With Labor Day behind us and summer drawing to a close, thoughts of home heating through a long winter may be top of mind. However, when living in Maine this time of year it is important to savor the transformation of Maine’s forest canopy from green to hues of yellow, orange and red on mountainsides, around lakes and in your own backyard. Take the time to view the color show on foot, from a bike or boat, or even in a hot-air balloon.

For some of the best fall foliage experiences in New England, try these Maine spots:

Fall foliage in the Farmington area is a perfect excuse to get out for a scenic drive. The folks at Summit Natural Gas of Maine urge you to get out and enjoy all that Maine has to offer this fall.

Rangeley Lakes: The lakes, ponds, rivers and hills in Rangeley and Oquossoc offer plenty of photogenic foliage in the western mountains region. Public preserves, family-friendly hiking trails and the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway make leaf peeping easy and fun.

Don’t miss the views from the Height of Land turnout on Route 17 north of Byron, and the Rangeley Lake Overlook turnout a little farther north. The Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust has conservation properties with public trails around Rangeley Lake. Bald Mountain, between Rangeley Lake and Mooselookmeguntic Lake, is a favorite short hike and picnic spot for all ages.

The National Scenic Byway begins on Route 17 north of Byron and stretches 35 miles to Oquossoc, into Rangeley on Route 4 and south on Route 4 to Madrid.

Mount Desert Island: The island welcomes foliage seekers with more than 20 small mountains to explore, and trails to lakes, ponds and ocean beaches. Hike or bike to the 580-foot summit of Day Mountain with its panoramic view of the ocean and surrounding peaks.

The Acadia Byway All-American Road starts on Route 3 just south of Trenton, and loops through Acadia National Park on the Park Loop Road for a 40-mile drive. Take a driving detour to the top of Cadillac Mountain, or view the changing colors on the western side of the island from the Beech Mountain observation tower.

Belgrade Lakes: The fishing is always great in this part of central Maine, but that activity and others become even more enjoyable when surrounded by colorful foliage. Walk or bike through the village of Belgrade Lakes, or launch a kayak or canoe on Great Pond or Long Pond. Experience the view along the 1.4-mile Mount Phillip loop trail accessed from Route 225 in Rome.

For a leisurely drive, take Route 27 from Belgrade north to Rome Corner, then head east on Route 225 through Rome to Route 8 and down the eastern shore of Great Pond through North Belgrade and back to Belgrade.

Saco River Valley: If you’ve paddled, tubed or fished the Saco River this summer, you’ll love returning during fall for foliage viewing. Paddle the river, camp and explore the surroundings of Lovewell Pond from a public boat launch off Route 113 south of Fryeburg.

Take in the scenery throughout the valley by traveling the 60-mile Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway on Route 113 from Standish to Fryeburg. The route follows the Saco River and passes through several historic towns.

Camden Hills: Camden’s fall vistas include mountain, lake and ocean scenes accented by colorful foliage. Camden Hills State Park is a favorite spot for taking in the color show while hiking or mountain biking. The park’s lookout from Mount Battie offers a sweeping view of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.

Get the view of leaf colors from the water on a day sail or motorboat out of Camden Harbor. Paddle on Megunticook Lake from Barret’s Cove Beach, or take in the sights along one of nine trails through forest, meadows or gardens at Merryspring Nature Center.

DID YOU KNOW?

Natural gas use means cleaner air whether used for home space heating, water heating, cooking or clothes drying. It’s also a cleaner burning fuel for vehicles such as cars, trucks and buses, and for commercial and industrial processes.

Gas not only produces less pollution, but environmental controls on gas equipment are usually much less expensive than for other fuels. Technological progress allows cleaner energy production than in the past.

CONNECT WITH SUMMIT NATURAL GAS OF MAINE

Summit Natural Gas of Maine is proud to bring safe and affordable natural gas service to our beautiful state.

To learn about our service areas, more information about natural gas or tips on how you can help reduce your carbon footprint, visit www.summitnaturalgasmaine.com or “like” us on Facebook.

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