Rachel Carson Refugefall foliage
No reports yet this season for Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. It usually peaks Oct 11–20.
Right now in Rachel Carson Refuge · September
- Raptor migrations · Sep
13days to the next fall foliage seasonusually Oct 11–20
Next 7 days
- Windy · winds up to 20 mphThis Afternoon
- Rain likely · up to 88% chanceThis Afternoon, Tonight
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 9:38 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge through the year
- Shorebird migrationsMar–Aug
- Raptor migrationsNowSep
- Timber Point Trail colors (mid to late October)Oct
- Waterfowl gatherDec–Mar
Best spots around Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
- Timber Point TrailBiddeford: past wetland and shrubland to marsh, river and ocean views; FWS suggests it mid to late October; Timber Island only at low tide
- Carson TrailOne-mile level loop through coastal forest with salt marsh views and 11 stops; wheelchair and stroller accessible
- Cutts Island Trail1.8 miles of easy upland walking with salt marsh views; foot traffic only
Around Maine this week
- Ferry Beach State Park6 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Bradbury Mountain State Park36 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
- Grafton Notch State Park85 mi · Statewide: well under way by ~Oct 11Todayrain likelyTuedry and calmWeddry and calmThudry and calmFridry and calmSatdry and calmSundry and calm
Trees this fall (Sep 15–21). Across New England, red maple is ahead of a typical year; the rest are close to typical. Which trees turn when →
Rachel Carson Refuge in pictures
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rachel Carson NWR, Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rachel Carson NWR, Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rachel Carson NWR, Birding (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · USA National Phenology Network, colored leaves observations (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in 2026?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Oct 11–20. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
How is the fall color in Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 13 days (usually Oct 11–20).
When do the leaves peak?
Mid-October, per the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which suggests the Timber Point Trail from mid to late October.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When should I go to avoid crowds?
Early morning or later in the day. Parking is limited, and those are also the best hours for wildlife.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rachel Carson NWR, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog?
Only on the Carson Trail, on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rachel Carson NWR, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I walk out to Timber Island?
Yes, but only across the land bridge at low tide. Watch the tide, because you can't get back at high tide.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rachel Carson NWR, Trails ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge?
Timber Point Trail: biddeford: past wetland and shrubland to marsh, river and ocean views; FWS suggests it mid to late October; Timber Island only at low tide; Carson Trail: one-mile level loop through coastal forest with salt marsh views and 11 stops; wheelchair and stroller accessible; Cutts Island Trail: 1.8 miles of easy upland walking with salt marsh views; foot traffic only.
What is Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Waterfowl gather (Dec–Mar), Shorebird migrations (Mar–Aug), Raptor migrations (Sep) and Timber Point Trail colors (mid to late October) (Oct).