Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 26 : Fall 2015 | Page 53

A Foliage Road Trip with your guide Steve Dobson Be the first in the State of Maine to experience the wonder that is an awesome array of colors. Aroostook County is where the foliage in the State of Maine peaks first. Aroostook County’s peak foliage is usually the first weekend in October. Spend a day or two traveling through Aroostook’s Scenic & Cultural Byways, while enjoying its vast open fields and experience its big sky. Begin in Medway, travel the Scenic Byway that is Route 11. Start your ride on Route 11 in Grindstone, just east of Medway. Travel the Scenic Byway to Fort Kent and then travel the Cultural Scenic Byway which is Route 1. Route 11 goes all the way to the top of the state and has many twists and turns. It is a fun ride, but you have to pay attention as log trucks also use this route to travel. Also, you should be on the lookout for deer and moose that may be in the road or crossing in front of you. The foliage is just stunning along this ride throughout The County. Keeping on Route 11 North, make sure to stop in Patten to get a picture of the breathtaking view of Mt Katahdin. Patten will be the last place to get food, snacks, and gas until you get to Ashland. There is a State maintained picnic area just south of Oxbow. You can stop there to take a break or use the facilities. Continuing north you will pass through Ashland, where you will need to take a left turn at the second blinking stop FALL 2015 51