Foliage Report for September 27, 2023

Fall Colors Emerging Throughout Maine

(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

"Its 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 Maines 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 Todays Best Corn Maze and known as the longest continually running corn maze in Maine, this years 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 Maines 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.

Foliage season enthusiasts can visit the states official foliage website to receive weekly reports by email. Everyone is invited to share color progression photos from throughout Maine. The Maine Fall Foliage Facebook and Instagram accounts feature gorgeous images and special activities statewide. For more fall-themed ideas and insights about visiting Maine, go to www.visitmaine.com.

Week of September 27, 2023

Zone Number	Color Change	Leaf Drop
7	Moderate	Very Low
6	Moderate	Very Low
5 North	Moderate	Very Low
5 South	Low	Very Low
4	Low	Low
3 North	Moderate	Moderate
3 South	Very Low	Low
2	Low	Very Low
1 North	Moderate	Low
1 South	Low	Very Low

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: Mid-Coast and South Coastal Maine, including Camden, Portland, Kennebunkport, and Kittery