Foliage Reports: October 19, 2005

Foliage color still spectacular in southern, coastal Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine - October 19, 2005

Foliage is at or near peak color throughout southern and coastal Maine according to the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) final fall foliage report for 2005. With partly sunny and dry weather predicted this weekend for most of the southern half of the state, it should be the perfect time for a final trip to see Maine’s fall beauty.

Forest and park rangers are reporting peak leaf color, ranging from 85 to 100 percent, in the foliage tracking zones covering the entire Maine coastline from Kittery to Eastport. Salt marshes and protected bays surrounded by colorful foliage are particularly picturesque this time of year. Many coastal towns offer waterside walking paths, scenic hiking trails in nature preserves and state parks, and  biking trails for those who choose to be active while viewing the vibrant leaves. 

Peak color is also covering the Kennebec River region including the cities of Augusta and Waterville, and the Penobscot River region surrounding the city of Bangor. A drive north along Route 201 from Topsham to Augusta and on to Waterville reveals spectacular foliage set amongst lush green fields, lakes and the Kennebec River.

Visitors don’t have to trek to the forest to see Maine’s attractive foliage. Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth, near Portland; and Peacock Beach State Park in Richmond, south of Augusta, are two places where people can enjoy the color of the leaves without traveling deep into the woods. Those who prefer to be closer to nature can take the short hike up the summit trail at Bradbury Mountain State Park or tackle the trails on Mt. Battie or Mt. Megunticook at Camden Hills State Park.

To provide the most accurate foliage information, DOC rangers will report conditions statewide every Wednesday through Oct. 19. Updated reports and information can also be obtained by calling the Maine foliage hotline at 1-888-MAINE-45. Learn more about Maine’s 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 October 19, 2005

Zone Number	Color Change	Leaf Drop
7	Past Peak	High
6	Past Peak	High
5	Past Peak	High
4	Peak	High
3	Peak	High
2	Peak	High
1	Peak	High

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