Peak Foliage in Southeast Maine for Columbus Day Weekend

October 9, 2013 AUGUSTA, Maine – The southeast of Maine is now experiencing peak foliage just in time for the Columbus Day weekend according to the fifth Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry. Leaf drop is low at 30% to 50%.

The Maine Forest Service and state park rangers are now reporting peak conditions in Zones 2 and 3 covering Bar Harbor, Penobscot Bay, Bangor, and Augusta. The cities of Camden, Bath, and Portland down to Kittery in Zone 1 are at high conditions with less than 70% color change. Recent rainstorms have contributed to a low to moderate leaf drop of 30% to 50%.

“This has been one of our best fall foliage seasons to date,” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. “There is still time to view the blanket of color in the southeastern part of the state before winter sets in.”

The last fall foliage hike of the season, suitable for all ages, will be held at Vaughn Woods State Park in South Berwick located in Zone 1 near York on October 12th at 1:00 p.m.  For more information please visit www.parksandlands.com or call (207) 384-5160.

In addition to viewing peak foliage conditions, Columbus Day weekend in Maine is in full swing with great festivals. For a full list of festivals go to http://www.visitmaine.com/search/new/event/.

Highlights include:
• Acadia’s Oktoberfest Food & Crafts Festival begins on Friday, October 11th with a Wine & Cheese Festival and a Brewfest on Saturday, October 12.  More than 20 Maine brewers and many crafts booths are on display at the Brewfest, along with music and entertainment and all Maine products. The Ocktoberfest takes place at the Smuggler’s Den Campground, 20 Maine Street, Southwest Harbor (www.acadiaoctoberfest.com/schedule.html).  This area is not affected by the government shutdown.

• The 8th Annual Blue Hill Peninsula Fall Festival spans 10 days, from Thursday, October 10th until Sunday, October 20th.  The signature event is on Sunday, October 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mainescape Garden Shop in Blue Hill. Businesses and farms from all corners of the Peninsula, Deer Isle and Isle au Haut offer arts, crafts and samples prepared by local chefs. (www.bluehillpeninsula.org)

• Wolfe’s Neck Farm is hosting their annual Fall Festival October 12th to celebrate the fall harvest.  A perfect family event, the festival includes pumpkin hayrides and tractor rides to the pumpkin patch for pumpkin picking.  The Fall Festival also offers hot food and lively music.

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.