September 11 marked the official start of the fall foliage season in Maine. Officials with the Maine Forest Service anticipate an “outstanding” foliage season.

According to the 2013 Fall Foliage Report from the state Departmentof Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the northernmost part of the state is currently experiencing subtle color changes of less than 30 percent, with very low leaf drop — less than 10 percent.

“The native maples, particularly the red and sugar maples, which are considered to provide the great backdrop of seasonal color, have vigorous, healthy foliage with no notable problems,” said Bill Ostrofsky, forest pathologist for the Maine Forest Service, in a press release Thursday. “Given our moderate summer weather, and allowing for this trend into the fall, I expect an outstanding vibrant show, overall.”

Forest Service and state park rangers in Aroostook County and northern Penobscot and Piscataquis counties are reporting subtle changes in the foliage, with peak conditions still weeks away.

As overnight temperatures drop into the 40s and daylight decreases, rangers expect a gradual change in leaf color from north to south, culminating in peak conditions in late October.

For continuous weekly updates every Wednesday through October 16, visit the state's official foliage website, www.mainefoliage.com. The website will also list dates, times and locations for fall foliage hikes in the state parks as the season progresses.

Visitors can sign up to receive weekly reports by email. They will also be able to share photos of the season throughout the state on the Maine Fall Foliage page on Facebook.