ExploringMaine.com

Fall foliage, its tapestry of reds, oranges, yellows and greens, is a favorite for tourists and residents alike. And while many flock to our scenic byways to see spectacular color, others traverse less well known routes.

It's always interesting to try new and different foliage routes. In addition to their beauty, they will each have a different story, diverse history, lots of gift and antique shops, restaurants, vegetable and farm stands, rolling hills and winding country roads.

"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,"

Temperature, light, and water supply affect the degree and duration of fall color.

That should portend very well for foliage in mid-Maine. And while it's hard to plan for when color will be at its peak, there's lots of places to find that information – including local media and the Maine's official fall foliage Web site: www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/.

A not so well known foliage ride involves taking Route 27 out of Wiscasset into Augusta. Travelers could take in some of the coastal community's attractions, including the Harris Farm, majestic old homes, antique shops and restaurants, or just keep meandering up Route 27 and to see the foliage lining the Kennebec River in the capital city area. In Hallowell, stop by the antique shops or stop for a bite to eat. Walk around the town. It has a special feel and one that is more special during foliage season.

From the clock in Hallowell, turn away from the river onto Central Street and proceed about three miles, following the blue and white signs to Maple Hill Farm Bed and Breakfast on the Inn Road, off the Outlet Road. The views from there are spectacular, featuring vintage farms and huge sugar maple trees.

Follow the signs to return to Winthrop Street and turn left heading towards Route 202. This route will introduce you to scenes that are way off the beaten path. Winthrop Street will turn into Granite Hill Road. Take a left onto Route 202 towards Monmouth/Lewiston. Keep watch for the signs for Route 17. Take the right on Route 17 towards Readfield.

Continue on Route 17 towards Kents Hill School, a college preparatory school that its Web site describes as located on a beautiful 400-acre campus in Maine, surrounded by lakes, forest and farmland, and near the mountains to the north and the ocean to the east.

Just by nature of being a school campus, the buildings and grounds create a spectacular sight. People coming and going amongst dropped leaves. Bright yellows and oranges surround majestic buildings. Check to see if the nearby Kents Hill Apple Orchard is still open because fall and apples are synonymous.

As you continue north on Route 17 through Fayette to Livermore Falls, you'll find some of Maine's finest foliage – trees behind stone walls, the sun shimmering through the foliage in late afternoon, old farms with cows, horses, goats and other animals in the forefront of the color, and much, more. These scenes reflect the Yankee character in which New England, and especially Maine are famous.

Look for some interesting gift shops or farm stands. Or take some time out of the car, and rustle through the leaves. And of course, stop to take some pictures to remind you of the beauty that we all can enjoy this time of year.

Once you arrive in Livermore Falls, take Route 133 north, and proceed through some rolling hills and open fields to Farmington. Since foliage is dependent on times and zones by making this trip, you may have the benefit of seeing early, peak and a little beyond peak foliage.

BJ Bangs is a freelance writer who writes about places to go and see that are off the beaten path. She can be reached at:

bjbangs@yahoo.com