Maine is known for its stunning fall colors and outdoor beauty during autumn. Many travelers look for the best spots to enjoy the changing leaves and crisp air. Fall offers a chance to explore natural landscapes, charming towns, and scenic drives.
The best places to visit in Maine in the fall provide a mix of colorful forests, peaceful lakes, and interesting activities suited for the season. These locations highlight the state’s natural charm and offer visitors a chance to experience traditional fall sights and outdoor fun.
1) Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a top destination in Maine for fall. It offers colorful foliage, mountain views, and rocky coastlines.
Visitors can hike trails suited for all levels while enjoying the crisp autumn air. The park’s diverse landscapes make it a popular spot for leaf peeping. Learn more about the best places and times to visit Acadia in the fall here.
2) Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument covers over 87,000 acres in northern Maine. It offers forests, rivers, and mountains that attract hikers, boaters, and wildlife watchers. Visitors can explore parts of the Appalachian Trail or enjoy fishing and paddling in peaceful surroundings. The area is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities year-round. Learn more about this site by visiting the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument page.
3) Rangeley Lakes Region
The Rangeley Lakes Region offers beautiful fall colors with mountains, lakes, and forests. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, especially the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, which showcases vibrant foliage and clear waters. Trails around Rangeley Lake provide peaceful spots for hiking and paddling. This area is popular for leaf-peeping from late September to mid-October. More details can be found at Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway.
4) Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills State Park offers over 30 miles of trails with great views of fall colors. Visitors can hike to overlooks like Maiden Cliff for panoramic scenes of the changing leaves and Penobscot Bay.
The park is also popular for camping and wildlife watching. It is a quiet spot to enjoy Maine’s autumn scenery. For more details, see Camden Hills State Park visitors guide.
5) Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake and a popular spot in the fall. Visitors can enjoy vibrant fall foliage while hiking trails of different difficulty levels. The nearby town of Greenville offers a good starting point for exploring the area.
Many come for outdoor activities like hiking and scenic drives. The lake region also has dining and lodging options to support a comfortable stay. More details are available at visitmaine.net.
6) Schoodic Peninsula
The Schoodic Peninsula offers a quieter side of Acadia National Park. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the Schoodic National Scenic Byway and peaceful hikes through dense forests.
It is known for its rocky coastline and great spots to watch the ocean waves. The area is less crowded, making it ideal for those seeking a calm fall visit.
More details about the Schoodic Peninsula can be found at the Schoodic Peninsula guide.
7) Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park covers over 200,000 acres of wilderness in northern Maine. It is a popular spot for fall leaf viewing, with vibrant colors from late September to early October. Visitors can hike many trails or enjoy scenic drives while seeing reds, yellows, and oranges. The park also offers a chance to experience nature away from crowds. Learn more about Baxter State Park’s fall beauty here.
