Caribou, ME – Leaf peepers in Maine can expect vibrant fall colors this week as northern counties approach peak foliage conditions. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry released its weekly report Wednesday, showing the fastest color changes in the Aroostook region.
According to the Maine Fall Foliage Report, Zones 6 and 7 in northern Maine, including Fort Kent, Presque Isle, and Van Buren, are now showing “high” color levels ranging from 50% to 70%. Some areas could reach peak levels of 70% or more within the next week. Meanwhile, central regions around Bangor and Augusta remain at moderate levels of 30–50%, while southern areas including Portland, Kittery, and Kennebunkport are still showing just 10–30% change.
The National Weather Service office in Caribou noted that drought conditions and weather patterns can affect how quickly leaves change and drop. Shorter days, cooler nights, and recent rainfall are helping to produce more vibrant colors this year. “A wet period in late September or early October can still result in very good vibrancy, as we saw in 2022,” the agency said.
Weekly updates will continue every Wednesday through October, or until the last leaf has dropped. Travelers are encouraged to check conditions before planning trips to Maine’s popular foliage destinations, including Bar Harbor, Greenville, and the western lakes region.
