ExploringMaine.com

From the Maine Department of Tourism:

The rain that soaked Maine during the first half of the summer was good for something. Leaf-bearing trees throughout the state benefited from the wet weather, and are now healthy and primed for their annual color change according to the first fall foliage report from the state Department of Conservation.

"Good foliage development is a prerequisite for good fall color," said Bill Ostrofsky, a forest pathologist with the Maine Forest Service. "The plentiful summer rain allowed the foliage to develop vigorously, and most crowns now appear full, dense, and very lush. All regions appear to be on track for another spectacular season."

Currently, forest rangers in Aroostook County and the northern portions of Piscataquis and Somerset County are observing low leaf color, or less than 30 percent toward peak, along with low leaf drop. Color in the remainder of the state is very low, or less than 10 percent toward peak, with very low leaf drop. The health of foliage in northern, southern and downeast regions is particularly good, according to Ostrofsky.

Overnight temperatures in the low 40s and the continued decrease in daylight will spark the gradual change in leaf color from north to south through late October.

Maine's fall foliage conditions will be updated each Wednesday through Oct. 21.

Guided hikes to spectacular views of turning foliage will be offered at multiple state parks on Sunday's in October.

"Maine state parks are popular destinations for leaf peepers," said Department of Conservation Commissioner Patrick McGowan. "The educational hikes will be a fun way to see and photograph foliage in a park forest."

Fall events happening this weekend include the inaugural Acadia Night Sky Festival on Mount Desert Island, the 3rd Annual Two Countries, One Bay Art Studio Tour in Lubec, Eastport and Calais; and the 12th Annual Bethel Harvest Fest.

"It's the perfect time to visit an apple orchard or a family farm with a cornstalk maze," said Pat Eltman, director of the Maine Office of Tourism. "And there's fun for all ages at community harvest festivals happening through October."