Maine, with its stunning coastal landscapes, charming towns, and vibrant autumn colors, is a must-visit destination during the fall season. From scenic drives through forests painted in hues of red and orange to quaint villages that seem to come alive with the spirit of fall, Maine offers a variety of experiences for every traveler. In this article, we’ll explore 15+ of the best places to visit in Maine this fall, each offering something unique and memorable.
1. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of Maine’s most iconic destinations, especially in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. The park covers over 47,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including mountains, forests, and the rugged Atlantic coastline. The Park Loop Road offers a scenic drive through some of the most beautiful parts of the park, with stops at popular viewpoints like Cadillac Mountain, where you can catch the first sunrise in the United States. Hiking trails such as the Jordan Pond Path and the Beehive Trail provide excellent opportunities to immerse yourself in the fall colors.
2. Bar Harbor
Nestled on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is a charming town that serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. During the fall, Bar Harbor transforms into a picturesque destination with colorful foliage lining the streets, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. The town’s coastal views are breathtaking, especially when the leaves change color. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, take a boat tour of Frenchman Bay, or explore the shops and galleries downtown. The Shore Path offers a lovely walk along the waterfront, providing stunning views of the harbor and the surrounding islands.
3. Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills State Park is another must-visit destination in Maine during the fall. Located near the coastal town of Camden, the park offers more than 30 miles of hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding countryside. The most popular hike is to the summit of Mount Battie, where you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping view of Camden Harbor and the vibrant fall foliage. For a more leisurely experience, you can drive to the summit via the Mount Battie Auto Road and take in the views from the comfort of your car.
4. Portland
Portland, Maine’s largest city, is a vibrant destination year-round, but it’s particularly charming in the fall. The city’s historic Old Port district is filled with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafes, all enhanced by the colorful autumn leaves. Portland offers a mix of urban and natural experiences, from exploring the city’s thriving arts scene to taking a ferry ride to the nearby Casco Bay Islands. Don’t miss a visit to the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, especially when surrounded by fall foliage.
5. Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in Maine and offers a tranquil escape into nature. In the fall, the surrounding forests explode with color, creating a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The Mount Kineo Trail provides an excellent opportunity to see the fall foliage from above, with views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Moosehead Lake is also a great place for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see moose, deer, and a variety of bird species.
6. Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is a quaint coastal town known for its historic architecture, charming shops, and beautiful beaches. In the fall, the town is adorned with seasonal decorations and the trees are ablaze with color, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. Take a walk along the Kennebunk River or visit Goose Rocks Beach for a peaceful stroll along the shore. The town is also home to several historic sites, including the Wedding Cake House and the Seashore Trolley Museum, where you can learn about the area’s rich history.
7. Bethel
Located in the western mountains of Maine, Bethel is a small town that offers big adventures in the fall. The surrounding mountains provide a stunning backdrop of colorful foliage, making it a popular destination for leaf-peeping. Bethel is also a gateway to outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and golfing. The nearby Sunday River Resort offers scenic chairlift rides that provide panoramic views of the fall colors. For a more leisurely experience, take a drive along the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway, which offers several scenic overlooks and hiking trails.
8. Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is a wilderness area in north-central Maine, known for its rugged landscapes and the towering Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering miles of hiking trails, remote camping spots, and opportunities to see wildlife. In the fall, the park’s forests are transformed into a sea of red, orange, and yellow, creating a stunning contrast against the rocky peaks. The Chimney Pond Trail is a popular hike that offers breathtaking views of the fall foliage and the surrounding mountains.
9. Ogunquit
Ogunquit is a charming seaside town known for its sandy beaches, scenic coastline, and vibrant arts scene. In the fall, the town is less crowded, making it a perfect time to explore its many attractions. The Marginal Way is a must-visit—this mile-long coastal walk offers stunning views of the ocean and the colorful cliffs. Ogunquit’s downtown area is filled with shops, galleries, and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of autumn colors. Don’t miss a visit to the Ogunquit Museum of American Art, which features a beautiful garden overlooking the sea.
10. Boothbay Harbor
Boothbay Harbor is a picturesque coastal town that comes alive with fall colors and seasonal events. The town is known for its charming harbor, historic buildings, and scenic boat tours. In the fall, Boothbay Harbor’s landscapes are particularly striking, with the vibrant foliage reflecting in the calm waters. Take a cruise to see the lighthouses and islands of the Maine coast, or explore the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which are especially beautiful during the autumn months. The town also hosts the annual Fall Foliage Festival, featuring local crafts, food, and entertainment.
11. Rangeley
Rangeley is a small town located in the western mountains of Maine, known for its stunning lakes and outdoor recreation opportunities. The area is particularly beautiful in the fall, with the foliage reflecting off the clear waters of Rangeley Lake. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking while taking in the breathtaking scenery. The Height of Land overlook on Route 17 is one of the most famous spots for viewing the fall colors, offering a panoramic view of the mountains, lakes, and forests. Rangeley is also a great place for wildlife watching, with moose and deer often spotted in the area.
12. Lubec
Lubec is the easternmost town in the United States, known for its rugged coastline, historic lighthouses, and charming small-town atmosphere. In the fall, the town’s coastal landscapes are enhanced by the vibrant autumn colors, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers. The West Quoddy Head Light, with its distinctive red-and-white stripes, is a must-see and offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy. The nearby Quoddy Head State Park features several hiking trails that lead to scenic overlooks and coastal cliffs, providing excellent opportunities to see the fall foliage.
13. Blue Hill
Blue Hill is a small town located on the Blue Hill Peninsula, known for its arts community, scenic beauty, and historic charm. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and forests that come alive with color in the fall. Blue Hill offers a variety of cultural and outdoor experiences, from visiting local galleries and studios to hiking in the nearby Blue Hill Mountain. The mountain offers a moderate hike with rewarding views of the surrounding landscape and the town below. Blue Hill is also home to several excellent restaurants, where you can enjoy farm-to-table dining while taking in the fall scenery.
14. Mount Desert Island
Mount Desert Island is home to Acadia National Park, but the island itself is a destination worth exploring. In addition to Bar Harbor, the island is home to several other charming towns, such as Northeast Harbor, Southwest Harbor, and Bass Harbor, each offering its own unique attractions. The island’s rugged coastline and forested interior are particularly stunning in the fall, with vibrant foliage and fewer crowds than in the summer. Take a drive along the Somes Sound, the only fjord on the East Coast, or explore the island’s many hiking trails, which offer a variety of difficulty levels and scenic views.
15. Sebago Lake
Sebago Lake is the second-largest lake in Maine and a popular destination for outdoor recreation. In the fall, the lake’s clear waters and surrounding forests provide a stunning setting for boating, fishing, and hiking. The Sebago Lake State Park offers several miles of hiking trails that wind through the colorful woods and along the lakeshore, providing plenty of opportunities to take in the fall scenery. Sebago Lake is also a great place for a relaxing getaway, with several lakeside resorts and cabins where you can unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
16. Rockland
Rockland is a vibrant coastal town known for its rich maritime history, thriving arts scene, and beautiful harbor. In the fall, the town’s streets are lined with colorful foliage, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll. Rockland is home to several museums.