Top 12 Spots to Experience Breathtaking Fall Foliage in Maine

As New England’s largest state, Maine is almost as big as the rest of the region put together. With the lowest population density among them, this means vast stretches of woodland turn gold, orange, and crimson come autumn. While Vermont and New Hampshire draw more tourists from New York and Boston, Maine offers a unique contrast of rock, sea, and foliage. Numerous state and national parks provide guided tours tailored for leaf peepers, while outdoor outfitters offer various ways to engage with nature. At the end of an adventurous day, enjoy delicious lobster paired with cold beer.

Bar Harbor

A quaint seaside village on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor was once a Gilded Age hot spot. Here, one can experience bright arboreal hues by kayaking along the shoreline of Frenchman Bay or hiking amid the trails of Acadia National Park. The park offers opportunities to witness the first sunrise in the U.S. from Cadillac Mountain, ride along beautifully groomed carriage roads, and drive a stunning loop road for exceptional leaf-peeping from mid-September to mid-October.

Bar Harbor features an array of accommodations, perfect for extending a day trip into a weekend of autumnal enjoyment. The historic Bar Harbor Inn & Spa provides stunning bay views, while Acacia House Inn offers cozy rooms and delightful breakfasts for a more intimate stay.

Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park covers over 200,000 acres of wilderness, featuring the state’s highest peak, Mount Katahdin. Visitors may encounter moose while admiring the autumn foliage. The park includes hundreds of miles of hiking trails, catering to explorers at all skill levels. For an additional experience, canoe or kayak rentals are available for just $1 per hour, providing yet another way to soak in the fall ambiance.

When visiting Baxter State Park in the fall, be sure to bring your sleeping bag. All campgrounds stay open through peak foliage season, which runs from late September to early October. The South Branch Pond Campground stands out as one of the most picturesque, offering tent sites, lean-tos, and a bunkhouse.

Bethel

Located just six miles from the popular Sunday River Ski Resort, Bethel provides easy access to Grafton Notch State Park and a variety of delicious dining options. Hikes to Screw Auger Falls, Gulf Hagas (often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East”), Mother Walker Falls, and Moose Cave are popular in the park. While you’re between Bethel and Grafton Notch, don’t miss the Instagram-worthy Sunday River Covered Bridge. Pack some sandwiches from the Good Food Store for your picnic and enjoy an elevated meal at Butcher Burger upon your return.

Rich in bed-and-breakfasts, Bethel is home to places like Holidae House and Bethel Hill Bed and Breakfast. For a more traditional hotel experience with golf course access, consider the Bethel Resort & Suites, conveniently located within walking distance of downtown.

Blue Hill

Blue Hill, nestled between Blue Hill Harbor and Blue Hill Mountain, is an ideal destination for a tranquil scenic retreat. Hikers can enjoy the easy one-mile Osgood Trail, which presents splendid autumnal views from the summit. Arrive early to avoid crowds of leaf peepers. At the bottom of the Hayes Trail, observe the colorful blueberry barrens, often more vibrant than trees in the fall.

Indulge in exceptional Maine blueberry pancakes at Blue Hill Inn, which also provides delightful afternoon treats and evening hors d’oeuvres in the garden. For dinner, visit Arborvine downtown for elegant seafood dishes offered in a farmhouse setting, highlighting locally-sourced ingredients.

Camden

Renowned for its harbor filled with sailboats, Camden, often celebrated as the “Jewel of the Coast,” offers numerous inland and coastal activities. Hikers can climb Mount Battie for breath-taking views of the coast and surrounding foliage or partake in boat tours with companies like Schooner Surprise or Schooner Olad for a unique perspective of the vibrant mountains from the water. Camden is also famous for its seafood; Natalie’s at Camden Harbour Inn provides an elegant dinner experience, while Fresh and Co offers a more casual atmosphere.

Hartstone Inn and Hideaway features charming bed-and-breakfast accommodations and a restaurant housed in a historic Victorian mansion, perfect for overnight stays in Camden. Alternatively, the Lord Camden Inn offers water views, plus amenities such as a spa and an art gallery.

The Forks

The Forks is a well-known hub for whitewater rafting, making it a fantastic location for experiencing autumn’s colors while paddling on the water. Local outfitters provide rafting trips accommodating all skill levels; for thrill-seekers, the Upper Kennebec Gorge features challenging class IV rapids. Hikers can additionally explore nearby Moxie Falls, one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls, cascading from a height of almost 90 feet. No matter how you choose to enjoy the foliage, winding down with a frosty beverage at Kennebec River Brewery is an excellent finish to the day.

For accommodations, the Inn by the River offers the most traditional lodging in The Forks, but adventurous souls might want to consider the options provided by boating companies such as Three Rivers Whitewater and Northern Outdoors.

Rockwood

Situated on the shores of Moosehead Lake, Rockwood serves as an ideal base for exploring the area’s natural wonders. The vibrant colors of the trees lining the lake create a picturesque reflection that is postcard-worthy. Rockwood is also a paradise for anglers, with opportunities to catch trout, bass, and salmon in both the lake and the Kennebec River.

Mount Kineo Golf Course offers shuttles to Mount Kineo for both golfers and hikers, with trails ideal for various skill levels. One favorite is the beginner-friendly Bridle Trail, intersecting with the more difficult Indian Trail leading to the summit of Mount Kineo.

On the lake, The Birches Resort, originally built in the 1930s as a hunting lodge, boasts L.L.Bean-esque charm. For a rugged experience, visit Maynard’s, where rocking chairs on the wraparound porch are adorned with antlers.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is where the Bush family spends their summers, showcasing a taste for good Maine travel. The coastal town offers scenic walks, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. During mid- to late October, fall foliage engulfs the landscape, framing the charming New England estates along the banks of the Kennebunk River. Within a short drive from downtown, nature lovers can explore trails at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and Wells Reserve at Laudholm.

While in Kennebunkport, experience the season’s lobster harvest at Nunan’s Lobster Hut, a classic Maine seafood shack. For an extended stay, consider lodging in one of the historic seafarers’ mansions comprising the Kennebunkport Captains Collection.

Lubec

As the easternmost municipality in the U.S., Lubec serves as a gateway to Quoddy Head State Park, located six miles away and home to a photogenic red-and-white candy-striped lighthouse. The park offers several short trails for admiring foliage, typically peaking during the last week of September and the first week of October.

Back in town, relax with a post-hike beer at Lubec Brewing Company, and consider staying at Peacock House Bed & Breakfast, a charming house built in 1860 by a British sea captain for his bride.

Monhegan Island

Located ten miles from the mainland, Monhegan Island is a tiny, yet expansive destination with no paved roads or cars. Explore the landscape on foot, discovering 12 miles of trails that lead around the coast and past the many studios that contribute to its reputation as an artist’s colony. Don’t forget to visit the charming Monhegan Lighthouse and the Monhegan Museum of Art and History, which showcases the island’s artistic heritage. Accommodations include The Island Inn, located atop Monhegan Harbor and housed in a picturesque 1816 shingle-style building.

Rangeley

The heart of the Rangeley Lakes region, Rangeley is situated about 30 miles east of the New Hampshire border. Engage in water activities with Rangeley Region Lake Cruises and kayaking, or explore the nearby Bald and Saddleback mountains. The Small Falls waterfall and Height of Land overlook can be accessed by car, offering stunning foliage views from above and below. The historic Rangeley Inn and Tavern has been a welcoming establishment for visitors for over a century.

Rockland

Visit Rockland in the last weeks of October for colorful autumn foliage in Midcoast Maine. Enjoy vibrant colors along Penobscot Bay from the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, and hike during peak foliage season at Camden Hills State Park, located less than ten miles away. Given its reputation as the home of the annual Maine Lobster Festival, Rockland is an excellent place for delicious dining. Claws is famous for crafting the best lobster dishes, while Home Kitchen Café offers a delightful breakfast experience. Moreover, cultural attractions like the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Maine Lighthouse Museum provide plenty of activities beyond leaf peeping.