When is Fall Foliage in Maine

by Krista
(Boulder, Co)

When is fall foliage in Maine and about when does it officially begin?

Liz's Reply...

Hi Krista, Since Maine is such a large state (320 miles long and 210 miles wide), and geographically very diverse, peak fall foliage occurs at varying times throughout the state.

As early as the second week in September, areas in northern Maine can begin to see changes in color, although it may be weeks before fall foliage begins on Maine's southern coast.

The Maine Department of Conservation does a wonderful job of providing Maine foliage reports for seven Foliage Zones...

Zone 1 is Midcoast and South Coastal Maine, including Camden, Portland, Kennebunkport, and Kittery

Zone 2 is Downeast Maine, including Bar Harbor, and Penobscot Bay

Zone 3 is Central and Southwestern Maine, including Bangor, Augusta, and Fryeburg

Zone 4 is Eastern Mid-Maine, including Houlton, Millinocket, and Calais

Zone 5 is Western Mid-Maine, including Greenville, Rangeley, Bethel

Zone 6 is Northwestern Maine, and

Zone 7 is Northeastern Maine, including Fort Kent, Caribou, and Presque Isle

Each year, at the beginning of September, the Department maintains a Maine fall foliage website...

...the official Maine foliage site - at www.mainefoliage.com.

On their website, the above zones are depicted on a Maine State map and accompanied by a foliage color key. Additionally, there is a table that displays Color Change and Leaf Drop information.

Perhaps most useful to you in planning a fall foliage trip to Maine will be the historical peak foliage data, which is also presented by zone.

This information is on the site's When and Where to Visit page.

You will undoubtedly want to check out the foliage FAQ's also. The page mentions the best places to visit in Maine for foliage, from early September to the latter part of October.

And, as a very useful addition...

...the FAQ's provide tips on where to see fall foliage in Maine for each of those weeks. You can read suggestions about...

...when to see fall foliage in Grafton Notch State Park, Aroostook State Park, the Sebago Lake region, Greenville, the Moosehead Lake area, Bethel, Fryeburg, and a number of other Maine State Parks, towns and villages.

As you make your plans, keep in mind that peak fall foliage in Maine, as throughout all of New England, is dependent on a number of factors.

For instance, an unusually rainy season, or a summer that has been extremely dry can have an effect on the foliage, as can record low or record high temperatures.

But generally speaking, the best time to see fall foliage in Maine is during late September and the first couple of weeks in October, which is perfect...

...since the weather in Maine at this time of year is usually ideal for fall hikes, biking and all of the great Maine fall activities and events that take place.

If you have never been on a Maine fall foliage vacation, I am sure you will love it, the entire state can be truly spectacular during the autumn.

Until mid-October, you will find that most restaurants, lodging accommodations, galleries and shops that are only open seasonally are still welcoming visitors. Many of them do not lock their doors until after the Columbus Day weekend holiday, which is observed on the second Monday in October.

I hope this answers your question of When is fall foliage in Maine. Thank you for contacting Great-Maine-Vacations.com. I hope you have lots of fun!

Best regards,
Liz