Foliage Reports: September 27, 2006
Foliage nearing peak color in Maine's western lakes and mountains region
Western Maine towns like Rangeley, Greenville, Kingfield and Rumford are best bets to see spectacular fall colors this weekend, according to the state Department of Conservation's third 2006 foliage report.
Forest and park rangers throughout the tracking zone covering northern Oxford County, Franklin County, Somerset County and southern Piscataquis County are reporting high leaf color ranging from 50 to 70 percent toward peak. Hills and mountains are flushed with red, orange and yellow hues, and there are plenty of leaves to see as the trees in most western locations still have 70 percent or more of their foliage.
With four designated scenic byways, the western lakes and mountains region has more driving routes for leaf peepers than any other part of the state. It's the perfect time for paddling on a lake or pond surrounded by beautiful foliage. Lily Bay State Park on the shore of Moosehead Lake near Greenville makes a great base for hiking, fishing and foliage viewing. In the heart of the Rangeley lakes area, Bald Mountain offers a great family hike with amazing views of the fall colors and five lakes and ponds.
Foliage in the western portion of extreme northern Maine is now past peak color, while the eastern portion of that region is showing peak color, or 85 to 100 percent. Tracking zones covering inland southern, central and eastern areas including Fryeburg, Augusta, Bangor, Calais and Houlton have moderate foliage ranging from 30 to 50 percent toward peak. Leaf color in all coastal areas remains slight, with less than 30 percent color change.
Visitors to the site can sign up to receive weekly foliage reports by e-mail. The site also offers a Live Help feature with Department of Conservation staff on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EST beginning September 18.
Updated reports can also be obtained by calling the Maine foliage hotline at 1-888-MAINE-45. Learn more about Maines fall touring routes and outdoor activities at www.visitmaine.com.
Press contact: Kevin Gove, Nancy Marshall Communications, Email: kgove@marshallpr.com, Phone: (207) 623-4177.
Current Conditions - The Foliage Conditions map on this page is the foliage zone map used by Maine Forest Service Rangers when reporting fall foliage conditions. See Also: Description of Zones
Week of September 27, 2006
| Zone Number |
Color Change |
Leaf Drop |
| 7 |
Peak |
Moderate |
| 6 |
Past Peak |
Moderate |
| 5 |
High |
Low |
| 4 |
Moderate |
Low |
| 3 |
Moderate |
Low |
| 2 |
Very Low |
Very Low |
| 1 |
Low |
Low |
Foliage Zones
Zone 7: Northeastern Maine, including Fort Kent, Caribou, and Presque Isle
Zone 6: Northwestern Maine
Zone 5: Western Mid-Maine, including Greenville, Rangeley, Bethel
Zone 4: Eastern Mid-Maine, including Houlton, Millinocket, and Calais
Zone 3: Central and Southwestern Maine, including Bangor, Augusta, and Fryeburg
Zone 2: DowneastMaine, including Machias, Bar Harbor, and Penobscot Bay
Zone 1: Mid-Coast and South Coastal Maine, including Camden, Portland, Kennebunkport, and Kittery
