Mount Desert Island, with its mix of mountains, lakes, ponds, miles of seacoast and a wide variety of deciduous trees offers one of the more spectacular opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature as it converts the green leaves of Summer to the colors of Fall. On MDI it starts as early as late August when swamp maples dot the landscape with their bright red leaves. The change of color on MDI starts in ernest by mid-September and progresses through October. The "peak" color period on MDI usually occurs between October 5 and October 15.

While it is impossible to do anything but estimate the best leaf-peeping time it is known that long periods of sunny, cool days and frost-free nights will result in excellent color. The peak period in Maine starts in the western mountains of northern Maine shortly after Labor Day. By late September the color has peaked in the mountains of Aroostook County and is moving down the coast toward MDI. The mid-coast reagion, including MDI is best viewed in early October, up to Columbus Day.

The State of Maine has established a fall foliage hot-line at 1-800-533-9595 (for in-state and Canadian callers use 207-623-0363) to provide up to the minute estimates on the progress of the "peak" as it moves through the State. And, for those connected to the internet you can stay informed by visiting the Maine Department of Conservation Fall Foilage Web Site. (Note: This site is not updated during the non-foliage season so it may not be totally current - however there is still a lot of good info for this years planing.)

MDI is beautiful at any time of the year! The colors of fall are an added bonus and no matter what stage you are lucky enough to see you will go away with great memories and we are sure you will come back again and agian.