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 percent to 50 percent.

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 percent color change.

Recent rainstorms have contributed to a low to moderate leaf drop of 30 percent to 50 percent.

“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 12at 1 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 www.visitmaine.com/search/new/event/. 

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