2026 Maine Fall Foliage Forecast – Week 4

October 1, 2026

Peak Foliage Conditions Occurring in Northern and Western Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine – Mainers and visitors can look forward to a spectacular display of fall colors spreading across the state this week. The fourth 2026 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reports moderate to peak color change (30-70 percent) throughout Maine with low (less than 30 percent) leaf drop.

“I’m going to go out on a limb and say this weekend is shaping up to be the gem of all gems for leaf enthusiasts in Maine! The weekend nor’easter brought some beneficial rain, but thankfully, it didn’t bring down the leaves. Our forest rangers report that leaf drop remains relatively low across much of the state which makes it the perfect time to hit the road and find one of the many activities in Maine this weekend,” notes Gale Ross, DACF fall foliage spokesperson. 

October Is Calling, and Maine Is Answering
October is nearly here, and Maine’s fall color is picking up steam! From giant pumpkins and historic logging demonstrations to mountain roads and autumn fairs, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and enjoy the season.

• Fire up the time machine. Watch steam-powered log haulers, working sawmills and blacksmiths bring Maine’s logging history to life at the Maine Forest and Logging Museum’s Living History Days, October 3-4 in Bradley, complete with fresh-pressed cider and traditional crafts.
• Garlic lovers, this one’s for you! Follow your nose to Maine’s Garlic Fest at Lake George Regional Park in Skowhegan October 3-4. Celebrate the mighty bulb with local growers, specialty foods, artisan vendors, and live folk and Americana music, all against a colorful fall backdrop.
• Fryeburg is bringing the fall fun. The Fryeburg Fair opens October 4, bringing livestock shows, harness racing, agricultural exhibits and plenty of fair favorites to western Maine.
• A whole town full of fall creativity. The Freeport Fall Festival takes over downtown Freeport October 2-4 with more than 200 artists, makers and food producers, live music on five stages and free family activities.
• Take the scenic route with a splash. Follow the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway north toward Jackman, stopping for a short hike to 90-foot Moxie Falls or sweeping mountain views at Attean Overlook.
• Chase waterfalls, too: Fall foliage makes an especially colorful backdrop for Maine’s waterfalls. Pack sturdy shoes and explore a trail.
• Make time for small towns: Leave time for pit stops to explore Main Streets, local cafés, roadside markets, antique shops and other unexpected discoveries.
• Embrace sweater weather: Crisp mornings and cooler evenings call for layers, especially if your foliage adventures take you into the mountains or on the water.

The Story Behind the Maine Fall Foliage Report

In 1959, Austin Wilkins, Commissioner of Forestry, had the brilliant idea to broadcast foliage conditions throughout Maine to the public. To do that, on-the-ground observations were collected from forest rangers throughout the state. Their observations were compiled and reported to radio stations of the day, giving Mainers and visitors an indication of where the color was.

More than six decades later, we still rely on our forest rangers. From the North Woods to the coast, Maine is a big state, with plenty of remote locations that can’t be captured from behind a desk. Our rangers are our eyes on the ground, helping us track foliage conditions throughout the season. The expression “it takes a village” really does apply when producing the fall foliage report each week during the season. 

Thanks to the Maine Forest Service for not only protecting 17 million acres of forests, but also giving us the most important piece of the Maine Fall Foliage Report.

Curious to read more about Austin Wilkins, please visit MaineTree.

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.

Media Contact
Gale Ross, Fall Foliage Coordinator
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry