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.