10 Best Places to See Maine Fall Foliage in 2024
Maine is one of my personal favorite states to see fall foliage in for many reasons, some of which include that there’s a lot of options to choose from, many parks that have stunning colors show up, and the fact that it’s also connected to the eastern shore of the US, offering people a more diversified autumn experience compared to other states! In this post I’ll be showcasing 10 amazing places to see fall foliage in Maine and here is the list:
- Acadia National Park
- Moosehead Lake
- Rangeley Lakes
- Camden Hills State Park
- Grafton Notch State Park
- Baxter State Park
- Kennebec River Valley
- Mount Blue State Park
- Bradbury Mountain State Park
- Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
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Acadia National Park:
- Location: Mount Desert Island, coastal Maine
- Best time to go: Late September to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Bar Harbor, Southwest Harbor, Ellsworth (see hotel options)
Acadia National Park is one of Maine’s most iconic destinations, and its fall foliage is nothing short of spectacular. Visitors can explore the park’s rugged coastline, scenic drives, and mountain hikes, all framed by brilliant autumn colors. Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, offers stunning panoramic views of the fall foliage spread across Mount Desert Island and the Atlantic Ocean. There are other several other Acadia National Park hikes such as the Beehive trail and Precipice Trails that are amazing for this.
Moosehead Lake:
- Location: Northwestern Maine
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Greenville, Rockwood, Monson (see hotel options)
Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, and the surrounding forested hills provide a dazzling display of fall colors. The Big Moose Mountain hiking trail offers panoramic views of the lake and the foliage, while the Kineo Mountain Trail on Mount Kineo gives hikers an opportunity to experience fall colors from one of Maine’s most scenic spots. Moosehead Lake is also a popular spot for moose watching during autumn.
Rangeley Lakes Region:
- Location: Western Maine
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Rangeley, Oquossoc, Carrabassett Valley (see hotel options)
The Rangeley Lakes Region is a prime location for experiencing Maine’s fall foliage, with scenic drives, lakes, and mountains covered in autumn colors. Height of Land, a famous overlook along Route 17, offers one of the best panoramic views of the fall foliage in the state. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking in this picturesque area, making it a top destination for leaf peepers.
Camden Hills State Park:
- Location: Camden, coastal Maine
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Camden, Rockport, Belfast (see hotel options)
Camden Hills State Park offers a unique combination of mountain and ocean views, with stunning fall foliage framing the coastline. A hike or drive up to the top of Mount Battie provides spectacular views of the harbor, the town of Camden, and Penobscot Bay, all surrounded by colorful fall leaves. The park’s mix of coastal and forested areas makes it a great spot for photographers and nature lovers.
Grafton Notch State Park:
- Location: Western Maine, near the New Hampshire border
- Best time to go: Late September to early October
- Nearby towns: Bethel, Newry, Rumford (see hotel options)
Grafton Notch State Park is a rugged mountain destination known for its scenic beauty and dramatic fall foliage. The park features waterfalls, hiking trails, and scenic vistas, with trails like the Old Speck Mountain Trail providing some of the best fall foliage views in the area. Visitors can also enjoy the Screw Auger Falls and Mother Walker Falls along the Bear River, where the surrounding trees are ablaze with autumn colors.
Baxter State Park:
- Location: North-central Maine
- Best time to go: Mid to late September
- Nearby towns: Millinocket, Patten, Medway (see hotel options)
Baxter State Park, home to Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, offers a remote and wild setting for experiencing fall foliage. The park’s forests are filled with vibrant reds and oranges during the autumn months, and hikes like the Chimney Pond Trail or Abol Trail offer some of the best views of the fall colors. For less strenuous activities, visitors can take scenic drives along the park’s winding roads or enjoy peaceful walks by the park’s many ponds and rivers.
Kennebec River Valley:
- Location: Central Maine
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Skowhegan, Waterville, Augusta (see hotel options)
The Kennebec River Valley offers a peaceful and scenic area to view Maine’s fall foliage. The river winds through forests and farmlands that are vibrant with autumn colors. The Old Canada Road Scenic Byway (Route 201) follows the Kennebec River and offers one of the best scenic drives for leaf peeping. Visitors can also enjoy walking or biking along the river’s edge in towns like Skowhegan or Waterville.
Mount Blue State Park:
- Location: Western Maine
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Weld, Wilton, Farmington (see hotel options)
Mount Blue State Park is Maine’s largest state park, offering ample opportunities for outdoor activities and stunning fall foliage views. The hike up Mount Blue provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding forests and mountains, all awash in autumn colors. For those looking for a less strenuous activity, the park’s many lakes and trails offer easy access to fall scenery without the climb.
Bradbury Mountain State Park:
- Location: Pownal, Southern Maine
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Freeport, Yarmouth, Brunswick (see hotel options)
Bradbury Mountain State Park is a popular spot for day hikes and fall foliage viewing in southern Maine. The Summit Trail is a short hike that rewards visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding forests and rolling hills, especially beautiful during peak foliage season. The park’s close proximity to Freeport makes it an easy stop for visitors looking to experience fall colors and enjoy a day of shopping or dining nearby.
Androscoggin Riverlands State Park:
- Location: Turner, Central Maine
- Best time to go: Early to mid-October
- Nearby towns: Lewiston, Auburn, Turner (see hotel options)
Androscoggin Riverlands State Park offers scenic views of the Androscoggin River and its surrounding woodlands, which come alive with fall colors each year. The park features a variety of hiking and biking trails that provide access to beautiful foliage along the riverbanks. The Ridge Trail offers some of the best views, with elevated areas that showcase the vibrant colors of the forest canopy.
Last Things to Know:
Overall Maine’s fall foliage season is one of the most beautiful times of the year, and the state offers numerous locations where you can fully immerse yourself in nature’s colorful display. Whether you prefer a mountain hike, a scenic drive, or a peaceful walk along the coast, these destinations provide the best opportunities to experience Maine’s stunning autumn landscapes and one may argue, some of the best fall foliage in New England as a whole. Be sure to plan your visit during peak foliage times to make the most of your trip.
