Maine Foliage Report for October 9, 2024: Must-Do Fall Activities in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine – The Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry (DACF) has released its foliage report for October 9 through October 14, 2024, showcasing Maine’s stunning fall colors just in time for the long Indigenous Peoples Day weekend. Throughout most of the state, color change ranges from moderate to high (50-70 percent). In northern Maine, foliage has already peaked, with moderate leaf drop reported by Maine Forest Rangers. The color progression continues southward, with coastal and southern Maine expected to hit peak conditions by mid-October. Here are some must-do fall activities in Maine for the whole family.
This Week’s Foliage Outlook
“It’s the perfect weekend to experience Maine’s autumn palette,” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson. “Not only will visitors see stunning hues in the forest canopies, but also in the wild blueberry barrens in Downeast Maine, which are bursting with vibrant reds and oranges. With more than 60,000 acres of wild blueberry fields, the views are breathtaking! While we embrace this beautiful fall weather, let’s keep those impacted by recent hurricanes in our thoughts.”
Fall Foliage Trip Ideas for the Long Weekend
With the long holiday weekend approaching, Maine offers countless fall events and scenic leaf-peeping road trips to maximize the autumn experience. Here are some highlights:
Attend a Fall Festival
Sunday River’s Fall Festival: Head to Sunday River this Saturday and Sunday for family fun, including the North American Wife Carrying Championship, scenic chairlift rides, and more.
Maine Maple Fall Fest: Celebrate all things maple with tours, tastings, and maple treats at participating sugar houses and producers across the state.
Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta: Held throughout the weekend, enjoy a pumpkin parade, pumpkin drop, dessert contest, and the thrilling Pumpkin Regatta.
Shaker Village Harvest Festival: On Monday, visit Shaker Village for live music, traditional crafts, harvest items for sale, food, and more seasonal fun.
Take a Scenic Leaf-Peeping Road Trip
Downeast Maine: Venture to Acadia National Park to witness the spectacular foliage against the dramatic coastal landscape. Rent a bike to explore the Carriage Roads, hike the Beehive for an adventurous experience, or take a more relaxed approach by driving to the top of Cadillac Mountain for panoramic views.
Picnic with a View: Pack a picnic and find a spot at Sand Beach or one of the many scenic lookouts in Acadia for a serene autumn experience.
Explore Inland Maine: Discover the Hidden Gems of Foliage Season
For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Inland Maine is a must-visit destination during the fall. This region offers some of the most breathtaking autumn landscapes, with rolling hills, pristine lakes, and scenic rivers framed by vibrant foliage. Here are a few highlights for your Inland Maine adventure:
Kennebec River: The river's sparkling waters cut through the heart of this valley, creating a dramatic contrast with the red, orange, and yellow leaves lining the riverbanks. Popular spots include the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway along Route 201, where you’ll pass through charming towns like Bingham and The Forks, perfect for a peaceful fall drive.
Moxie Falls: For an unforgettable foliage hike, visit one of Maine’s highest waterfalls. Moxie Falls, located near The Forks, cascades over 90 feet and is surrounded by vibrant forest, making it an ideal spot for leaf peepers and photography enthusiasts. The short hike to the falls is easy to navigate, making it a perfect family-friendly outing.
Wyman Lake: Enjoy the colors reflecting off the calm waters of Wyman Lake. This man-made lake is a peaceful setting for kayaking, canoeing, or even just taking a leisurely picnic. The views from the surrounding hillsides are equally stunning, especially during the fall season.
Moosehead Lake: As the largest lake in Maine, Moosehead Lake is a gem for outdoor lovers. During the fall, the lake is surrounded by a kaleidoscope of colors, offering opportunities for boating, kayaking, or simply enjoying a lakeside hike. Take the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit challenge, which includes five summit hikes, such as Mount Kineo, for sweeping views of the lake and the colorful trees below.
Moose River Lookout: Located nearby, this popular spot is perfect for capturing the full beauty of the fall landscape with the surrounding mountains, rivers, and forests painted in autumn hues.
Greenville and Rockwood: These quaint towns are excellent bases for exploring the Katahdin Loop, which takes you from Moosehead Lake toward Mount Katahdin, offering some of the best views in the state.
For a more adventurous hike, tackle a section of the Appalachian Trail near Grafton Notch State Park. The trail offers challenging climbs that reward hikers with expansive views of Maine’s autumn forests stretching far into the horizon. Popular trails in this area include the Old Speck Mountain Trail and Baldpate Mountain, which provide breathtaking foliage views.
Another stunning drive is along the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, where you can enjoy miles of colorful vistas as the road winds past sparkling lakes and towering mountains. Popular hiking spots like Saddleback Mountainoffer a chance to see the foliage from the summits, while the views along the Height of Land are some of the best in Maine.
Fall isn’t just about the peaceful serenity of nature; it's also prime time for adventure. The Forks region is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the Northeast. With the vibrant fall foliage framing the rushing waters of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers, rafters get the best of both worlds—adrenaline and nature's beauty.
After rafting, explore nearby hiking trails like those to Pleasant Pond Mountain or along the Appalachian Trail, where you'll spot wildlife and enjoy unparalleled views of the fall landscape. For ATV riders, ITS 66 offers an exciting trail through the foliage-filled wilderness, with routes connecting to many of the scenic spots mentioned above.
Inland Maine is truly a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts during the fall. From quiet lakeside picnics to adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting, there’s something for everyone to enjoy amidst the stunning autumn scenery. Whether you're hiking the mountains, cruising on your ATV, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, the Kennebec and Moose River Valley promises a memorable fall experience filled with color, adventure, and the beauty of the season.
Stay Updated on Fall Foliage Progression
Fall enthusiasts can stay informed by subscribing to the Maine Foliage Report at the state’s official foliage website, www.mainefoliage.com. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for breathtaking images and special events across Maine. Visitors are also encouraged to share their own foliage photos from their travels throughout the state.
For more seasonal events, travel tips, and to make the most of your Maine fall adventure, visit www.visitmaine.com. The colors are calling—come experience the magic of autumn in Maine!
What to Do in Moosehead Lake
Want more information? Check out our Moosehead News for the latest updates on seasonal events, local news, and detailed guides to make the most of your visit to the Moosehead Lake region.
Boating: Explore the lake's serene waters.
Hiking: Explore the the wilderness.
Fishing: Discover prime fishing spots.
Camping: Find the best campsites for a wilderness retreat.
Local Attractions: Learn about must-see sights in the region.
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
Perfect Accommodation for Your Visit
Look no further for the perfect accommodation during your visit to the Monson, Shirley, Greenville, Rockwood, and Jackman areas of Maine. Moose River Lookout offers an idyllic retreat nestled along the serene Moose River at the base of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains in Rockwood.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout our Rockwood Moose River cabin!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
Whether you’re chasing vibrant fall foliage, attending festivals, or embarking on a scenic road trip, Maine offers something special for everyone this autumn.