Fall Colors

Stay Alert During Hunting Season

Hunting is allowed on the east side of the East Branch Penobscot River each fall. If you plan to visit the monument on foot, please wear high visibility clothing to make yourself known. Learn more on the hunting page. 

 

Paddling down the Seboeis River on a fall day.

NPS/ R. Wang

New England is home to the country’s best fall colors. Situated at the northeastern most part of the region, Katahdin Woods and Waters is the perfect place to view a wide display of stunning trees. Learn more about how to prepare for your leaf-peeping visit below.

 

Red pigments in leaves called anthocyanins are exposed as chlorophylls break down.

NPS/ R. Wang

What causes fall colors?

When you look at foliage (leaves), what are you actually experiencing? Fall colors seem like magic – how can a green tree turn a completely different, vibrant color each year? Why can trees do this, and what causes it to happen? The answer is threefold:

• Colder weather

• Hidden leaf pigments

• Shorter days/ longer nights

Each year as weather gets colder, trees begin to go dormant, or into a state of inactivity for the winter. Cold weather, often an indication of fall, signals trees to slow production of chlorophyl, the green chemical compound found in plants that allows for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the chemical reaction that plants use to convert sunlight and carbon dioxide into oxygen and sugar. Longer nights provide a secondary indication to plants that it is time to halt this process. As chlorophyl production slows, leaf pigments otherwise covered by the green pigment begin to appear. This is what causes the red, orange, and yellow colors of fall.

Learn more about the science of fall from Acadia and the US Forest Service.

 

When to Visit

Plan your trip to Katahdin Woods and Waters from September to mid-October for the season’s best foliage. For information on the current status of foliage across Maine, visit this weekly report, courtesy of the state. Please take note of current weather conditions before your visit. High winds and heavy rains may impact views or cause road closures. For more information on how to plan your fall visit to the monument, please see the plan your visit page.

What to Bring

• Blaze Orange or High Visibility Clothing: Hunting is allowed in certain areas of the monument during peak fall foliage. Please refer to the hunting page for details on where hunting is allowed and note where blaze orange must be worn for personal safety. It is recommended that if you go onto any monument land during hunting season, you wear orange.

• Binoculars: Bringing a pair of binoculars will help you get up-close views of far away trees. You may also spot some animals preparing for the shifting seasons!

• Camera: Capture photos of the beautiful colors and help us by engaging in community science!

 

Looking at Katahdin in the fall.

NPS/ J. Gablaski

Ways to View Leaves

Which way is best for you? Determine which of these three ways suits your desired activity level and abilities.

• On foot: hikers and bikers often have the best, undisturbed view of trees in the monument. This is a great way to see leaves close up.

• By vehicle: roads through the monument provide stunning scenes of the area at large, often used for broad, scenic views.

• By water (canoe, kayak, etc.): the most unique way to experience fall, waterways provide a new perspective on the season.

Where to See Fall Foliage at KAWW

 

Maple leaves start to turn red and yellow.

NPS/ R. Wang

By Foot or Bike

For general hiking trails and directions, visit the hiking page.

North End: hiking anywhere in the north end of the monument will provide great foliage and ample views. Learn more about hikes in the north.

Barnard Mountain: Hike up to the top of the mountain for an expansive fall view. Learn more about how to hike Barnard Mountain.

Orin Falls: View fall colors against a scenic river landscape. Learn more about how to hike Orin Falls.

Messer Pond: View foliage surrounding a picturesque body of water. Learn more about how to hike Messer Pond.

 

Katahdin surrounded by fall colors.

NPS/ M. Wimmer

By Vehicle

Lunksoos Picnic Area: Drive to Lunksoos for a beautiful view of the water, trees, and surrounding area. This stop has a vault toilet and picnic tables.

American Thread Road: Drive through the Sebeois Unit on this road, lined by stunning foliage and glimpses of Katahdin. Use this map to plan your drive.

 

Canoeing down river in search of fall foliage.

NPS/ R. Wang

By Water

East Branch of the Penobscot River via Lunksoos Boat Launch: travel in either direction on the Penobscot River for stunning views. Use this boat launch to get started. For trip specifics, follow this itinerary.

Note: Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument does not have boats available for rental. Please be prepared to bring your own watercraft, and check water flow before entering at any site. Happy boating!

 

 

Reminders

Be alert for hunters east of the East Branch Penobscot River. The Seboeis Unit is a great place to see trees by vehicle, with a significantly reduced commute time compared to the north and south ends. If you plan to go in on foot, wear high visibility clothing to make yourself known. Hunting is not allowed on Sundays in Maine, making it a great day to visit the monument!

Please admire leaves where they fall! Downed leaves play an important role in the monument’s complex ecosystem, providing cover for small animals and adding nutrients to the soil as they decompose. Learn more about the importance of leaf coverage through the United States Department of Agriculture.

For more information about how you can make a positive impact on the monument, please visit the seven principles of Leave No Trace webpage.