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Some spokespeople have to provide public comment on behalf of unsavory characters, or represent unpopular organizations in the midst of media scrutiny. Not Gale Ross.
As far as we can tell, Ross has one of the best spokesperson roles going. She is Maine’s longtime fall foliage spokesperson, sharing information each autumn about the timing and vibrance of Maine’s trees as they change color — and change Maine’s already beautiful landscape into a vivid sea of reds, oranges and yellows.
Could there be a better PR client to have? While the colors changing might be a reminder to some that another Maine winter isn’t far behind, we’d wager more than a few pumpkin spiced lattes that most Mainers are fans of the fall tapestry unfolding before us.
“It’s fall y’all … which means it’s officially sweater weather in Maine! We have experienced a bit of a drought the past several weeks, which can delay or accelerate the fall colors,” Ross said in the fall foliage report for the week of Sept. 25 from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Ross is a now-retired department employee. “I believe Maine is in the goldilocks position (not too dry, not too wet, without a killing frost) to accelerate the best fall colors in the upcoming weeks.”
As a general rule, the foliage in northern Maine tends to peak ahead of southern and coastal areas. Often that means peak conditions in late September for northern Maine and mid- to late October for the coast. But drought and other conditions can impact that timing, as climate change impacts did last fall for Acadia National Park.
The slight delay in many areas this year should not damper hopes for a colorful season. In the first weekly foliage report in early September, a forest pathologist for the department, Aaron Bergdahl, indicated that tree health this year was setting us up for a strong foliage season.
“The growing season of 2024 has been excellent for trees, supporting tree health and resilience that should lead to brilliant fall colors throughout Maine,” Bergdahl said in the Sept. 11 report.
And in the most recent foliage report, on Oct. 2, Ross noted that peak conditions had arrived in northern Maine.
“While we are seeing peak conditions in northern Maine and high color in portions of the western mountains, colors are still emerging daily in central and coastal regions of the state,” Ross said.
If you’re looking to rake in some suggestions on where to enjoy Maine foliage in the next few weeks, the editorial board would once again recommend trips to places such as Borestone Mountain, a Maine Audubon preserve in Piscataquis County with a great view of peak foliage from its peak. The hike up Mount Kineo provides an expansive view of Moosehead Lake (be sure to check the ferry schedule from Rockwood out to Kineo, with the ferry season almost over). The Golden Road from Millinocket to the Quebec border can be especially golden this time of year, depending on the road condition. A trip Down East could reveal a landscape of stunning reds from the blueberry barrens. The Bangor Daily News’ guide to leaf-peeping also has plenty of suggestions and tips for planning any foliage forays.
At a time when there’s so much going on in the world, an adventure to experience the beauty of Maine foliage can be a needed break and opportunity to recharge. We hope people enjoy the vivid colors before they leave.
