Nature’s tapestry is in full splendor this weekend. Rich golds, reds and a full spectrum of hues in between are lining the highways, byways and hiking trails of York County.

Soon, they’ll be gone. But right now, the foliage in Zones 3 and 1 ”“ essentially interior and coastal York County, and inland to Fryeburg ”“ is at “moderate” on the state’s foliage scale. That is in contrast to most of the rest of the state, which is at peak color.

The foliage report, produced by the state Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Conservation, said leaf drop is moderate to low, between 30 and 50 percent, which means residents and visitors will continue to enjoy a “spectacular” autumn season.

One York County resident, Parsonsfield Town Clerk Gloria Hermance, said she’s noticed the trees in her town have become more colorful just in the last couple of days.

Her favorite spot for viewing foliage?

“I can see it from my kitchen table,” said Hermance, who said her hillside home offers expansive views.

The color is vibrant in Alfred, Sanford, Limerick and Cornish and other interior York County towns, as well as Saco and Biddeford, closer to the coast. Here’s where a few folks recommend viewing:

Ӣ In Sanford, Mayor Maura Herlihy said there are a number of locales where foliage is prime.

“One of the best views of the (Mousam) valley is from atop either Bauneg Beg or Mount Hope, particularly near the radio towers on Mount Hope or from Hammond Road, just off Bauneg Beg, in North Berwick,” said Herlihy. “In Springvale, just follow Hanson’s Ridge Road for multiple views of the foliage and stop at McDougal Orchards to pick some apples while you’re at it.

“My favorite place to walk to enjoy the fall   foliage? Any of the many trails in the Sanford-Springvale area. Heck, when you live in Maine, north or south, the autumn foliage just surrounds you like a warm blanket.”

Ӣ Delilah Poupore, director of the downtown group Heart of Biddeford, said one of her favorite foliage walks is the Saco Heath, off Route 112.

“There are cool mushrooms on the trees and deep bogs,” said Poupore. “It makes me (and my 6-year-old) feel like we’ve escaped to another land.”

”¢ John Gold of Saco Bay Trails recommends a couple of locations for viewing fall foliage: Horton’s Woods, where the trail entrance is at 464 Buxton Road in Saco; and Clifford Park in Biddeford, which can be accessed off Pool Road.

The latter, said Gold, is 100 or more acres complete with a trail network. From the “Green Trail,” the view reaches to the White Mountains, he said.

Horton’s Woods, another 100 or so acres, has three to four miles of trails through a pine forest that also offer foliage views.

“It’s a nice fall walk,” said Gold.

”¢ Lee Burnett, a member of the Sanford Trails Committee, said he’s recently discovered Hessian Hill Road in Cornish. It’s a steep drive, but Hessian Hill Road is paved, said Burnett, “and there’s gorgeous views to the White Mountains.”

Burnett also recommended Knox Mountain in Newfield. He estimated it is about a mile-long hike. The entrance is at the Vernon Walker Wildlife Management Area off Route 11.

And in Springvale, Burnett said a trail that leads from Riverside Cemetery along the Mousam River to Stanley Pond has nice views, but he cautioned the trail is rocky and rough.

If you can’t get out to enjoy the autumn color this weekend or during the week, there’s a foliage walk scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at Vaughn Woods State Park, 28 Oldfields Road, South Berwick. The walk is described as an easy, one-hour, half-mile family walk with a focus on trees, ecology and history of the park. The park entrance fee is $2 for adult Maine residents and $1 for Maine senior citizens.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.