Fall Foliage Our world-famous New England fall foliage makes a trip to Maine a must for autumn. Peak foliage times vary from one tourism region to another and from year to to year, but generally occur between mid-September and late October. To help you plan your Maine foliage tour, in September and October the Maine Department of Conservation posts weekly reports on foliage conditions throughout the state on its Web site located at http://www.state.me.us/doc/foliage Also, for current foliage condition updates, the Maine Office of Tourism offers a toll-free foliage hotline from mid-September through Columbus Day: 1-800-777-0317. The melting of hues from green, to yellow, to burnt orange and reds begins as early as mid-September in Fort Kent in the North, and as late as the end of October in Kittery, at Maine's southern tip. The actual process of change begins in August as the warm weather wanes and Maine's 57 species of broadleaved trees begin preparing for autumn. The trees refuse to slip quietly into hibernation. Instead, nature marches out with much fanfare, trumpeting the bright oranges and yellows of sugar maples, the purples of white ash, the scarlet of red and mountain maples, and the rich browns of black and white oak. Mixed in are the deep greens of pines and other conifers. Few sights satisfy the soul like the brilliant colors splashed across Maine's forests each autumn.  Plan a Maine fall foliage vacation between September 15 and November 1 for a memorable fall experience. Hike a trail and listen to the falling leaves. Attend country fairs and festivals and taste delicious homemade treats. Board a daysailer and see the foliage from the water. The ever-changing color wheel of foliage is a breathtaking backdrop to Maine's 3,478 miles of coastline. Camp and cuddle by a crackeling fire, as cool nights give a gentle reminder of the coming of winter.  Journey along Route 219 between West Paris and Wayne in the Western Mountains or meander along Route 235 from Union to Hope in the Mid Coast and glimpse the beauty of fall foliage while breathing in the sweet smells of ripe apples and fresh picked produce. From the mountains to the sea, Maine's fall parade of colors is the best New England has to offer.