Maine Fall Foliage Report: Find Beautiful Fall Color in Zones One to Four for the Ultimate Maine Foliage Road Trip

October 12, 2022 – This week’s Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reports high to peak conditions (70-100 percent) throughout most of Maine.

Despite the seemingly extended drought conditions across Maine this year, fall colors rebounded splendidly, and the state is ablaze with breathtaking hues throughout the state, including northern Maine,” said Gale Ross, Maine’s fall foliage spokesperson. “I daresay this foliage season ranks among one of the best displays of colors for quite some time, evident by the wicked good photos submitted by Maine fall foliage enthusiasts!”

As of October 12, 2022, Maine Forest Service (MFS) staff reported past peak color conditions with moderate leaf drop in zones five, six, and seven. Color changes in zones one to four are at peak and rapidly approaching past peak. Coastal Maine, zones one and two, typically are last to reach their peak during mid-to-late October.

Because creating Maine’s Fall Foliage Reports is a team effort, we asked a few “foliage reporters,” each working with MFS, to share their thoughts:  

“The most heavily forested state in the “Lower 48,” Maine erupts into a sea of colors as the days get shorter and the weather gets colder,” said Keith Draper, Forest Ranger II in Portage. “Now is a great time to enjoy both public and private lands open to the public.”

“I enjoy helping to compile the foliage report because it is a joy to share the beauty of Aroostook County with others,” said Mary Casey, Office Associate II in the MFS Ashland Regional HQ. “Pictures do not do it justice. You must see it firsthand to understand and enjoy what Aroostook County truly offers. As a native of the County, I never get tired of our continuously Stunning Landscape.”

“I am proud of Maine Forest Service’s efforts to report on fall foliage conditions yearly. It is rewarding to know that our efforts play a vital role in how Maine’s residents and visitors view the beauty of our forests,” said Robby Gross, Chief Forest Ranger. “Our abilities to preserve and protect Maine’s natural resources remains critical for this and future generations.”

As foliage season across Maine fades, seasonal events and activities for colorful road trips abound: 

• For families looking to get outside for harvest activities this weekend, consider picking apples at a nearby orchard or take on the twists and turns of a corn maze, like the award-winning Treworgy Orchards maze, this year designed after Winnie-the-Pooh.
• Book a haunted guided outdoor walking tour with Red Cloak Tours in several Maine cities and towns to get in the Halloween spirit.
• If you head to Downeast this weekend, visit Acadia National Park to witness the foliage surrounded by mountains, lakes, and the ocean. Drive up Cadillac Mountain for the ultimate foliage views at the summit or picnic at Sand Beach, enveloped by the surrounding landscape and autumnal colors. Outdoor adventurers hike any beautiful trails throughout the park or rent a bike to traverse the peaceful carriage roads. While you are in the region, check out the Mount Desert Island Marathon this Sunday.

Autumn enthusiasts can visit the state’s official foliage website at mainefoliage.com to sign up to receive weekly reports by email and share their photos from throughout the state as the progression of color begins. Our Facebook page will include statewide events throughout the foliage season, and our Instagram account (@mainefoliage) will also feature colorful fall shots. For more information about fall activities and events in Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com.