Weekly Maine Foliage Report
Maine's Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry releases weekly foliage reports each year during foliage season (mid-September through mid-October). Forest Rangers assess the amount of color change and leaf drop when they are on assignment in the field. These reports represent the official word on foliage conditions in the state of Maine and are provided to the public and media. Areas of the Maine's Lakes and Mountains region of Maine fall into the Central(3) and Western(5) Zones.Map courtesy of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF)
Cruise Along the Songo River
Docked on Long Lake at the Naples Causeway, the Songo River Princess is a new, 55-person passenger cruiser with a cash bar. This sleek vessel has a seasoned crew that knows the most beautiful locations to explore for the best colors in New England.Picture this—the trip begins on Long Lake before cruising beneath the Naples Bridge into the Chute River. After meandering toward Brandy Pond, the journey ends at the historic Songo River Locks. These locks were constructed in the 1830s to connect Sebago Lake to Long Lake via the Songo River for the transportation of timber.Foliage cruises run from mid-September to mid-October based on weather and local foliage forecast. Length varies up to 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic.841 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, Maine 04055
Along the Lower Androscoggin River
The mighty Androscoggin River runs through the heart of Maine and the Maine Lakes and Mountains region. It flows all the way from the New Hampshire border to Merrymeeting Bay and finally into the Atlantic Ocean.This stretch of river along Route 136 South—from Auburn to the small town of Durham—varies from slow, wide stretches to moderate rapids. It’s especially stunning when decked out in fall color.From Durham, you’ve got two (equally beautiful) route choices. Follow Route 9 East, crossing the river at Lisbon Falls, through rolling farmlands to Sabattus and back to Lewiston. Or, take Route 9 West to Runaround Pond Road/N Pownal Road, then merge with Route 231, heading south towards Gray.
Evans Notch Overlook
Located in Maine’s side of the White Mountain National Forest, Evans Notch Overlook is a great perch for expansive views. At 1,400 ft in elevation, you can see Royce Mountain, Bean’s Purchase, and the rest of the White Mountains. The fall hues here come primarily from white ash trees, sugar maple, and yellow birch.An interpretive sign marking the location of the overlook reads:“Evans Notch is at the northern end of Route 113, and it’s the point where the watersheds of the Androscoggin and Saco Rivers divide, and water flowing south enters the Saco River and water flowing North enters the Androscoggin River.”State Highway 113, Chatham, MaineThe overlook does not offer restrooms or potable water
Grafton Notch State Park
Some of Maine’s most spectacular mountains can be seen along the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway, and lucky for you, there are several spots to pull off and take in the view. The surrounding forests are filled with beech, yellow birch, sugar maple, paper birch, red maple, and red oak.The wider landscape provides a glimpse of Maine's geologic history with metamorphic bedrock dating back roughly 420 million years. The Notch itself is a classic example of a U-shaped valley carved out by glacial action during the last ice age.Route 26, approximately 14 miles north of Bethel. Open 9:00 a.m. to sunset daily from May 15 to October 15. Fee charged. - cash or check only, no credit cards accepted. Off Season Visitors may place the admission fee in the self-service collection canister.
Fall Scenic Lift Rides
Take in the fall foliage from a new perspective at one of Maine’s top ski resorts—Saddleback, Sunday River, and Sugarloaf. Sit and enjoy the sweeping views of the region’s valleys and mountains from Sugarloaf’s Whiffletree Quad Chairlift. Or, relax in an open-air chair or gondola cabin at Sunday River. At Saddleback, grab your pass to ride the Rangeley Express Quad up and down as many times in one day as your heart desires.
Height of Land Overlook
Set high atop the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, the Height of Land overlook has an expansive view of the mountains and the Rangeley Lakes region. It’s got one of the most stunning overlooks in the Northeast—with views of Mooselookmeguntic Lake, Richardson Lake, and the White Mountains. Pro tip: it’s also an unrivaled spot for a vibrant sunset.
Along Route 27
This scenic drive begins in Kingfield, a storybook town on the Carrabassett River. Here, you’ll find a grocery store, hardware store, restaurants, a well-stocked library, and lots of chances to get outdoors. Head south out of town on Route 27 to New Portland to visit the Wire Bridge—a 150-year-old civil engineering marvel.Continuing on Route 27, you'll pass through New Vineyard—with its Village Market and Brookside Barn Antiques. Enjoy a meandering ride through the valley between the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers. Here, you’ll see roadside foliage with pops of reds, golds, oranges, and some evergreens. The drive ends in the Shire Town of Farmington. Home to the University of Maine Farmington, it’s a bustling place in the fall.
