(AUGUSTA, Maine) ? The fourth 2023 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reports moderate to high color change (50-70 percent) throughout most of Maine. As of October 4, DACF Maine Forest Rangers in northern Maine report peak color conditions (70-100 percent) with moderate to low leaf drop (30-50 percent).

Northern Maine (zones six and seven) is on track to reach peak conditions this week. 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

"The conditions projected for this upcoming long holiday weekend set us up for one of the best weekends to plan your fall foliage outdoor activities with an abundance of events taking place statewide. The fall colors are emerging in the canopies across Maine, and the leaves are still intact, making it perfect timing for leaf-peeping enthusiasts," said Gale Ross, Maine's 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:

With an impressive lineup of fall-themed activities scheduled throughout the long weekend, there is something of interest to everyone, including family-friendly options.

• Head to Freeport?s Fall Festival Friday, October 6 through Sunday, October 8, where 200 New England artists, makers, and food producers will showcase their crafts and products. There will also be live music and free activities, from crafts to scavenger hunts for the kids.
• Fans of October and the spooky season should make plans for a visit to the Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta? to witness the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth Weigh-Off, a pumpkin pie eating contest and the highly amusing Regatta itself.
• This weekend is particularly crafty,with Maine Craft Weekend taking place Saturday and Sunday, and Real Maine Fiber Tour & Trail scheduled throughout the three-day weekend. Maine Craft Weekend is an annual statewide tour of Maine craft artist studios, events and businesses, with participating locations available at the website. During the Maine Fiber Tour & Trail, visit open houses and farms, meet local makers and explore the craft of local fiber production.
• Take a road trip to Kennebec Valley?s riverside town of Skowhegan to celebrate all things garlic on Saturday and Sunday at Maine?s Garlic Fest. In addition to garlic, there will be live entertainment and music, fall fun and kids? activities, and food and drink options.
• Also this Saturday and Sunday, the third annual Maine Maple Fall Fest will take place at participating sugarhouses throughout the state. It?s a perfect time to get outside for tours, maple syrup tastings, baked maple treats, cotton candy, ice cream, candy and more.
• For this week?s fall foliage tour, explore Maine's Lakes and Mountains region to witness the turning foliage. Celebrate the official arrival of fall at Sunday River?s Fall Festival to catch the North American Wife Carrying Championship, enjoy scenic chair lift rides and more. Or, drive to Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, following Routes 17 and 4, for a 52-mile loop around Rangeley Lake for scenic photo opportunities. Stop at the Height of Land, a scenic lookout on Route 17 with postcard-worthy views of Mooselookmeguntic and Upper Richardson lakes, to stretch your legs or have a picnic lunch. For more active peepers, consider the two-mile trail to Bald Mountain?s summit in Oquossoc.