(AUGUSTA, Maine) — With the official arrival of autumn, Mainers and leaf peeping enthusiasts can look forward to the fall colors spreading throughout Maine. The third 2023 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reports moderate color change (30-50 percent) throughout most of Maine with low to moderate leaf drop (less than 50 percent).

Northern Maine (zones six and seven) is on track to reach peak conditions during the first week of October. Fall colors in all other areas of the state will occur from north to south through mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak color during mid-to-late October.

This Week’s Foliage Outlook 

“It’s anticipated that Maine will see warmer temperatures this upcoming week. But keep in mind, we are still in the midst of shorter, sunny days, followed by crisp, cool nights without a killing frost, which helps accelerate the beautiful foliage colors that makes fall in Maine so special!” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson.

Follow the 2023 Maine fall foliage forecast this season and take advantage of autumn events, activities and tips for colorful road trips throughout Maine:

• Timed perfectly with the start of October, the Fryeburg Fair kicks off on Sunday and goes through Sunday, October 8. With a variety of livestock, events ranging from harness pulls to a pig scramble, food, rides, and a long list of exhibits and vendors, the fair is known as “Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic Agricultural Fair.”
• Maine Lobster Week continues through September 30, so there is still time to support the Maine lobster industry and take advantage of lobster-inspired cuisine and specials at the list of participating locations.
• Recently announced winner of USA Today’s “Best Corn Maze” and known as the longest continually running corn maze in Maine, this year’s Treworgy Family Orchards’ corn maze theme celebrates the 40 years the family has been farming.
• This week, as foliage continues to spread from north to south throughout the state, take a road trip through Maine’s Kennebec Valley. Packed with rivers and lakes throughout the entire region, expect autumn colors to pop alongside water views. Old Canada Road Scenic Byway boasts panoramic views of the valley, snaking its way from Solon to the Canadian border. Stop for a picnic at Robbins Hill or farther along the byway, enjoy the sights and sounds of Moxie Falls Scenic Area in the Forks. The region is also home to charming riverside towns and cities worth a stop, including Hallowell, Waterville and Skowhegan.