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. Here are some of the best ways to see Maine’s fall foliage. 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.

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.

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 or ride the historic steam train on Alna’s  WW&F Railway, which offers special Pumpkin Pickin’ Train rides in October.

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 Echo Lake at Aroostook State Park, to paddle while leaf peeping.

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.

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 coastal 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 and Pleasant Mountain 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.

Raise a glass to fall and grab a drink to add a little more spirit to your leaf-peeping journey. Start your day with pancakes and panoramic views at The Looking Glass Restaurant at Wonder View Inn in Bar Harbor. In Portland, head to Top of the East for 360-degree views of Casco Bay and Back Cove.

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 everything from moose to bald eagles and other migratory birds.

Camp under the autumn canopy.

Bring your home on wheels, pitch a tent or book a glamping spot. 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.