2026 Maine Fall Foliage Forecast – Week 3

September 23, 2026

Fall Color Advances Across Maine as Autumn Officially Begins

AUGUSTA, Maine – Fall color is spreading across Maine, giving residents and visitors more signs of the season. The third 2026 Maine Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) shows 30-70 percent color change throughout most of Maine. Northern Maine (zones 6 and 7) is seeing significant color change, though still below 70 percent. Leaf drop remains low to moderate, at less than 50 percent.

“Autumn’s arrival has flipped the switch on Maine’s fall colors this week with significant colors showing up across the state with the arrival of the equinox. The lack of rain has certainly played a part in accelerating the progression of the color throughout Maine, which can signal a shorter foliage season. But don’t let that stop you from following the leaves this upcoming weekend with all the outdoor activities Maine has to offer. Be mindful of the potential impact of the approaching nor’easter, especially along the coast,” said Gale Ross, DACF fall foliage spokesperson.

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.

Fall Is Turning Up the Color

With autumn officially here, Maine is rolling out a colorful lineup of ways to celebrate the season. From a milestone agricultural fair and freshly shucked oysters to wilderness adventures and moonlit walks, this weekend offers plenty of reasons to get outside, explore somewhere new and take the scenic route.

• Fifty years of getting back to Maine’s roots. The Common Ground Country Fair returns to Unity September 25–27, celebrating its 50th year with three days dedicated to organic agriculture, rural living and Maine’s creative community. Explore more than 1,000 exhibitors and speakers, meet local farmers and makers and discover everything from traditional crafts to sustainable living practices.

• A little gravel, a lot of adventure. Trade the usual foliage drive for two wheels at the Maine Woods Rambler, September 25–27, based at AMC’s Medawisla Lodge near Greenville. Saturday’s gravel rides wind through the 100-Mile Wilderness, with routes ranging from 19 to 79 miles. The weekend also features opportunities to try bikerafting, gather around the fire and enjoy some of Maine’s darkest night skies. Advance registration is required for the rides.

• The world is your oyster. Head to Boothbay Harbor on Sunday, September 27, for the Pemaquid Oyster Festival at Mine Oyster. Celebrate one of Maine’s signature seafood delicacies in a waterfront setting, then make time to explore the harbor and surrounding coastal communities as the first signs of autumn settle in.

• Take the scenic route, then follow the moonlight. This week, explore the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, where winding mountain roads, sparkling lakes and emerging fall color make the journey as memorable as the destination. Stop at Height of Land for sweeping views of Mooselookmeguntic Lake, explore Oquossoc’s Outdoor Heritage Museum or stretch your legs on a nearby trail. Make a weekend of it and pair the drive with Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust’s Harvest Moon Hike at Bonney Point Conservation Area on September 26. Choose an afternoon guided walk or join the evening lantern-lit outing at 7 p.m. for a different perspective on Maine’s western mountains.

• Who knew potatoes could be this sweet? The Maine Needham Festival returns to the Maine Tasting Center in Wiscasset on September 26, celebrating Maine’s beloved chocolate-covered potato candy. Expect Needham-making demonstrations, confectionery contests, potato-themed crafts, lawn games and plenty of chocolate-dipped treats. It’s a distinctly Maine reason to satisfy your sweet tooth during a fall road trip.

A Few Tips for Chasing Color

• Make a Weekend of It: With northern and western Maine beginning their autumn transformation, consider an overnight getaway to enjoy both the foliage and the region’s after-dark experiences.
• Take the Road Less Traveled: Explore a scenic byway, but leave time to venture into nearby villages, museums and local businesses that might otherwise be missed.
• Be Ready to Disconnect: Some of Maine’s most spectacular wilderness destinations have limited cell service. Download maps and directions before heading out.

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.

Maine Forest Service: 135 Years of Watching Over Maine

Maine’s weekly foliage reports are made possible with help from Maine Forest Service staff who observe changing forest conditions across the state and coordinate their observations with Fall Foliage spokesperson Gale Ross. That work is part of a much bigger story. For 135 years, the Maine Forest Service has worked to protect Maine’s people, property, and natural resources through forest stewardship, wildfire prevention and response, forest health monitoring, technical assistance, and much more. As we follow Maine’s forests through their most spectacular season, we’re proud to recognize the people who help care for them year-round. #MFS135

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