Our ultimate Maine fall foliage road trip itinerary takes you on an autumn tour of America’s northeastern state.
A 470-mile Maine fall foliage road trip guides you through the best autumn locations in “The Pine Tree State”. From national parks and North Atlantic coastal roads to overlooked cities, unique towns, and stunning resorts, you will witness some of the most vibrant fall foliage New England or the United States has to offer in style.
To discover all the best things to do in Maine in the fall, read on.
A Maine Fall Foliage Road Trip: How Far Is It, How Long Will It Take & What Is The Best Route?
Our Maine fall foliage road trip covers 470 miles (756 kilometres) and takes 9 hours and 40 minutes to drive. The route begins and ends in Portland, Maine; home to the state’s largest airport, Portland International Jetport, for maximum convenience.
The drive begins as a Maine coast road trip, where you follow US Route 1 north along the Atlantic coast 140 miles to Ellsworth, Maine. Use Maine State Route 3 to drive southeast to Bar Harbor, Maine, and Acadia National Park, then retrace your route to Ellsworth before heading north on US Route 1A. On the outskirts of Bangor, Maine, briefly head west on I-395, then take Exit 1A to go south on I-95.
Use Exit 109B in Augusta, Maine, to briefly head west on US Route 202, then turn right onto Maine State Route 17 and continue west. When you reach Livermore Falls, Maine, turn left onto Maine State Route 4 and follow it to North Turner, Maine, where you’ll turn right onto Maine State Route 219. In Trap Corner, Maine, go north on Maine State Route 26 to Bethel, Maine, then begin following Maine State Route 35 south to North Waterford, Maine.
Head east on Maine State Route 118 to Norway, Maine, then rejoin Maine State Route 26, this time heading south. When you reach Gray, Maine, it will merge with I-95, which you will continue following south to Exit 25 in Kennebunk, Maine. When you’re done exploring, take I-95 north to Exit 44. Now use I-295 to drive back to Portland and complete your Maine fall foliage road trip.
Best Time For A Maine Fall Foliage Road Trip
The best time for a Maine fall foliage road trip is from mid-September to late October. While Autumn in New England encompasses mid-September to early December, this early period is when the fall foliage is at its most vibrant, making it a perfect window to see the legendary colours in all their glory.
The vibrancy of Maine’s fall foliage even differentiates slightly by region. In northern Maine, it is best in the last week of September and first week of October. In Central Maine and the western mountains, fall is at its most vibrant in the middle weeks of October. In southern and coastal Maine, the fall colours are easily at their most vibrant from mid-to-late October.
Anyone making the drive towards the end of our suggested window will also begin seeing signs of New England’s legendary Halloween season taking shape. This is a huge bonus and something to keep in mind for fans of spooky season.
Best Places To Stay In Maine In The Fall
With the colours slowly changing over several weeks in Maine in the fall, those wanting the best experience should spread a Maine fall foliage road trip over as many days as possible. “Vacationland” certainly has plenty of great places to make an extended stop, but the following are the two best places to stay in Maine in the fall to experience the foliage in all its glory.
Portland, Maine
Maine's largest city, Portland, boasts a population close to 70,000 and is a perfect place to explore at the beginning or end of a Maine fall foliage road trip. Founded in 1786, it ranks as the seventh-oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Maine and was its first officially incorporated city in 1833. Its name reflects the city’s status as New England's largest seaport and underscores the significance of its advantageous position.
The Old Port district is famously recognised for its lively nightlife and historic architecture, catering to both history enthusiasts and those seeking entertainment. Meanwhile, the Arts District showcases a wide variety of museums, galleries, studios, and cultural venues, ensuring ample attractions are available for all visitors to enjoy in Portland.
For a comprehensive look at what the city has to offer, refer to our guide highlighting the best things to do in Portland, Maine.
Best Place To Stay In Portland, Maine – Portland Harbor Hotel
Portland Harbor Hotel is an elegant 4-star establishment in the historic Old Port area boasting breathtaking views and convenient access to the city's main attractions. Each spacious, high-end room is equipped with fabulous amenities, including a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning, and some even boast a sofa, spa bath, and picturesque views.
Guests can enjoy a range of facilities in common areas, including a bar, a restaurant, meeting spaces, and luggage storage. The property provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout and welcomes pets, with both private and valet parking available for an additional charge.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is one of the primary attractions on Mount Desert Island. It initially served as a summer getaway for the affluent, established around the early 1900s, but a devastating fire in 1947 dramatically changed its scenery. In the aftermath, Bar Harbor transformed into a charming coastal town, boasting delightful shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and historic lighthouses and structures in a buzzy, welcoming atmosphere.
The surrounding waters are abundant in marine life, offering habitats for puffins, seals, whales, and various seabirds, making it an excellent spot for wildlife lovers. Its location next to Acadia National Park (more on that later) also makes it the best place to stay in Maine to explore one of the top attractions on our Maine fall foliage road trip.
Best Hotel To Stay At In Bar Harbor, Maine - Holiday Inn Resort Bar Harbor – Acadia Natl Park by IHG
The Holiday Inn Bar Harbor Regency Hotel is a charming four-star property in Bar Harbor, on the edge of Acadia National Park. It offers stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean and easy access to various local amenities. Each room is spacious and boasts a unique scenic view, complete with stylish wooden furniture, plush towels and linens, and conveniences such as air conditioning, coffee and tea-making facilities, and a refrigerator.
To enhance guest comfort and experience, the hotel features an oceanfront lounge, an on-site marina, an outdoor pool and hot tub, two dining venues, and a bar. The property is also entirely pet-friendly and provides complimentary parking and sitewide Wi-Fi for all guests.
Best Places To Visit In Maine On A Fall Foliage Road Trip
Damariscotta, Maine
The first stop on our Maine fall foliage road trip, Damariscotta, is a delightful riverside community situated on the beautiful Central Maine coast. It is recognised for its historic downtown, unique boutiques, art galleries, and outstanding seafood. Nestled beside the Damariscotta River, the town is particularly renowned for its fresh oysters, with waterfront dining establishments serving some of the best shellfish available in New England.
Tourists may explore local shops and nearby nature reserves, partake in kayaking on the river, or learn about the area’s maritime history and ancient oyster shell middens. During the fall, Damariscotta becomes exceptionally scenic, as vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold illuminate the surrounding forests, enhancing the serene waterfront atmosphere and making it an ideal spot for scenic drives, photography, and strolls.
Camden, Maine
Camden is a stunning Maine coastal town where the lovely harbour meets the lush hills of the Camden Hills. Guests can enjoy leisurely walks along a vibrant waterfront, explore unique shops, art galleries, and cafés, or embark on a traditional windjammer for breathtaking sights of Penobscot Bay. The hiking trails in Camden Hills State Park, including the ascent to Mount Battie, offer visitors sweeping views of the coast.
During the autumn, Camden transforms into a particularly magical place as the vibrant leaf colours of crimson, orange, and gold envelop the hills, providing an awe-inspiring setting for scenic drives, hiking, photography, and harbour cruises. With its coastal allure paired with stunning fall scenery, Camden stands out as one of New England's most unforgettable destinations.
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is distinctive as the sole national park in New England and ranks as the seventh most popular national park in the United States, attracting nearly 4 million visitors each year. This makes it easily one of the best places to visit in Maine in the fall to see the foliage at its most vibrant.
Established in 1929, this expansive park spans 49,000 acres and showcases a remarkable array of wildlife, historical landmarks, thrilling outdoor activities, and well-known attractions. Among these, Mount Cadillac is the most notable; as the tallest point on the East Coast, it is the first location in the U.S. to greet the sun each morning, making it a breathtaking view worth an early wake-up.
To enhance your experience during your visit, we have compiled this comprehensive guide to help you navigate Acadia National Park.
Bangor, Maine
Maine's third-largest city, Bangor, is affectionately known as the "Queen City of the East" and famed for its stunning natural landscapes and features. This includes the expansive 650-acre Bangor City Forest, various picturesque parks, and the second-largest garden cemetery in the United States.
Its outdoor offerings provide numerous recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, fishing, swimming, sailing, hunting, viewing some of the nation’s most vibrant fall foliage, and winter sports like skiing and snowmobiling. Moreover, Bangor is the birthplace of renowned author Stephen King. Visitors can explore the exterior of his iconic Victorian mansion and over 20 sites that influenced his literary creations, making it a perfect stop on a Maine fall foliage road trip near Halloween.
For a detailed overview of Bangor's attractions and activities, please refer to our article on the best things to see in Bangor, Maine.
Augusta, Maine
Maine’s capital and twelfth-largest city, Augusta, has a population of approximately 19,000, making it the third-least-populated US state capital, after Montpelier, Vermont, and Pierre, South Dakota. It features significant landmarks, such as the Maine State House, often known as the Maine Capitol Building, and the Maine State Museum. This makes Augusta a great addition to a Maine fall foliage road trip for visitors interested in the state’s history and culture.
Augusta’s other notable attractions include several historic buildings, such as the Blaine House, Fort Western, Lithgow Public Library, Viles Arboretum, and the University of Maine at Augusta. Additionally, the Kennebec River Rail Trail has beautiful views of the city, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and those wishing to maintain an active lifestyle during the drive.
Livermore Falls, Maine
Livermore Falls is a charming small town in western Maine, nestled along the Androscoggin River and enveloped by forests, lakes, and rolling hills. It is among the best places to visit in Maine for those looking to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking, as well as scenic drives through the nearby mountains and woodlands.
Visitors can appreciate the town’s serene New England ambience while exploring local historical sites and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. In the autumn months, Livermore Falls becomes especially enchanting as the forests transform into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, creating stunning fall foliage that draws photographers, leaf-peepers, and anyone seeking a tranquil retreat in Maine’s picturesque countryside.
Bethel, Maine
Bethel is a delightful community in Maine’s western mountains celebrated for its inviting New England charm and variety of year-round outdoor activities. Nestled amid the Mahoosuc Mountains and near the Sunday River Resort, it boasts fantastic opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, paddling, golfing, and observing wildlife during warmer seasons, along with skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
The historic village is home to picturesque inns, local eateries, art galleries, and unique shops. In the fall, Bethel stands out as one of Maine's top spots to see vibrant autumn colours. The surrounding woodlands light up with stunning hues of red, orange, and gold. Scenic drives, hiking paths, and mountain vistas offer breathtaking views, solidifying Bethel's reputation as a beloved location for nature enthusiasts and leaf-peepers.
Kennebunk/Kennebunkport, Maine
Nestled along the beautiful South Maine coast, Kennebunk is a worthy final destination on our Maine fall foliage road trip. This classic New England town is celebrated for its charming historical character, leisurely pace, and serene seaside ambience. The town centre features picturesque tree-lined streets, colonial-style homes, distinctive shops, and cosy cafés, making it an ideal spot for relaxing strolls as the journey nears its end.
Not far from Kennebunk lies Kennebunkport, which boasts a delightful harbour atmosphere rich with art galleries, seafood restaurants, and stunning views that evoke the beauty of postcards and paintings. Those interested in history will enjoy visiting the Wedding Cake House, famed as one of the most photographed residences in Maine, celebrated for its complex Gothic Revival design.
The Kennebunk area really shines along its coastline, which offers expansive sandy beaches and rugged shorelines. Gooch's Beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming, while the coastal roads nearby offer breathtaking vistas and charming seaside cottages. For outdoor lovers, opportunities for kayaking on tidal rivers or hiking along trails that wind through salt marshes and woodlands display some of Maine’s most vibrant fall foliage.
Final Thoughts On A Perfect Maine Fall Foliage Road Trip Itinerary
As we conclude our Maine fall foliage road trip itinerary, you should now have all the information to make the drive yourself. This includes when to go, the route to use, how long it takes, where to stay, and what to see along the way. All that’s left is to decide what to take with you and start budgeting and booking everything, so you can look forward to enjoying it all for yourself as soon as possible.
We also have a selection of other fall road trip guides you may enjoy. These include:
The best Vermont fall foliage road trip itinerary
A perfect 5-day New England fall road trip itinerary
The perfect New England fall road trip
The best East Coast fall road trip itinerary
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