ExploringMaine.com

The lakes and mountains region of western Maine, and the Mt. Katahdin region will have the best foliage color this weekend, according to the fourth fall foliage report from the state Department of Conservation.

Forest rangers from Moosehead Lake to Stratton, and Mt. Katahdin to Lincoln are observing peak foliage conditions, or at least 75 percent color change, and moderate leaf drop between 30 and 50 percent, the report states.Maine foliage conditions for Oct. 7. Credit: Maine Department of Conservation

Rangers are reporting high color, or 50 to 70 percent toward peak, with moderate leaf drop in locations like Rangeley, Rumford, Bethel, Grand Lake Stream and Calais.

"The time is right to head for the western mountains, the Millinocket area, and the northern lakes of Washington County," said Gale Ross, spokesperson for the Maine Department of Conservation. "I have encouraged travelers to plan their Maine foliage trip for this time of the month, and I am happy that Mother Nature cooperated."

High color has also reached the central and eastern portion of the state from Dover-Foxcroft to Bangor, according to rangers. Leaf drop in the region is now moderate.

Rangers are reporting moderate color change along the Downeast coast from Bucksport to Lubec, in southern and central interior locations from Sebago Lake to Augusta, and along the southern coast from Kittery to Belfast. Leaf drop in these regions is moderate.

Foliage color is now past peak and leaf drop is 10 to 50 percent in all of Aroostook County, northern Piscataquis County and northern Somerset County, the report states.

-By the Maine Department of Tourism