Unforgettable Ways to See Fall Leaves in Maine

It’s easy to see why fall in Maine belongs on every bucket list. From hiking above the colorful canopy to paddling beneath it or finding the best view on a farm, mountain or coastline, there are so many things to do to experience the season. When you’re ready to plan your trip, use the Maine foliage tracker, which launches each September, to find out when and where the colors are peaking. Fall color typically arrives first in northern Maine in late September, then moves south through the state, with central and coastal regions generally reaching peak foliage in early to mid-October.

Take in fall colors while hiking.

Lace up your boots and experience the magic of hiking in Maine, where trails lead you through colorful autumn landscapes. Breathe in the crisp air, listen to leaves crunching underfoot and take in sweeping views. Explore one of Maine’s state parks, such as Camden Hills State Park or Bradbury Mountain State Park. Hike Aroostook State Park’s 1-mile Ridge Trail between the twin peaks of Quaggy Jo Mountain, where colorful fall foliage frames views over Echo Lake. Or, take the ferry across Moosehead Lake to Mount Kineo State Park, where a loop along the Indian and Bridle trails leads to panoramic views of brilliant fall foliage, surrounding peaks and the lake below.

Admire fall foliage on a train ride.

See Maine’s fall foliage from the comfort of a train car as forests, lakes and small towns roll by outside your window. Hop on the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad out of Unity, Downeast Scenic Railroad out of Ellsworth, or ride the historic steam train on Alna’s  WW&F Railway, which offers special Pumpkin Pickin’ Train rides in October.

Wheel along rail-trails on a custom rail bike.

Pedal custom-built rail bikes along historic railway tracks with Revolution Rail Co., combining outdoor adventure, hidden scenery and local railroad history. Choose from Jenkins Beach Station, located along the shores of Green Lake in Dedham, or Belfast Station, just outside of the historic port city of Belfast and into the surrounding forestlands.

Paddle through changing colors.

Embark on a kayaking and canoeing adventure and experience the changing colors from the water. Some guided trips, like those along the Allagash River, provide perfect opportunities to spot moose and other wildlife with the changing colors of fall as your backdrop. Or bring your own canoe or kayak to state parks with rivers or lakes, such as Androscoggin Riverlands or the beginner-friendly Echo Lake at Aroostook State Park, which includes a launch for canoes and kayaks.

Visit a farm for family activities amid fall scenery.

Gather the flavors of fall while being surrounded by beautiful scenery at a farm or orchard. Many farms in Maine offer family-friendly attractions such as pumpkin patches, corn mazes, apple picking and visiting with farm animals. Check the calendar at places like Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, McDougal Orchards in Springvale and Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant to see how they’re celebrating harvest season. In Turner, stop for fresh donuts and apple cider at Ricker Hill Orchards, and stop by their nearby tasting room for a sampling flight of Mainiac Hard Cider.

Catch the fall colors from a windjammer.

Set sail on a traditional windjammer and watch Maine’s fall scenery unfold along the coast. These tall ships travel on excursions lasting from several hours to many days, providing a unique way to take in the autumn scenery from the water.

Plan a fall foliage road trip along a scenic highway.

What’s better than spending a sunny fall day driving along a National Scenic Byway? Making a whole trip out of it. Hit the road for the ultimate fall foliage road trip, with stops to take photos, enjoy a picnic and explore small towns along the way.

Ride a chair-lift to the top for sweeping fall views.

Take your trip to new heights with a chair-lift ride at one of the state’s skiing and snowboarding areas. Hop on the Chondola at Sunday River for panoramic views of the valley and Mahoosuc Mountains. Sugarloaf, Pleasant Mountain and Camden Snow Bowl also offer fall lift rides, giving you the chance to see the changing colors from a different vantage point. 

Leaf-peep from a rooftop bar or restaurant.

Start your day with pancakes and panoramic views of the tree-framed Frenchman Bay at The Looking Glass Restaurant at Wonder View Inn in Bar Harbor. In the afternoon and early evening, raise a glass to fall while you take in the scenery of Camden Harbor from The View, the rooftop bar and restaurant atop the boutique hotel, 16 Bay View.

Look for wildlife amid colorful forests.

Pack your binoculars for some birding and wildlife watching. In the fall, Maine’s forests, fields and waterways come alive with activity, making it a great time to spot, bald eagles, migrating raptors, white-tailed deer and more.

Camp under the autumn canopy.

Bring your home on wheels, pitch a tent or book a glamping spot to enjoy a front-row view of the season’s beauty. Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor offers amenity-packed glamping tents and easy access to nearby Acadia National Park. Huttopia in Sanford features glamping tents amid pine forests and a freshwater pond, with nearby beaches and coastal towns like Kennebunkport and Wells just minutes away. However you choose to camp, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the fall foliage than to sleep beneath the trees and wake up surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season.