Midcoast Maine Fall Foliage - When do the leaves peak in Bath, Maine?

I love the little bit of color this tree in Waterfront Park is showing. Taken September 14th, 2022.

Over the years we have lived here in Bath, Maine, we have come to expect the fall foliage to peak in mid-October. (At least that is the advice we give to our family booking visits from California and Texas!) However, 2024’s foliage is expected to peak earlier than usual, in early October. That said, no matter the year, you can get stunning sneak peeks as early as September, where the oaks and maples are just turning - a touch of color to prepare us.

The state of Maine tracks predicted and actual peak foliage dates based on zones throughout the state. Generally the zones in the north and west in Maine peak earlier; those in the south and east (on the coast) peak later. Bath, Maine is in Zone 1, and our actual peaks have varied in the last five years from as early as October 7th in 2020 to as late as October 23rd in 2019 .(Averaging out to confirm my experience - mid-October is a safe bet!) See more about the state’s tracking and recent peak foliage history here.

Taken September 29th, 2022.

As I walk about town, I keep an eye on a few of my favorite trees to mark the foliage progress. One in Waterfront Park and one in Library Park. As well as an oak tree on the grounds of my school (where I work as an elementary school librarian.) The Washington Street neighborhood offers a stunning variety of foliage as well.

Kennebec Estuary Land Trust maintains almost a dozen hiking trails in the Bath area, all of which offer beautiful foliage. Drives down any of the peninsulas in Maine (ours are Phippsburg and Georgetown) and you can take it all in from the comfort of your car. The state of Maine’s website also offers some ideas for driving tours.

Hope to see you this fall! Not only is it a great time of year to take in the colors, it is a great time of year for a walk - join us on one of our historic guided walking tours - Downtown Bath, Maine or Historic Washington Street Neighborhood, Women’s History or Oak Grove Cemetery. You won’t regret it! The trees are waiting…as are we.