Maine’s fall foliage season is one of the most spectacular natural events in North America. The combination of hardwood forests, lake reflections, and coastal scenery creates a landscape that draws visitors from across the country every September and October. But timing your visit is everything — peak color in northern Maine can arrive a full three weeks before it reaches the southern coast.
Fall Foliage Peak Timing by Region
Aroostook County & Northern Maine — Late September
Maine’s color show begins in the far north. Aroostook County typically sees peak foliage between September 20–30, often beginning as early as September 15 in exceptional years. The potato fields of The County turn golden at the same time the surrounding forests explode in red and orange — a combination found nowhere else in New England.
Moosehead Lake & Katahdin Region — Late September to Early October
The Moosehead Lake area and Baxter State Park region peak between September 25 and October 5. Mount Katahdin surrounded by fall color is one of the iconic Maine images. The drive up Route 11 from Millinocket is exceptional in this window, as is the Lily Bay Road north of Greenville along the eastern shore of Moosehead Lake.
Western Maine Mountains — Early to Mid October
The Oxford Hills, Rangeley Lakes, and Bethel region typically peak between October 1–12. Sunday River Road in Bethel, the Route 17 scenic byway between Oquossoc and Byron (the Height of Land overlook is unmissable), and the roads around Rangeley Lake are among the best leaf peeping drives in all of New England during this window.
Midcoast & Downeast Maine — Mid October
Camden, Rockland, and the Blue Hill Peninsula see peak color between October 8–18. Mount Battie in Camden State Park offers a panoramic view of Penobscot Bay surrounded by fall color that belongs on any Maine bucket list. The Schoodic Peninsula in Acadia National Park — far less crowded than the main park — is spectacular in mid-October.
Southern Maine & Portland — Mid to Late October
Portland and the York County coast peak last, typically between October 12–22. Sebago Lake State Park, the Saco River valley, and the back roads between Kennebunk and Sanford offer excellent color close to the coast.
Best Fall Foliage Drives in Maine
Route 17 — Height of Land, Rangeley: The overlook at Height of Land between Oquossoc and Byron offers one of the finest autumn views in New England — Mooselookmeguntic Lake below, mountains in every direction, and unbroken forest to the horizon. Plan to arrive at sunrise.
Route 201 — Kennebec Valley: The drive north from Skowhegan to Jackman follows the Kennebec River through classic Maine foliage country. The stretch through The Forks and along Wyman Lake is particularly scenic.
Acadia National Park Loop Road: The 27-mile Park Loop Road in mid-October with the ocean as a backdrop to the fall color is a uniquely Maine experience. Go on a weekday to avoid crowds.
Route 11 — Millinocket to Patten: This largely undiscovered route passes through some of Maine’s most remote fall color. Almost no traffic, abundant wildlife, and the Katahdin massif visible to the west.
How to Track Peak Foliage
The Maine Office of Tourism publishes weekly foliage reports beginning in mid-September at visitmaine.com. The reports include a region-by-region color status from “just beginning” to “past peak.” For real-time conditions, the foliage report combined with local reports on the Foliage Network give the most accurate picture of exactly where to be on any given weekend.