Maine Fall Foliage Update!

"Maine Foliage Continues to Turn from North to South"

"AUGUSTA, Maine - Foliage in northern Maine and in border communities in the central part of the state is half way toward peak color according to the Maine Department of Conservation's (DOC) third 2005 fall foliage report.

Forest and park rangers are reporting moderate leaf color, ranging from 30 to 50 percent toward peak, in the foliage tracking zones covering all of Aroostook County, and the northern portions of Penobscot, Piscataquis and Somerset counties. Good weather in those areas has led to leaf drop of 30 percent or less thus far.

"The colors on Quaggy Joe Mountain and around Echo Lake are beautiful," said Aroostook State Park Manager Fritz Appleby. The park is located off of Route 1 south of Presque Isle.

Rangers have also observed increased color further south along Route 1 in towns along the New Brunswick, Canada border. In those areas and in the western mountains region along the Quebec, Canada border, leaf color is now as much as 30 percent toward peak. Foliage in the remainder of the state remains at less than 10 percent toward peak.

To provide the most accurate foliage information, DOC rangers will report conditions statewide every Wednesday through Oct. 12. Updated reports and information can also be obtained by calling the Maine foliage hotline at 1-888-MAINE-45. Learn more about Maine's fall touring routes and outdoor activities at www.visitmaine.com."