Map displaying current Foliage Conditions

Foliage Report for September 14, 2011

Maine Fall Foliage Colors Expected to Be "Bright and Beautiful"

AUGUSTA, Maine – A stretch of hot and dry weather in July and the recent tropical storm won't have a noticeable impact on foliage viewing in Maine according to the first 2011 fall foliage report from the Maine Department of Conservation (MDOC).

Mainefoliage.com has a new design this year that will enable faster, easier access that can be viewed on mobile devices. Visitors can now take foliage photos with their phone and instantly submit them to the website, according to Maine foliage spokeswoman Gale Ross.

"Overall, the foliage looks to be in better than average condition," said Bill Ostrofsky, a forest pathologist at the Maine Forest Service. "I fully expect the Maine fall foliage season will be delivered right on time as another bright and beautiful show."

Currently, Maine Forest Service rangers in each of the state's seven tracking zones are observing very low leaf color, or less than 10 percent toward peak, along with very low leaf drop. Overnight temperatures in the low 40s and the continued decrease in daylight will spark the gradual change in leaf color from north to south through late October according to MDOC officials.

"Each year, we look forward to the foliage season and partnering with the Maine Department of Conservation to give our visitors and residents updated foliage reports and provide helpful information on events, tours and activities that make fall in Maine so special," said Maine Office of Tourism Director, Carolann Ouellette. "It's the perfect time to get out and enjoy all our state has to offer."

Maine's fall foliage conditions will be updated on this website each Wednesday through Oct. 19. Visitors to the website can sign up to receive the weekly reports by email, and submit photos of foliage scenes from around Maine. Maine foliage fans can also share photos and favorite viewing spots at the Maine Fall Foliage page on Facebook.

The MDOC also announced that ranger-led weekend foliage hikes will be offered at state parks and public lands in October. The first hike takes place on Oct. 1 at Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft. Visit www.parksandlands.com for information about each hike.

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.

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.

Week of September 14, 2011
Zone Number Color Change Leaf Drop
7 Very Low Very Low
6 Very Low Very Low
5 Very Low Very Low
4 Very Low Very Low
3 Very Low Very Low
2 Very Low Very Low
1 Very Low Very 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