Weekly Maine Foliage Report # 4

Note that this map is identical to last week's. There is a first time for everything!

Color progression is slowing down due to the warm, dry weather we've been having. Here is what the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has to say about it:

Northern Maine Nearing Peak Conditions Columbus Day WeekendAugusta, ME (October 4, 2017) - The Fall Foliage Report from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports 70 percent color for the upcoming Columbus Day weekend in northern Maine, while the remainder of the state is at 40 to 50 percent color change. A low leaf drop is also reported throughout the state.
Typically, northern Maine (zones 6 and 7) reaches peak conditions the last week of September into the first week of October. The rest of the state’s progression of color will start occurring from north to south in mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak conditions mid-to-late October.
“I’m going out on a limb here and say that because of the warm weather we’ve been experiencing, it appears the progression of color is trailing about a week behind. Ideal conditions call for shorter, warm days, followed by longer, cool nights to move the colors along,” according to Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson. “This all translates into good news for our mid-to-late October leaf peepers,” noted Ross.

The department also mentioned one of our favorite drives up around Rangeley:

Travel on the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway following Routes 17 and for 4 views of the lakes and mountains region. This 52-mile drive wraps around Rangeley Lake and follows the ridgeline of the Appalachian Mountains before dropping into rolling hills and valleys. Be sure to stop at the Height of Land, a scenic lookout on Route 17 featuring views of Mooselookmeguntic and Upper Richardson lakes, Toothaker Island and the mountains for incredible views and a great photo opportunity. For lunch, pack a picnic and take the short hike off Route 4 for scenic views of waterfalls, a colorful gorge, and swimming holes. For outdoor lovers looking for a bit more of a hike, take on Bald Mountain, a moderate two-mile hike in Oquossoc, for 360-degree views of the region.