Timing for Fall Color in Maine

Wanting to spend a week in Maine this fall. Want to stay in Bar Harbor Area and plan day trips to surrounding areas.

What is the expectation of the peak color in the Bar Harbor and surrounding area?

Looking at the week of September 25 to August 2 but can change if needed.

Thanks for the information

Hi Darrell,
Bar Harbor generally peaks a week later than most of Maine. The ocean keeps it warmer than central and northern Maine. Peak foliage varies from year to year. However, I usually aim for the middle of October for Bar Harbor. The last week of Sept. is usually way too early as is the first week of Oct. Some years the third week of Oct. is peak in Bar Harbor.

Keep in mind that even if you miss peak foliage in Bar Harbor, Acadia is simply gorgeous any day of the year.

Northern Maine often peaks in the first week of Oct. Central Maine often peaks in the second week of Oct. Southern Maine is often the 2nd-3rd week. These dates vary as much as a week earlier or later in any given year.

I am leading a 3 day fall photography workshop in Acadia on Oct. 15-17. I think this will be the best weekend for fall foliage in Bar Harbor this year. If you are interested in joining me you can read more information here: http://www.greglessardphotography.com/-/greglessardphotography/wildcard2.asp

Please feel free to email me with any other questions you may have about Bar Harbor and Acadia.

Sincerely,
Greg Lessard
GregLessardPhoto@aol.com

My son and I will be staying at Ships Wheel Cottage, Boathouse Way Cottages, off Mitchell Road, Bernard, ME Oct 9-16. Columbus Day (Oct 12) seems to be the traditional peak of Maine foliage +- a week or so. Greg Lessard maybe correct on timing for this year. You can track foliage at www.maine.gov. Perhaps we will see you in the area. I'll probably be wearing a Nature Photographers baseball cap. Shooting w/Nikon D300.

While I live in Michigan now, I am originally from Portland, ME. First time I will have returned in several years, and the first time ever for the specific purpose of photography. Foliage is nice. But Maine is a much more photogenic place -- lakes, lighthouses, harbors, boats, etc. We plan to shoot all of these things as much as possible. Tip: Shoot at dawn and dusk, eat and sleep during the day. Timing is especially important in the
Acadia area.

Good Luck!

There is also great fall foliage along the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan. Lake Superior National Lakeshore and further west, Porcupine Mountains State Park. See my portfolio

There is a detailed table of the most common peak foliage dates in the various parts of Maine at http://www.maine.gov/doc/foliage/whenandwhere/index.html