Maine Fall Foliage Update

October 5, 2005 Maine Foliage Report
Maine Department of Conservation

Maine Foliage Color Creeping South, Peaking in the North

"AUGUSTA, Maine - Now is the time to experience spectacular foliage among Maine's western mountains and lakes according to the Department of Conservation's (DOC) fourth 2005 fall foliage report.

Forest and park rangers are reporting high leaf color, ranging from 50 to 70 percent toward peak, in the foliage tracking zone covering the towns of Greenville, Rangeley and Bethel. The three locations offer scenic drives through mountain ranges, hiking and biking trails along rivers and streams, and vistas overlooking lakes and ponds.

"There is great color surrounding Moosehead Lake, but it is particularly brilliant around the water's northern shore," said Greenville Forester Steve Day.

High leaf color is also covering all of Aroostook County and the eastern central tracking zone stretching from Houlton to Bangor. Foliage is now moderate, or 30-50 percent toward peak, throughout the tracking zone covering Dover-Foxcroft to Augusta, and west to Fryeburg. Coastal areas from Kittery to Eastport are also seeing less green leaves, but overall have less than 30 percent color change.

Maine's national and state scenic byways give visitors stunning views of foliage in breathtaking surroundings. The Grafton Notch Scenic Byway starts near Bethel and follows Route 26 to the New Hampshire border. The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway passes between two lakes and by one of the state's tallest mountains. The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway begins south west of Moosehead Lake and traverses a historic route to the Canadian border.

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."

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