2026 Maine Fall Foliage Forecast – Week 5

October 7, 2026

Conditions are Closing in for the Upcoming Holiday Weekend

AUGUSTA, Maine – The Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry’s (DACF) Foliage Report for October 7 to October 13 indicates moderate to high color change (50 to 70 percent) throughout most of the state. Maine Forest Rangers in northern and western Maine have reported past peak conditions, with high leaf drop. 

“Peak foliage is closing in on this long holiday weekend in central, coastal, and southern Maine. Despite the lack of rain this summer, Maine did not disappoint. The colors are phenomenal! It’s the perfect time to soak up Maine’s spectacular colors and enjoy the many fall events happening statewide over the next couple of weeks. Downeast Maine’s (zone 4) cranberry bogs and blueberry barrens are putting on their own foliage show this week,” said Gale Ross, DACF fall foliage spokesperson.

Maine foliage report map for the week of October 7, 2026, showing color change progress by region ranging from very low to past peak.

Fall in Full Color

October is hitting its stride in Maine, bringing brilliant foliage and a weekend packed with wonderfully unexpected ways to enjoy it. Race a giant pumpkin, carry your partner over an obstacle course, or simply take the scenic route.

Gourd big or go home. The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta takes over Damariscotta October 9-12 with giant pumpkin art, a parade, derby and the famous Pumpkinboat Regatta, where costumed captains race hollowed-out giant pumpkins across the harbor.
The foliage isn’t the only spectacle. Sunday River’s Fall Fest, October 10-11, pairs scenic Chondola rides, live music, and local makers with the North American Wife Carrying Championship, where teams tackle a 278-yard obstacle course for some unusual prizes.
Fall goes vintage. The Fall Foliage Festival comes to Boothbay Railway Village October 10-11 with local artists and makers, live music, fall foods, and train rides through the historic village.
Swine, stein, and a little fall fun. Downtown Gardiner’s Swine & Stein Brewfest returns October 10 with Maine craft beverages, pork-inspired eats, live music, and quirky games along historic Water Street.
All aboard for pumpkin picking. Ride a historic steam train on the Pumpkin Pickin’ Train, October 12. The trip from Alna includes a wagon ride to SeaLyon Farm, pumpkin picking, and a horse-drawn wagon ride.
Get lost in fall fun. Pick a pumpkin, wander a corn maze, or spend a day at the orchard. Try Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant, Conant Apple Orchards in Etna, or Pineland Farms in New Gloucester.
Get into the spirit of spooky season. Explore Maine’s haunted side with a lantern-lit Kennebec Creeps & Crawls tour in Hallowell and Augusta, or follow a blue lantern through downtown with Bar Harbor Ghost Tours.
Follow the color to where the tide runs backward. Drive the Schoodic National Scenic Byway through Downeast Maine, stopping at Tidal Falls Preserve to see its unusual reversing falls, Winter Harbor’s working waterfront, and Schoodic Point for crashing waves and sweeping coastal views.

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]