Autumn colors are hitting their peaks or near peaks in most of the state this week, according to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Color changes ranging from 50 to 70% are hitting all of the lower two-thirds of the state. Extreme northern areas are now past peak.

“It’s the perfect time to experience the colors of autumn this long holiday weekend, not only in the trees and forest canopies but also in the blueberry barrens in Downeast Maine, which are ablaze with color,” said Gale Ross, who tracks foliage statewide for the department.

Colors are expected to hit peaks in coastal and southern Maine in the middle of the month, a bit earlier than previous predictions. Already, southern Maine is seeing bright colors on the sides of highways. 

The department suggested would-be leaf-peepers take a trip to the state’s Downeast region, particularly to Acadia National Park. Visitors can hike or drive to the top of Cadillac Mountain for top viewing.