(AUGUSTA, Maine) — The fourth 2024 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) indicates low to high color change (less than 70 percent) throughout most of the state. As of October 2, the DACF Maine Forest Rangers report peak color conditions (70-100 percent) in northern and northeastern Maine, with moderate to low leaf drop (30-50 percent).

Fall colors across the state progress from north to south through mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak color during mid to late October.

This Week's Foliage Outlook

“While we are seeing peak conditions in northern Maine and high color in portions of the western mountains, colors are still emerging daily in central and coastal regions of the state,” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson. “Weather going forward includes seasonal day and cooler nighttime temperatures without a killing frost, which brings about the un-be-leaf-able colors of Maine as it sheds its autumn glory in the next few weeks.”

Follow the 2024 Maine fall foliage forecast this season and take advantage of autumn events, activities, and tips for colorful road trips throughout Maine:

• Head to Freeport’s Fall Festival. This Friday, October 4, through Sunday, October 6, Freeport will welcome more than 225 of New England’s artists, makers, and food producers, who will showcase their crafts and products. There will also be live music and free activities, from crafts to scavenger hunts, for the kids.
• It’s a crafty weekend! Maine Craft Weekend, taking place this Saturday and Sunday, is an annual statewide tour of Maine craft artist studios, events, and businesses, with participating locations available on the website. It’s also the first of the Real Maine Fiber Tour & Trail weekend, with opportunities to visit open houses and farms, meet local makers, and explore the craft of local fiber production.
• Celebrate all things garlic. On Saturday and Sunday, take a scenic drive to the riverside town of Skowhegan for Maine’s Garlic Fest. In addition to garlic, there will be live music and entertainment, many fall-themed kids’ activities, and food and drink vendors.
• Take a leaf-peeping road trip. This week, load up the car to explore Maine's Lakes and Mountains region to witness the turning foliage against mountainous and lakeside landscapes. Consider the iconic drive along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, following Routes 17 and 4, for a 52-mile loop around Rangeley Lake. Don’t miss a stop at the Height of Land, a scenic lookout on Route 17 with panoramic views of Mooselookmeguntic and Upper Richardson lakes. For more active foliage enthusiasts, take on one of the area’s hikes and witness the changing colors with boots on the ground, like the two-mile trail to Bald Mountain’s summit in Oquossoc.