Maine is launching its 2026 fall foliage reporting season with a new feature: the state is inviting communities and organizations to submit public fall events for inclusion in weekly color reports.
The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will issue weekly foliage reports every Wednesday through the season, tracking the progression of fall color from northern Maine and higher elevations southward. Reports will be published through the foliage season, generally mid-September through mid-October.
The state is accepting submissions for harvest festivals and agricultural fairs, farm and food events, outdoor recreation and nature activities, arts and cultural events, and community festivals and celebrations that complement the fall foliage experience. Events must take place during the foliage reporting season and be open to the public. The department said it will review events based on timing, location, relevance to the foliage season, and available space.
Maine's forests contain diverse tree species and growing conditions that create an extended viewing season. Northern and coastal areas offer contrasts between evergreens and colorful maples, birches, and oaks, while inland forests provide a broad palette of fall color set among the state's lakes, rivers, mountains, and working landscapes.
The state has produced official fall foliage reports for 68 years, drawing on observations from forestry and conservation professionals across Maine. MaineFoliage.com is the official resource for tracking the state's changing fall color.