Maine Foliage Report for October 2, 2013

October 2, 2013 AUGUSTA, Maine – The foliage color is gradually reaching peak perfection throughout the state, according to the fourth 2013 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

The Maine Forest Service and state park rangers are now reporting peak conditions in Zones 7, 6 and 5 covering all of Aroostook County from Fort Kent down to Houlton, and the western part of the state from Jackman down to Bethel. The eastern part of the state from Calais down to Bar Harbor in Zones 4 and 2 is also experiencing peak conditions of 75% to 100%.

The good news is that the leaf drop is moderate to low between 30% and 50% meaning that residents and visitors will continue to enjoy a spectacular autumn season. The weather forecast for this weekend is excellent with temperatures in the high sixties and sunny skies.

On Saturday, October 5th a guided fall foliage tour with a park ranger or forester will take place at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine located in Zone 1 on Route 9 halfway between Portland and Lewiston-Auburn.   For more information please visitwww.parksandlands.com.

Despite the fact that Acadia National Park is closed to visitors because of the government shutdown, there is still plenty to do in Bar Harbor www.barharborinfo.com

The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce reports that visitors can enjoy the spectacular fall foliage on one of many boat tours, whale watches and scenic air tours.  Bar Harbor also offers historic walking tours, wine-tasting and brewery tours, museums, bike tours and, of course, some of the finest restaurants in the United States featuring the world-renowned Maine lobster.

Maine’s official foliage website www.mainefoliage.com provides weekly reports by e-mail and an opportunity to share photos of favorite spots in Maine to watch the leaves change color.

“Visitors to Maine and natives will find this fall season to be one of the best ever,” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “The government shutdown doesn’t impact state parks or historic sites, which are all open for business.”

Go to www.visitmaine.com or call the Maine Office of Tourism at 1-888-624-6345 for more information about fall activities and events in Maine.