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State guide

When to catch Mainethrough the year

The peaks we can name in Maine each belong to a place, not the whole state. In spring, migrating birds at Sieur de Monts in Acadia (the end of April to the beginning of June); in fall, color peaks first in the north, at Aroostook Refuge (early October), then at Moosehorn Refuge and Acadia (mid-October).

When are you going?

Fall in Maine

Also good in fall

From each place's own sources; no peak claimed.

Places in Maine

Pick a part of the state; the map follows
  • Fall
  • Winter
Places on this map, as a list
Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census.

Planning a Maine trip

Everything here from each place's own sources

Park guides

Towns to stay in

Nearest place we follow, straight-line miles.

Fees, passes and reservations

Current park alerts (NPS)

Browse by season and event

Questions people ask

When is the best time to bird at Sieur de Monts at Acadia?

During the spring migration, from the end of April to the beginning of June. Early morning is best, when many songbirds are most active.Source: National Park Service, Birding Sieur de Monts (Acadia) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Which trails are best for birding at Acadia?

Jesup Path, Hemlock Road and Wild Gardens Path (south of the lawn), which together make a 2.5-mile figure eight of easy walking.Source: National Park Service, Birding Sieur de Monts (Acadia) ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Do I need a reservation at Acadia?

Only to drive Cadillac Summit Road, from mid-May to mid-October. The National Park Service says no reservation is needed for the rest of the park, or if you arrive on foot, by bike or by taxi.Sources: National Park Service, Drive Cadillac Mountain ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Acadia vehicle reservations ↗ (opens in a new tab)

What are the 2026 rules for driving Cadillac Summit Road at Acadia?

A vehicle reservation is required from May 20 through October 25, 2026. It costs $6, is sold only online in advance at Recreation.gov (not at the park), and comes on top of the park entrance pass. Vehicles over 21 feet (bike racks included), RVs and trailers aren't allowed, and the Island Explorer bus doesn't go up Cadillac.Source: National Park Service, Acadia vehicle reservations ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Why does Aroostook peak so early?

The cold. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service gives early October here, which makes it the first stop on its Northeast foliage tour.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A fall foliage tour of the Northeast ↗ (opens in a new tab)

What trees color up at Aroostook Refuge?

Red maple and aspen among black and red spruce, balsam fir and white cedar.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Aroostook NWR, Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Plan a Maine trip for your dates →Alerts for Maine

Nearby state guides: New Hampshire · Vermont · Massachusetts · Connecticut

Maine in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
Pale tree trunks among bright yellow leaves over a leaf-covered forest floor
Yellow fall leaves in a deciduous forest, Acadia National Park. Photo: National Park Service; cropped and white-balanced by Maps and stuff · public domain
Jordan Pond and the Bubbles formation at sunset
Jordan Pond and the Bubbles, Acadia National Park. Photo: NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg · public domain
Bridge trail next to a forested hillside with fall colors
A trail bridge below a forested hillside in fall color, Acadia National Park. Photo: NPS / Victoria Stauffenberg · public domain

How we know

Every timing on this page, from these pages; checked Sep 30