Rich crimson reds, lavish oranges, golds and browns are the evidence of fall. The leaves are turning and in some areas, already near peak. And while Wednesday’s rain dashed some autumn leaves to the ground, there are still plenty around to delight the eyes.
This is the time of year for a drive in the country, a hike on a trail or a bike ride to drink in the special beauty that signals autumn in Maine.
It is almost as if the show of color is preparing us for what will surely come thereafter ”“ the barrenness of November and the white snow that blankets the ground after that.
But now, right now, according to state conservation officials, is the time for Maine’s maples, ash, oaks, birch and other deciduous trees to put on their show.
There are a number of special places in York County to best view autumn foliage and local officials recently shared their opinions about the best spots.
In rural Acton, Selectman Larissa Crockett described her special place to view foliage.
“My favorite foliage moment is cresting the ridge on Foxes Ridge Road and looking across into Milton Mills and Milton, New Hampshire,” she said. “You have the mountains, Milton Three Ponds, beautiful colors and picturesque New England small towns complete with white church steeples.”
In Biddeford, Mayor Joanne Twomey also has a special spot: Diamond Match Park.
“I love walking by the river,” she said. “I think this park will be such an asset to this city when it is all done.”
According to Gail Ross, who prepares the state’s weekly foliage report from information gleaned from forest rangers in the field, Columbus Day weekend is one of the best times to look at leaves.
Inland areas turn first, and then the brilliant colors make their way to the coast.
And while some have said the colors seem less vibrant this year, Ross puts that down to the fact that for the past week or so, there hasn’t been much sunshine. The leaves, she said, just don’t seem as vibrant when it’s raining.
For the most part, she said, it is a typical year, though the dry summer did cause some distress in the trees and has had an impact.
Perhaps poet George Cooper, in his poem “October’s Party,” said it best: “October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came ”“ The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band.”
Here are some other leaf-peeping spots, as outlined by those who live in these communities:
*In Newfield, selectman’s assistant Ann Dailey said Route 11, the main road through town, is one of the best areas to see color, along with Elm Street that passes through 19th Century Willowbrook Village. While Willowbrook itself is closed for the season, the walk or drive is particularly colorful, she said, and Route 110 from Newfield village to the New Hampshire border is pretty too, though there has been some leaf drop.
*In Limerick, Town Clerk Judy LePage said one of the best views is a new outlook off Route 5 headed toward Cornish. As well, Highland Cemetery off Route 5 allows views toward Portland. Hosac Mountain is also popular, she said.
*Shapleigh Selectman Ruth Ham likes driving Back Road, which leads from the center of the village to Springvale, and said it is usually quite colorful.
* In Sanford, Trails Committee Chairman Hazen Carpenter recommends three walks for prime foliage viewing: The easiest is a paved walk that runs from the YMCA to Sanford High School; a mid-level hiking trail from Gowen Park around the YMCA and Marginal Way to Springvale; and the third is a rustic, natural trail that leads from Springvale Recreation Area to Stanley Road.
As well as favorite walks and drives, there are some upcoming foliage-related events, including a guided walk Sunday at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm in Wells from 9:30 to 11;30 a.m. To register call 646-1555.
Another drive through York County arrives at Fryeburg Fair, which winds down Sunday. Saco’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival is Oct. 16 and the annual OgunquitFest with a fall theme is set for Oct. 22-24.
— Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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