Touring Camden: Maine Coast Leaf Peeping!

If you plan on going Maine Coast leaf peeping this fall you should read this… In trying to determine when the fall foliage will peak in New England there are many factors to consider, as well as resources on the internet to help you figure out when the best time to go to New England to see the fall foliage. How about Maine? Camden Maine is one of the prettiest places to see Fall Foliage if you enjoy also having a view of the sea. The Camden Hills State Park which nicely encroaches many great leaf peeping lodgings in or at Camden Maine, such as the Camden Windward House B&B, gives travelers the wonderful have-it-all of ocean views plus fall foliage, and historic homes in a real town feel that isn’t too touristy – in a scenic Maine coast town.

Maine Coast Leaf Peeping is some of the best. Why? Because you get to enjoy the scenic coastline and vivid fall colors in one place.

The short answer to when the leaf peeping is at it’s peak is the following: it all depends. Where are you looking? Much depends upon the weather and leaf peak foliage will be different at different longitudes, latitudes and altitudes, proximity to the water, plus the weather leading up to Fall. Camden Maine has had a long dry summer this 2012. If the weather remains fair through September we could see some of the most vivid and beautiful fall colors in many a moon. Want to make advanced reservations for a lodging in or at foliage? Don’t worry, typically you won’t be penalized for being a little early or a little late, as the peak is a relative state of mind. With the combination of elms, sugar maples, oaks and pines the view of the Camden Hills or of the surrounding country from the Mt. Battie or Mt. Megunticook are simply spectacular – even if it’s not peak. A short drive north of Rockland Maine, called the Jewel of the Midcoast, during fall foliage season, calling Camden a jewel is an appropriate name.

Here’s how to keep track of the coming of the fall colors:

Monitor the weather

Fair weather with warm days and cool nights in the area are best for peak foliage. After a couple of weeks of that kind of weather the leaves should be full of sugar and the color-producing pigments. The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, which has a really informative web resource that describes why exactly the leaves turn in autumn. Read that article and then check out the area Knowledge is power, and if you really want to be the kind of person who can understand why and when the leaves change, then read this article. How to predict the peak fall foliage in New England USDA Forest Service – why leaves change According to NOAA

“Drier than normal weather in the late summer into early fall will tend to accelerate the leaf changing process, causing the leaves to fall prematurely. Likewise, a wet September and October will tend to produce fewer vivid colors and the leaves may also fall earlier due to the rain, wind and storms.”

Weather and Fall Foliage http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/pubs/leaves/leaves.shtm Recipe for Fabulous Foliage: Cool Nights and Sunny Days According to the USDA, forestry service, here’s how to figure out when to see the leaves…. Weather factors such as temperature, sunlight, precipitation and soil moisture influence fall color arrival, duration and vibrancy. According to United States National Arboretum, a wet growing season followed by a dry autumn filled with sunny days and cool, frostless nights results in the brightest palette of fall colors. Changes in weather can speed up, slow down or change the arrival time of fall’s colorful foliage. NOAA – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Monitoring & Understanding Our Changing Planet Here’s a schedule from a site called MaineFoliage.com, the state of Maine’s website article dedicated to helping people plan their leaf-peeping tour of Maine:

Where and when can I see peak color in Maine?

• Northern Maine: last week in September
• Central and Western Maine: first week in October
• Coastal and Southern Maine: second and the third week in October
• See When & Where to Visit for a chart of historical peak foliage dates, and more trip-planning information.”

Quoted on 18-August-2012, 7:33 AM from MaineFoliage.com: Frequently Asked Questions Here’s some great leaf peepers touring ideas from the state of Maine’s official tourism website: Eastern Maine (Mid-Coast includes Camden and Camden Hills State Park, Rockland, Rockport Maine & Downeast) Peak Week: Second Week in October Driving Tours for Leaf Peeping

• Tourism Driving Tour: Windjammers & Water Views Start in Brunswick and head north along the coast to Camden, then inland to Unity and south through Union and Damariscotta State Park.
• Tourism Driving Tour: Acadia Harbors & Heights This tour begins in Bangor and then along the coast from Acadia National Park south, with many scenic lighthouse, water, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Tourism Driving Tour: Downeast Villages & Vistas This tour begins in Ellsworth and takes you up the coast all the way to Quoddy Head State Park and the eastern-most point in the country. Then circle back inland to Ellsworth.

Featured State Parks

• Camden Hills State Park provides spectacular views of fall foliage are available from the auto road to the top of Mt. Battie, as well as from hiking trails on Mt. Megunticook and Bald Rock Mountain.
• The Donnell Pond Management Unit in Townships 9 & 10 SD in Hancock County near Sullivan and Franklin offer hiking trails up Schoodic and Black Mountains that provide vistas on surrounding woodland, lakes and Acadia National Park across Frenchman’s Bay.

Plan a Trip

• More about visiting the Downeast and Acadia areas
• More about visiting the Mid-Coast region

Events

• www.visitmaine.com/seasons/fall

Group Travel Information for Maine

• www.visitmaine.com/grouptravel

Quoted on 18-August-2012, 7:39 AM from MaineFoliage.com: When & Where to Visit: Eastern Maine (Mid-Coast & Downeast) (2 & 4)   How to enjoy fall foliage in Camden Maine:

Leaf Peeping at Camden Hills State Park

 

Runners, trail runners or walkers, hikers, bring the kids! There are so many options for outdoor enjoyment of the fall foliage and great weather. Great views, gradual semi-paved multi use trail in Camden Hills, that leads to other trails and a great view from the top of Bald Mt. (I’ve done this with the kids many times – and we’re never disappointed) – or – How about a sturdy challenging vertical trail run? Try the Mt. Battie trail starting on Megunticook Street, and then go as far as you want, a half mile to the top, link up with the tablelands trail, and then up to the ridge along Mt. Megunticook – fantastic view and real feeling of accomplishment after three ascents and semi-level plateaus. – and it’s all within walking distance of this lodging in or at Camden Maine Called the Trail of the Month: Camden Hills State Park, Camden, Maine – Runner’s World. How about a family hike? The kind of mini-adventure that will help foster family unity, a little work plus a whole lot of fun. Bring plenty of snacks and when you get to the top sit and enjoy eachother’s company while you eat the best food ever – it always tastes that way after a little exertion. Doesn’t it? Family Encouraged Outdoor Hiking A guided fall foliage hike Camden Hills State Park – Located in Mid Coast Maine A website called TakeItOutside is organizing a family hike on Sunday, October 11 Time 1:00pm – 3:30pm The view from the top of Mt. Battie is widely considered one of the most picturesque views along the Atlantic Seaboard. Learn about Maine’s forests on this unique 2.5 mile hike to one of the most stunning views on Maine’s coast. This hike will take approximately 2.5 hours. Meeting location will be at the large parking lot across from the entrance booth. For more information call (207) 287-5976 Hikers should wear sturdy footwear, with enclosed toes, and comfortable clothing, preferably in layers. We recommend you bring Cameras, binoculars, snacks and water. Special thanks to Poland Spring Water for donating bottled water for participants of this program. Quoted on 18-August-2012, 7:37 AM from Guided Fall Foliage Hikes in Maine State Parks

Bed & Breakfast Perfect for Maine Fall Foliage Touring

The only menu breakfast in a Camden B&B, with vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options Windward House B&B is the perfect place to stay for leaf peeping in Maine. The Camden Hills area is the perfect place to do some leaf peeping. The Windward House B&B is the perfect lodging for leaf peeping in Maine. Conveniently located in the Historic Village district of Camden, the fall colors of the tree lined streets greet you from your bedroom.
If you enjoy hiking, the Mt. Battie trailhead is just a short walk up Megunticook Street, from the backyard of this Bed and Breakfast. The Camden Hills State Park provides a wonderful vantage from which to view the turning leaves of the rolling hills of Camden.

Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poem Renascence refers to the view from the top of Mt. Battie that you can still enjoy today.

To quote the famous poem:
“All I could see from where I stood
Was three long mountains and a wood;
I turned and looked another way,
And saw three islands in a bay.”

The long mountains, the wood and the islands all have colonies of deciduous trees, including many sugar maples that provide a fantastic spectacle of beautiful fall foliage. Coastal fall foliage can be some of the most dramatic, because added to the hues of gold and amber and orange and red are the blue of the ocean.
A short drive from the Windward House B&B will bring you to another great leaf peeping area. A drive around Lake Megunticook through Lincolnville to the Cellar Door Winery provides a view of sparkling blue water, and surrounding hills of fall foliage color.
These must see leaf peeping tours are all within walking, hiking, biking or kayaking from the Camden Windward House B&B.
The Windward House is happy to give touring information and
Reserve a room at this perfect Maine fall foliage Bed & Breakfast!

Bed & Breakfast Perfect for Maine Fall Foliage Touring
The Camden Hills area is the perfect place to do some leaf peeping. The Windward House B&B is the perfect lodging for leaf peeping in Maine. Conveniently located in the Historic Village district of Camden, the fall colors of the tree lined streets greet you from your bedroom.
If you enjoy hiking, the Mt. Battie trailhead is just a short walk up Megunticook Street, from the backyard of this Bed and Breakfast. The Camden Hills State Park provides a wonderful vantage from which to view the turning leaves of the rolling hills of Camden.
Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poem Renascence refers to the view from the top of Mt. Battie that you can still enjoy today.
To quote the famous poem:
“All I could see from where I stood
Was three long mountains and a wood;
I turned and looked another way,
And saw three islands in a bay.”
The long mountains, the wood and the islands all have colonies of deciduous trees, including many sugar maples that provide a fantastic spectacle of beautiful fall foliage. Maine Coast Leaf Peeping can be some of the most dramatic, because added to the hues of gold and amber and orange and red are the blue of the ocean.
A short drive from the Windward House B&B will bring you to another great leaf peeping area. A drive around Lake Megunticook through Lincolnville to the Cellar Door Winery provides a view of sparkling blue water, and surrounding hills of fall foliage color.
These must see leaf peeping tours are all within walking, hiking, biking or kayaking from the Camden Windward House B&B.
The Windward House is happy to give touring information and
Reserve a room at this perfect Maine fall foliage Bed & Breakfast!