Fall is officially upon us, and that means it's time for one of Maine's most breathtaking seasonal spectacles: fall foliage. 🍂 Whether you're planning a scenic drive, a weekend escape, or a special fall photo session, knowing when and where to find peak color helps you make the most of the season. Here's your guide to foliage timing in Central and Southern Maine to help you plan your leaf-peeping adventure.
Image Source: Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry – Maine Foliage Report
Peak Foliage Weeks in Maine
According to Maine.gov, the colors move from north to south, with different regions reaching peak brightness at different times throughout the season. Here's when Central and Southern Maine typically show their best colors:
October 6–13: Western & Central Maine (Zones 5 & 3)
This is one of the most vibrant weeks for western mountains and the Central Maine region. Hillsides are covered in brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows, creating postcard-worthy views at every turn.
Suggested Locations:
Grafton Notch State Park · Mt. Blue State Park (Weld) · Rangeley · Fryeburg
October 14–20: Central Maine (Zone 3) & Eastern Maine (Zone 4)
Mid-October is usually the best time to enjoy peak foliage across Central Maine. From Augusta's wooded parks to colorful stretches around Fryeburg and the rolling backroads toward Rumford, the views are at their most striking.
Suggested Locations:
Skowhegan · Fryeburg · The greater Augusta area · Scenic routes toward Rumford & Farmington
October 21–27: Southern Maine (Zone 1) & Coastal Maine (Zone 2)
Late October brings peak color to Southern Maine. Coastal towns and areas south of Portland glow with warm, vivid hues—perfect for drives, walks, and late-season photography. If you're near Portland, Kennebunkport, or Wells, this is the ideal time to catch the final wave of fall color.
Suggested Locations:
Sebago Lake · Bridgton · Waterboro · Kennebunk · Kennebunkport · Wells · York
Information on peak foliage dates and locations sourced from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry Foliage Report.
Why Peak Foliage Matters for Your Fall Photo Session
Maine's foliage provides one of the most striking natural backdrops of the year. From deep reds and bright oranges in the forests to golden tones along lakes and rivers, every setting feels warm, cinematic, and full of character—ideal for portraits of all kinds.
Paired with my $45 fall photo session, this season becomes the perfect opportunity to capture those fleeting colors. Each session includes:
- 10 edited digital photos
- A free 5×8 print for the first 10 clients
It's an affordable, memorable way to experience and preserve the beauty of Maine's most colorful season.
Plan Your Leaf-Peeping Adventure
Peak weeks can shift slightly depending on the weather, so I always recommend checking the current Maine Foliage Report for updates. With countless parks, scenic routes, and small-town gems across Central and Southern Maine, you'll have no shortage of places to explore as the colors intensify.
Stay tuned for more updates, and don't forget to book your fall photo session by emailing zachsladephoto@gmail.com while there's still time! 🍁