2016-10-07



The leaves of a maple tree frame a farm on the banks of the Kennebec River in Woolwich. File photo/AP



The leaves on this maple along Route 35 in Dayton had reached their deep red stage. Press Herald file photo/Gregory Rec



Chickens and foliage in Kennebunk. Press Herald file photo/Gregory Rec

A woman walks through the rain over a carpet of leaves on the sidewalk along Free Street in Portland. Press Herald file photo/Gregory Rec

Cows stand out as the fall foliage shows its peak colors at a farm along Wilson Road in Gorham. Press Herald file photo/John Patriquin

A leaf floats down the Merriland River in Wells on top of a distorted reflection of a tree's colorful foliage. Press Herald file photo/Gregory Rec

A flyfisherman tries his luck at the Mousam river in Kennebunk. Press Herald file photo/John Patriquin

Press Herald file photo

Stevens Brook waterfalls in Shorey Park in Bridgton shows signs of color. Press Herald file photo/John Patriquin

High elevations like this scene along Quaker Ridge in Casco allow view of Western Maine as the leaves change color. Press Herald file photo/John Patriquin

all foliage surrounds two horses in a field in Falmouth. Press Herald file photo/Gordon Chibroski

Fall foliage frames a bare tree and fence in a horse pasture at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester. Press Herald file photo/Gordon Chibroski

Sunlight shines through maple leaves on the edge of Echo Lake in Acadia National Park. Press Herald file photo/Gregory Rec

Sunlight through golden-hued Maple leaves along the Penobscot River. Photo by Michael York

A small sprig of leaves sticks out from a maple tree in Acadia National Park. Press Herald file photo/Gregory Rec

A maple tree adds a burst of foliage color to a field in North Pownal. Press Herald file photo/John Ewing

Bright foliage in Bethel. Press Herald file photo/Jill Brady/

Fall foliage was spectacular at the 18th tee at the Woodlands Club in Falmouth. Press Herald file photo/Gordon Chibroski

Foliage near a field in Weld. Press Herald file photo/Shawn Patrick Ouellette

Mt. Blue State Park in Weld. Photo by Deirdre Fleming

pair of mallard ducks swim up the Presumpscot River in Westbrook against a striking reflection of fall foliage color. Press Herald file photo/John Patriquin

A horse grazes with a backdrop of colorfull foliage at Vienna Farm in Gorham. Press Herald file photo/John Patriquin

A few flyfishermen try their luck on the colorful Presumpscot river in Standish. Press Herald file photo/John Patriquin

Foliage on Tumbledown Mountain. Press Herald file photo/Shawn Patrick Ouellette

The morning light dances around pillars of a bridge that connects the coastal towns of Edgecomb and Wiscasset. AP photo/Pat Wellenbach

Fall foliage is illuminated by sunlight breaking through the clouds behind a barn on Miller Lane in Smithfield. Morning Sentinel file photo/Jeff Pouland

Mist lingers over Lobster Lake as trees show off their colors in northwestern Maine. File photo/AP/Pat Wellenbach

Foliage on a few trees is reflected on the calm water of Bartlett Stream in North Searsmont. Press Herald file photo/Herb Swanson

Some scenic Maine spots for leaf peeping in person:

Pictures are nice, but you need to see those leaves in person. You can go just about anywhere in the state, really (check mainefoliage.com for current foliage conditions), but these spots are some of our favorites:

Sebago Lake State Park

Rte. 302, Casco | Get directions

Whether you’re in a motorized boat, canoe or kayak, you’ll be surrounded by the bright hues of fall. Put in from the state park or at Raymond Beach

Mt. Agamenticus

Mountain Road off Route 1, York | Get directions

See Maine’s colors from on high. There are more than 100 miles of trails here for hikers and bikers and the summit is well worth the effort

Fryeburg

Route 302, Fryeburg | Get directions

This year’s Fryeburg Fair runs from Oct. 4-11, while the leaves are doing their thing. From Fryeburg, you’re just minutes from North Conway and the start of the White Mountain National Forest, where the colorful trees will seem to go on forever.

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

Barters Island Road, Boothbay | Get directions

Self-guided tours are available year-round and, in addition to the gardens, there are plenty of trails, included the wooded Shoreland Trail which leads to classic coastal water views — which include trees. (633-4333)

Emmons Preserve

57 Gravelly Brook Road, Kennebunkport | Get directions

Right in the heart of K’Port, the preserve has a pair of short trails where you can enjoy the colors. Hike, bike, stay a while. (967-3465)

Bradbury Mountain State Park

528 Hallowell Road, Pownal | Get directions

Picnic, hike, bike and enjoy the incredible views from the summit. The woods are thick at the park, which means there could be too many colors to count.

Rangeley Lake

Route 4, Rangeley | Get directions

The drive up Routes 11, 27 & 4 will be breathtaking during peak season. When you arrive, check out the views spanning across Rangeley Lake and along the many hiking trails.

Camden Hills State Park

280 Belfast Road, Camden | Get directions

Climb either Mt. Battie or Mt. Megunticook for sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay or the surrounding islands. If you aren’t into hiking, Mt. Battie offers an auto road where you can take in the colors of the surrounding hillsides.

Shawnee Peak

Mountain Road, Bridgton | Get directions

Moose Pond sits at the base of the mountain. Hang near the water and look up at the leaves or make your way up (as high as you can get without a chair lift) and feast your eyes down yonder at the pond.

Acadia National Park

Route 233, Bar Harbor | Get directions

Is there a more beautiful place in Maine, regardless of the season? In early October the drive will be well worth it for incredible views, sans tourists.

Sunday River

15 South Ridge Road, Newry | Get directions

Sunday River might be covered in snow in a few months, but during foliage season, it’s an excellent place to take in the fall colors. Ride the chondola up to the top of the mountain and hike around amid the changing leaves.

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