage.com, where visitors can sign up to receive the weekly reports by email or RSS feed.

For more information about events and activities happening in Maine this fall, check out VisitMaine.com.