MaineBusiness.com

AUGUSTA, Maine – Foliage color has reached its peak in the far north of Maine and is spreading south, according to the third fall foliage report from the state Department of Conservation.

Forest rangers in Aroostook County and locations north of Baxter State Park are observing peak conditions, or at least 75 percent color change, and moderate leaf drop between 30 and 50 percent, the report states.

Color is now high, or 50 to 70 percent toward peak, and leaf drop is moderate in the Moosehead Lake region and locations like Jackman and Eustis. Foliage color between Rangeley and Bethel in western Maine is now moderate, or 30 to 50 percent toward peak, and leaf drop is moderate, the report states.

Foliage color in eastern locations from Millinocket to Lincoln and Old Town is now high, while Grand Lake Stream and Calais have moderate color. Leaf drop in the region is 30 to 50 percent, according to the report.

Rangers are reporting moderate color change along the Downeast coast from Belfast to Mount Desert Island and Lubec, and in central interior locations near the Bangor region. Leaf drop in these regions remains low, or less than 30 percent. Southern interior locations from Sebago Lake to Augusta and the southern coast now have 10 to 30 percent color change, and leaf drop is low, according to rangers.

Maine’s fall foliage conditions are updated each Wednesday on www.Mainefoliage.com. The Department of Conservation encourages visitors to post comments about their Maine foliage adventures on the Foliage Forum page, and submit Maine foliage photos on the Photo Gallery page.

Fun fall events happening this weekend include Autumn Gold Weekend in Ellsworth, Vinfest in Lincolnville, the annual Apple Festival in Rangeley, and a ranger-led foliage hike at Grafton Notch State Park in North Newry.

For more information about events and activities happening in Maine this fall log onto http://www.visitmaine.com.

- END -