)
The leaves on Maine's trees are still lush shades of green but that will quickly change to vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red.
The changing colors are in response to the the changing seasons as the days grow shorter and cooler.
"During the spring and summer, leaves contain chlorophyll, which gives them their green color. With less daylight and cooling temperatures in the fall, the leaves stop their food-making process, and the chlorophyll breaks down. As the green disappears, the mixtures of red, purple, orange, and yellow emerge," says Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Director of Communications Jim Britt.
This year's fall foliage outlook
This season is no different, it may actually be better than recent years.
The outlook for this season is spectacular with vibrant fall colors due to the recent weather conditions (i.e. early-year drought followed by a wet July). Britt says "we anticipate an excellent fall foliage season statewide with the favorable changing conditions we have recently experienced."
For enhanced colors, Britt says, "the best scenario is for warm days and long, cool nights." If you're a lover of the colors, you want warm days and cool nights throughout September and October. You don't want to cool nights to fall to freezing, however, because that will hinder the colors.
When and where to view the Maine fall colors
The entire state of Maine provides unique viewing opportunities over the coming weeks.
From the mountains to the coast, you can add a little color to your life on a quick day-trip to a local spot or you can make a weekend of it an explore different parts of the Pine Tree State.
For easy viewing and planning, Maine breaks down into 7 zones.
The beautiful fall colors progress from north to south throughout September and October.
Northern parts of the state (zone 7 and 6) peak in late September or early October. The peak transitions farther south into central parts of the state and the western mountains (zone 5) around Indigenous Peoples' Day. While the latest peak occurs in southern and coastal Maine (zone 4, 3, 2, 1) around mid to late October.
Before the temperatures get too cold, get outside and active by enjoying the fall colors on a gorgeous hike.
Live out-of-state and can't make it to see the fall colors in person? No worries. We have you covered. Watch the cameras below to see the lush shades of green transition to vivid yellows, oranges and reds.
*Spectrum News does not control any of these cameras. Some cameras may experience issues as weather systems impact the state. This could cause the feed to freeze up or drop the signal entirely.*
Stickney Hill Webcam
Stickney Hill in Brownville, Maine
West Pond Webcam
West Pond in Ebeemee, Maine
Maine is one of the first regions in the U.S. to experience the changing leaves, but the leaves will gradually change colors farther south as we progress through fall.
This interactive week-by-week fall foliage map allows you to view peak colors in your area.