8 Beautiful Places to Visit in Maine in the Fall
Maine is one of the most beautiful states to visit in the fall because the foliage is stunning! Vibrant foliage takes over the mountains and coast, providing breathtaking views.
Although many people only explore the coast, many other places are great places to visit in Maine in the fall! Acadia National Park is beautiful in the fall, do not get me wrong, but many other places provide just as breathtaking views.
The northern sections of Maine have beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and scenic drives, making perfect places to visit in the fall, and you will not be disappointed with the views. This guide has everything you need to know about the best places to visit in Maine in the fall!
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When is Peak Foliage in Maine
Peak foliage varies in Maine because of the weather but is usually between the end of September to the middle of October. The northern sections will have peak foliage first, and the southern coast of Maine will peak last. Maine Foliage is a fantastic website that has weekly foliage reports you can use to plan a trip!
Tips for Visiting Maine in the Fall
Spend at least 3-5 days in Maine in the fall. If you only want to visit one or two places in Maine in the fall, I recommend spending at least 3-5 days exploring. If you plan to explore more than two places, I recommend spending at least a week in Maine. Having more time will give you plenty of time to explore everything Maine offers in the fall and allow your itinerary flexibility. You never want to feel rushed when exploring Maine in the fall!
Start your days early. Maine is extremely busy during fall, especially along the coast. Millions of people travel to Maine in the fall to view the beautiful foliage, so many must-see attractions and hikes are crowded. I recommend arriving at popular places early in the day to avoid most crowds.
Pack appropriate hiking gear. One of the best things to do in Maine in the fall is to hike. It is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the fall foliage! But the trails are rugged, so I recommend wearing reliable hiking boots that have traction and will provide you with support and stability.
Pack layers. Maine weather is unpredictable. The weather by the coast and in the mountains can change quickly, so I always recommend packing layers. Sometimes the higher summits can have cold temperatures, and it is crucial to bring the appropriate layers.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
What to Pack for Visiting Maine in the Fall
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Map of Places to Visit in Maine in the Fall
Best Places to Visit in Maine in the Fall
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Maine in the fall. The national park is among the most visited in the United States, and the fall is no different. Millions of people visit Acadia National Park in the fall to experience the vibrant foliage as it takes over the coast. And the views are breathtaking! There is something special about seeing the foliage along ocean cliffs and mountains.
The best thing about Acadia National Park is you do not have to hike to experience the views. You can drive around Park Loop Road and stop at its many viewpoints. But if you are up for a hike, you will not be disappointed! Acadia is home to some of the most beautiful trails along the coast, including the Beehive Trail, Precipice Trail, Jordan Pond Loop, and the Bubbles.
If you want to visit Acadia National Park in the fall, I recommend planning your itinerary in advance. Accommodations book up quickly, and it can be difficult to find somewhere to stay if you wait until the last minute. You will also have to get your timed reservation for Cadillac Mountain ahead of time. These sell out fast!
Although the must-see attractions have crowds in the fall, there are plenty of ways to avoid most crowds. I recommend starting your day early to visit the popular areas first to avoid the midday crowds. You can also explore the left side of Mount Desert Island because those hikes and viewpoints tend to have fewer crowds. If you visit Acadia National Park, you will quickly realize why it is one of the best places to visit in Maine in the fall!
Best things to do in the fall:
Cadillac Mountain
Schooner Head Overlook
Sand Beach
Otter Cliff
Jordan Pond
Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
Camden, Maine
Just south of Acadia National Park is the small coastal town of Camden. Camden is a stunning coastal town in Midcoast Maine on Penobscot Bay and is one of the best places to visit in the fall! Although Camden is small, it offers many things to do in the fall. You can sail on a cruise, hike in Camden Hills State Park, or relax by the ocean. No matter what you do, you will see the beautiful foliage taking over the coastline.
Exploring Camden Hills State Park should be on every bucket list when visiting in the fall. It has stunning hikes, like the Maiden Cliff, Bald Rock, and Mount Battie. And if you do not want to hike, do not worry! Camden Hills State Park has an auto road leading to Mount Battie, where you can see the breathtaking foliage views. It is one of my favorite places to visit in the fall because the views are unmatched!
If you want to visit more coastal towns near Camden during your trip, you can make the quick drive to Rockport and Rockland. Both coastal towns offer beautiful ocean views and lighthouses. These towns also have ferries to the nearby islands, which are great places to visit in the fall!
Camden and the surrounding coastal towns are some of my favorite places in Maine to visit in the fall, and I know you will love exploring them!
Best things to do in the fall:
Camden Hills State Park
Megunticook Falls
Camden Harbor Cruises
Beech Hill Preserve
Ragged Mountain Preserve
Bethel, Maine
Bethel is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Maine in the fall if you want to explore mountains and waterfalls. Bethel is a well-known winter destination because of Sunday River, but it offers many fun things to do in the fall. And it has something for everyone, including beautiful hikes, waterfalls, scenic drives, covered bridges, and scenic gondola rides. You will not be disappointed to visit in the fall!
One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to visit Grafton Notch State Park. It has a stunning 21-mile scenic byway with overlooks, hikes, and waterfalls. The drive is beautiful, but I highly recommend exploring the nearby trails to experience the foliage. If you are a waterfall lover, you can visit Screw Auger Falls and Step Falls. If you want a challenging hike, you can hike to Old Speck Mountain, one of the tallest mountains in Maine. And if you do not want to hike, you can head back to Bethel and enjoy a scenic gondola ride at Sunday River.
No matter what you want to do in the fall, Bethel has something to do for everyone! It will quickly become one of your favorite places to visit in Maine in the fall!
Best things to do in the fall:
Sunday River Scenic Gondola
Bethel Community Forest
Maggie’s Nature Park
Grafton Notch State Park
Bethel Pathway
Sunday River Covered Bridge
Portland, Maine
Portland is another beautiful coastal town in Maine and one of the most visited places in the state. Although most people only visit in the summer, Portland has many fun things to do in the fall, including delicious restaurants, cute shops, beautiful beaches, and stunning lighthouses.
You can walk through Old Port, enjoy a boat ride to a nearby island, or explore the iconic Portland Head Light. And if eating a delicious lobster roll is on your bucket list, you have many places to choose from, including The Highroller Lobster Company and Becky's Diner!
If you want to hike, you are in luck! One of the best places along the coast to experience foliage is Bradbury Mountain State Park. At the top, you can view the foliage for what seems to go for miles, making it worth the half-hour drive from Portland!
While in Portland, you can also visit nearby coastal towns, including Freeport or Kennebunkport. Once you explore Portland in the fall, you will quickly understand why it is one of the best places to visit in Maine!
Best things to do in the fall:
Portland Head Light
Peaks Island
Bug Light
Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
Two Lights State Park
Bradbury Mountain State Park
Where to stay in the fall:
Millinocket, Maine
Do you want to explore one of the most beautiful areas in Maine and its tallest mountain? Millinocket is the place for you! This small town is in the northeast section of Maine, and although it requires a long drive, it is worth it for the beautiful fall views.
Millinocket is home to Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin, the tallest mountain in Maine. Hiking is one of the best things to do in the area, and let me tell you, the views are stunning! You will feel like you are sitting in a sea of foliage. This area has some of the best hiking trails in the state, so you will not be disappointed!
But you do not need to hike a strenuous trail to enjoy the beautiful foliage views. My favorite thing to do in the fall is drive the 89-mile Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway. The drive has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and foliage. You will not be disappointed to visit Millinocket in the fall!
Best things to do in the fall:
Ash Hill
Grindstone Falls
Shin Falls
Baxter State Park
Mount Katahdin
Katahdin Falls
Debsconeag Ice Caves
Where to stay in the fall:
Jackman/The Forks, Maine
Jackman is a town in northern Maine, sitting a few miles from the Canadian border, and is one of the most beautiful areas in the state. Although Jackman is a small town, it does not lack fun fall activities! And the best part? It has something to do with everyone! You can explore beautiful waterfalls, hike to the tops of mountains, go ATVing, or boat on its beautiful lakes.
Jackman has a 78-mile scenic byway that will leave you in awe with its views! The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful drives in Maine, traveling from the Canadian Border to Solon, Maine. You can enjoy foliage views from various overlooks, hike nearby trails, or explore waterfalls.
Jackman is one of my favorite places to visit in Maine in the fall, and I know you will love it when you visit! I promise the long drive is worth it.
Best things to do in the fall:
Coburn Mountain
No 5 Mountain
Houston Brook Falls
Cold Stream Falls
Attean Overlook
Where to stay in the fall:
Moosehead Lake, Maine
Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine and one of the best places to visit in the fall. Although it is quite a drive to get to this northeastern region in Maine, it is worth it. The lake is stunning and has an iconic Mount Kineo along its shores. During the fall, the foliage takes over the surrounding forests and mountains, making it a beautiful place to visit.
Although Moosehead Lake is remote, it does not lack things to do! I recommend exploring the 59-mile Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway because it brings you to some of the most beautiful places in the area. If you want to hike, I recommend Mount Kineo or Number Four Mountain. Both offer breathtaking views!
If you would rather enjoy the foliage views without hiking, you can enjoy a scenic boat ride with Katahdin Cruises. You will quickly fall in love with visiting Moosehead Lake in the fall!
Best things to do in the fall:
Mount Kineo
Lily Bay State Park
Moose Safari
Number Four Mountain
Katahdin Cruises
Where to stay in the fall:
Rangeley, Maine
Rangeley is a stunning area in the northwest corner of Maine, surrounded by beautiful forests, mountains, and six lakes! Although it is known as one of the best winter destinations because of its incredible snowmobiling trails, it is one of the best places to visit in Maine in the fall.
And the best part? There is something to do for everyone. Whether you want to drive a scenic byway, hike to waterfalls, or explore the lakes, you will love visiting Rangeley.
One of the best things to do in the fall is drive the stunning Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. The 52-mile scenic drive has beautiful viewpoints, hikes, and waterfalls, making it a great way to experience the foliage.
If you want to enjoy beautiful waterfalls, I recommend visiting Angel Falls, Coos Canyon, Smalls Falls, or the Cascades. If you want to hike, I recommend hiking Bald Mountain because it offers stunning 360-degree views.
But if you do not want to hike, do not worry! You can enjoy beautiful views from various lookouts, including Height of Land. You will fall in love with visiting Rangeley in the fall!
Best things to do in the fall:
Rangeley Lake State Park
Height of Land
Bald Mountain
Saddleback Mountain
Smalls Falls
Angel Falls
If you want to visit Maine in the fall, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your trip! It has everything you need to know about the best places to visit in Maine in the fall.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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