Currently, forest rangers are reporting moderate leaf color, or 30 to 50 percent toward peak, in the two foliage tracking zones (Zone 1 and 2) covering Aroostook County and northern portions of Piscataquis and Somerset County. All other regions of Maine have low color change, or 10 to 30 percent toward peak. Recent mild weather has kept leaves on their branches, and leaf drop remains very low, or less than 10 percent, in all tracking zones.

Maine's ultimate paddling adventure, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, is lined with good early color. The 92-mile chain of lakes, ponds, rivers and streams runs north from the northwest corner of Baxter State Park to the village of Allagash in Aroostook County. The Aroostook River also offers good foliage scenes as it winds through Presque Isle, Caribou and Fort Kent in the northeast corner of the state. Covered bridge fans can view the changing colors at the Watson Settlement Bridge in the town of Littleton just off Route 1 north of Houlton.

Leaf peepers who can't make it to Maine in October can head to the Moosehead Lake region and the Millinocket area during the next week to see the start of the foliage transformation south of Baxter State park.

Maine has a total of 12 national and state-designated scenic roadways covering more than 500 miles along coastline, inland countryside, rivers and mountainous areas. With 17 million acres of forest, Maine has more land covered by trees than any state in the country. Fifty two native species of leaf bearing trees help display a fall color show that attracts visitors from around the world.

To provide the most accurate foliage information, DOC rangers will report conditions statewide every Wednesday through Oct. 12. The site is a great place to start planning for a fall foliage trip, learn more about Maine's trees and how they change color, or interact with other foliage fanatics.

Updated reports and information can also be obtained by calling the Maine foliage hotline at 1-888-MAINE-45. Learn more about Maine's fall touring routes and outdoor activities at www.visitmaine.com.