PORTLAND, Maine —
Sept. 25:
Leaf-peepers, get ready! Autumn has officially arrived, and fall foliage is now decorating the entire state of Maine.
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) released its third Foliage Report of the season Wednesday, noting substantial progress in the state's foliage colors.
This third report states there is now moderate to high color change (50-70 percent) throughout most of Maine. There is also a low to moderate leaf drop (less than 50 percent) across the state.
Zones six and seven in the northern part of the state are "on track" to reach peak conditions by the first week of October, according to DACF.
"Fall colors in all other areas of the state will occur from north to south through mid-October," the release stated. "Coastal Maine typically reaches peak color during mid-to-late October."
Also this week, DACF launched a new interactive foliage map, which allows visitors and leaf-peepers to zoom in on scenic byways, RealMaine farms, Land for Maine's Future funded projects, state parks, public lands, boat launches, and upcoming fall fairs and festivals. You can find that map here.
"It's fall y'all ... which means it's officially sweater weather in Maine!" DACF fall foliage spokesperson Gale Ross said in this week's report. "We have experienced a bit of a drought the past several weeks, which can delay or accelerate the fall colors. I believe Maine is in the goldilocks position (not too dry, not too wet, without a killing frost) to accelerate the best fall colors in the upcoming weeks."
To see weekly Foliage Reports, visit the state's official foliage website here. You can share your own fall foliage photos with the DACF here to be considered for the "Photo of the Week" on the Maine Foliage website or social media pages.
Foliage Zones
Zone 7: Northeastern Maine, including Fort Kent, Caribou, and Presque Isle
Zone 6: Northwestern Maine
Zone 5: Western mid-Maine, including Greenville, Rangeley, Bethel
Zone 4: Eastern mid-Maine, including Houlton, Millinocket, and Calais
Zone 3: Central and southwestern Maine, including Bangor, Augusta, and Fryeburg
Zone 2: Downeast Maine, including Machias, Bar Harbor, and Penobscot Bay
Zone 1: Midcoast and south coastal Maine, including Camden, Portland, Kennebunkport, and Kittery
Sept. 18:
The second Foliage Report of the season was released Wednesday by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).
This week's report indicates very low color change throughout the state—less than 30 percent—however, fall colors are beginning to paint the trees in northern Maine.
In the northern regions, DACF reports moderate color change—less than 50 percent.
A very low to low leaf drop was also reported throughout the entire state, according to the report.
"With the autumn equinox on Sunday, September 22, we bid farewell to summer and welcome cooler, fall-like temperatures, which will accelerate the vibrant color transformation across Maine's stunning landscape," DACF fall foliage spokesperson Gale Ross said.
In this week's report, moderate foliage levels are being seen in zones six and seven, low foliage in zones four, five, and parts of one, and very low for the rest of the state.
Now is the perfect time to begin planning your New England leaf-peeping adventures for the coming weeks. As the report says, "crisp weather and vivid fall hues" are on the way!
To see weekly Foliage Reports, visit the state's official foliage website here. You can share your own fall foliage photos with the DACF here to be considered for the "Photo of the Week" on the Maine Foliage website or social media pages.
Foliage Zones
Zone 7: Northeastern Maine, including Fort Kent, Caribou, and Presque Isle
Zone 6: Northwestern Maine
Zone 5: Western mid-Maine, including Greenville, Rangeley, Bethel
Zone 4: Eastern mid-Maine, including Houlton, Millinocket, and Calais
Zone 3: Central and southwestern Maine, including Bangor, Augusta, and Fryeburg
Zone 2: Downeast Maine, including Machias, Bar Harbor, and Penobscot Bay
Zone 1: Midcoast and south coastal Maine, including Camden, Portland, Kennebunkport, and Kittery
Sept. 11:
Mid-September is almost here, bringing with it vibrant fall colors emerging on trees.
The first Maine Foliage Report of the 2024 season kicked off Wednesday from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).
Fall foliage in Maine is tracked and reported each year by DACF fall foliage spokesperson Gale Ross.
"Since 1959, when Commissioner of Forestry Austin Wilkins initiated the first weekly foliage reports, Maine has captivated visitors and locals with its outstanding autumn beauty," the DACF said in the foliage report. "Now 65 years strong, this tradition continues to draw leaf peepers from near and far, enhancing their experience with detailed, timely updates."
Ross hinted that the summer season may have been the perfect combination of weather to ensure a successful, bright foliage season.
"This summer was one for the record books!" Ross said in the report. "We had an abundance of daily sunshine with just the right amount of rainfall has set the stage for a breathtaking foliage season. However, I'd like to remind fall foliage enthusiasts that the color change and timing depends on the weather going forward. The cooler nighttime temperatures and shorter days enhance the progression of color."
DACF Forest Pathologist Aaron Bergdahl estimates a successful foliage season ahead.
"The growing season of 2024 has been excellent for trees, supporting tree health and resilience that should lead to brilliant fall colors throughout Maine," Bergdahl said in the report.
Each year, northern Maine, which consists of foliage zones six and seven, begins seeing peak foliage conditions by the last week of September into the first week of October.
The rest of Maine typically sees color progression beginning north to south in mid-October. Coastal Maine usually sees peak conditions by mid-to-late October.
"The colors are calling, come experience the magic of Maine this autumn," the report stated.
To see weekly Foliage Reports, visit the state's official foliage website here. You can share your own fall foliage photos with the DACF here to be considered for the "Photo of the Week" on the Maine Foliage website or social media pages.
Foliage Zones
Zone 7: Northeastern Maine, including Fort Kent, Caribou, and Presque Isle
Zone 6: Northwestern Maine
Zone 5: Western mid-Maine, including Greenville, Rangeley, Bethel
Zone 4: Eastern mid-Maine, including Houlton, Millinocket, and Calais
Zone 3: Central and southwestern Maine, including Bangor, Augusta, and Fryeburg
Zone 2: Downeast Maine, including Machias, Bar Harbor, and Penobscot Bay
Zone 1: Midcoast and south coastal Maine, including Camden, Portland, Kennebunkport, and Kittery
