2026 Maine Fall Foliage Forecast – Week 2

September 16, 2026

The Trees Behind Maine’s Spectacular Fall Foliage

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has released its second 2026 Maine Fall Foliage Report. The report shows generally less than 10 percent color change statewide, with some areas of northern and western Maine approaching 30 percent. Leaf drop remains very low throughout Maine. Typically, northern Maine (zones 6 and 7) reaches peak conditions between the last week of September and the first week of October. Color change moves from north to south, with peak conditions for the rest of the state expected by mid-October. Coastal Maine usually experiences peak foliage from mid-to late October.

“In our first foliage report, we explained how summer and fall weather help set the stage for Maine’s foliage season. Now, let’s introduce the stars of the show: the trees. Maples, birches and aspens have relatively shallow root systems and can respond differently to dry conditions than deeper-rooted oaks and beeches. Each species also contributes its own signature color, from the reds and oranges of maples and the yellows of birches and aspens to the deeper russet tones of oaks. Right now, the leaves are ‘falling’ into place,” said Gale Ross, DACF fall foliage spokesperson.

Fall Events Are Picking Up the Pace

As more color begins to creep into Maine’s landscape, this weekend offers plenty of reasons to follow it. Pair the changing leaves with everything from flowers in lobster traps and French-Canadian comfort food to giant puppets, outdoor films and one of Maine’s most iconic agricultural gatherings.

• Put some flowers in a lobster trap. Maine Maritime Museum in Bath welcomes Slow Flowers on September 19, when floral artists will transform the historic shipyard with installations made from locally grown flowers, native plants and sustainable materials, including arrangements incorporating old lobster traps. Stick around into the evening for the Nightbloom Masquerade, an open-air waterfront dance party complete with floral-mask making, music and local food.

• Come hungry for fries, curds and gravy. Maine PoutineFest returns to Thompson’s Point in Portland on September 19, bringing together Maine restaurants for a celebration of the French-Canadian favorite. Sample different takes on poutine, cast a vote for the People’s Choice award and add live music and waterfront views to the menu.

• Fall color gets a little larger than life. Puppets in Portland kicks off September 18, bringing international and local puppetry to venues across the city. On Saturday, September 19, follow the “PiP PiP” parade through Portland’s Kennedy Park neighborhood, where giant puppets and masks, stilt-walkers, drummers and plenty of color take to the streets. The opening weekend also includes outdoor performances and inventive takes on traditional puppet theater, an unexpected way to add a little art and whimsy to a fall weekend in Maine.

• Take movie night outside. Pack a blanket and a few extra layers for the Maine Outdoor Film Festival at the University of New England in Biddeford on September 18. The free outdoor screening features a lineup of adventure and conservation films, including a Maine-made short about an 85-year-old and her crew of fearless women who dive to remove underwater garbage.

• Make way for 185 years of Maine fair tradition. The Farmington Fair kicks off September 20, marking its 185th year of celebrating Maine agriculture. Pair emerging fall color in western Maine with livestock exhibits, harness racing, animal pulls, exhibit halls, midway rides and plenty of classic fair fare through September 26.

• Let wild food do the talking. Head to Valentine Farm in Bethel September 20 for the Homegrown Food Festival, where this year’s programming includes “From Forest to Fork,” an introduction to identifying, harvesting and cooking with wild foods, plus demonstrations on preserving homegrown herbs and other hands-on ways to connect with Maine’s landscape.

• Follow the color (and the lumberjacks) toward Katahdin. This week, point the car toward the Katahdin Woods & Waters National Scenic Byway, an 89-mile route winding through the heart of Maine’s north woods. In Patten, step into Maine’s logging past at the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, where you can see a rare early-1900s Lombard Steam Log Hauler, then stretch your legs on the new Lumbermen’s Trail and Storybook Lane. Continue along the byway for sweeping views of Katahdin from Ash Hill, waterfalls and the first increasingly colorful stretches of the north woods.

• Scare up some fall fun in Fort Kent. As fall color begins to make itself known across northern Maine, head to Fort Kent September 18–20 for the Scarecrow Fest Revival. Look for creative scarecrow displays around town, a community parade, the Crow Chase 5K, live entertainment and family activities, all with the St. John Valley’s emerging fall color as a backdrop.

A Few Tips for Chasing Color

• Go Early or Go a Bit Later: Popular foliage spots tend to be quieter first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon, with softer light as a bonus.

• Take a Trail Break: Break up a foliage drive with a short hike or walking trail. Even a quick trip into the woods can offer a completely different perspective on the changing canopy.

• Follow Your Appetite: Let Maine-made food inspire a detour. Bakeries, farm stands, cafés and local markets can be just as memorable as the view.
  
• Give Yourself More Daylight: Maine’s days are getting shorter. Start longer drives and outdoor adventures earlier so you have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery before sunset.

Foliage fans can follow the season on Maine’s official foliage website, where weekly reports are available online and by email. Capture and share fall adventures by tagging photos with #MaineFoliage on social media. Stay inspired through the Maine Fall Foliage Facebook and Instagram accounts, featuring fresh images and seasonal activities from across the state. For even more fall trip ideas and travel planning resources, go to VisitMaine.com.

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Media Contact:

Gale Ross, Fall Foliage Coordinator
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry
[email protected]