Maine Fall Foliage Tracker
Follow the color as it sweeps south across Maine — from the northern peaks in September to the coast in late October.
View Official Weekly Report ↗2026 Peak Dates by Region
Maine's color moves from north to south over roughly six weeks. Plan your timing with this regional guide.
Northern Maine
Aroostook, Piscataquis, northern SomersetFort Kent, Caribou, Presque Isle, Baxter State Park, and the North Maine Woods. Home to the earliest and most dramatic color — dominated by birch and maple.
Western Mountains
Oxford, Franklin, western SomersetSunday River, Rangeley Lakes, Sugarloaf, and the Carrabassett Valley. High-elevation canopies turn first, with valley colors following close behind.
Mid-Maine / Lakes Region
Kennebec, Penobscot, WaldoMoosehead Lake, Kennebec River Gorge, Belgrade Lakes, and Acadia's inland sections. Mixed hardwood forests create a patchwork of orange, red, and gold.
Central Coast & Acadia
Hancock, Knox, Waldo coastBar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Camden Hills, and Penobscot Bay. Dramatic color against ocean views — one of New England's most photographed foliage scenes.
Southern Coast & Portland
York, Cumberland, SagadahocPortland, Old Orchard Beach, the Kennebunks, and the Yorks. Maine's southernmost foliage — excellent for combining coastal visits with autumn color driving tours.
Current Color Progress
Updated each Wednesday from Maine's official forestry report. As of September 9, 2026.
| Region | Color Change | Progress Bar | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Maine | 15–25% | Early Color | |
| Western Mountains | 10–15% | Early Color | |
| Mid-Maine / Lakes | 5–10% | Just Starting | |
| Central Coast & Acadia | <5% | Just Starting | |
| Southern Coast | <5% | Pre-Season |
📡 Check maine.gov foliage reports every Wednesday for the latest official update.
Foliage by Your Interests
Not all leaf-peeping looks the same — find the experience that fits how you travel.
Scenic Drives
Route 302 through the White Mountain foothills, Route 201 up to Jackman, and the Acadia Park Loop Road rank among New England's best fall drives.
Hiking
Hit Cadillac Mountain in Acadia for 360° color views, or the Bigelow Range and Katahdin for above-treeline canopy panoramas.
Coastal Visits
Combine harbor views with hillside color — Camden, Rockport, and Bar Harbor offer water-level perspectives on surrounding autumn mountains.
Snowmobile Trail Scouting
Early October is prime time to scout western Maine's ITS snowmobile trails before snow falls — spectacular color along the corridor from Rangeley to Jackman.
Golf Courses
Maine's courses are stunning in October. Sugarloaf Golf Club, Kebo Valley (Acadia), and Belgrade Lakes Golf Club all play through peak color.
Paddling & Fishing
Kayak the Rangeley Lakes chain or fish the Kennebec surrounded by reflected color — mid-October on the water is unforgettable.
Find a Lodge for Your Foliage Trip
Tell us your interests and we'll match you with Maine accommodations perfectly timed for where the color will be when you arrive.
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