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 plan the perfect blend of all the best things to do in Maine in the fall and ensure your autumnal adventure is amazing, 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 is a 470-mile (756-kilometre) loop that takes about 9 hours and 40 minutes to drive, starts and ends in Portland, Maine, and combines coastal and inland Maine for some of the state's best autumn color. Portland is an ideal start and end point, as it is home to Maine's biggest airport, with daily flights in and out of hubs like JFK in the "Big Apple" offering maximum convenience.
If you're planning your own self-drive fall trip, whether you're traveling solo or as a couple, this route lays out the best way to see Maine's peak foliage while mixing scenic roads, small towns, and standout stops like Bar Harbor, Maine, Acadia National Park, Bangor, Maine, Bethel, Maine, and Kennebunk, Maine. There will be plenty of great pull offs on the way too, where you can stop and enjoy the beautiful foliage.
The route 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. Route 17 covers part of Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, considered one of the most picturesque fall drives in Maine. Its Height Of Land Overlook is one of the state's best pull-offs, with stunning views over Mooselookmeguntic Lake and its surrounding forest.
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
It should come as no great surprise that the best time for a Maine fall foliage road trip is from late September to late October. While Autumn in New England begins as the summer months draw to a close and ends in 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, with the colours descending south beginning in late September.
In northern Maine, it is best in the last week of September and first week of October. In Central Maine, the western mountains, and the Moosehead Lake region, fall is at its most vibrant from early to mid-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, pairing urban culture with the coast in the Pine Tree State. Its name reflects the city's status as New England's largest seaport and underscores the significance of its advantageous position.
Founded in 1786, it ranks as the seventh-oldest continuously inhabited settlement in Maine and was its first officially incorporated city in 1833. Some of its history predates even that, though. For example, its historic farmers market has existed since 1768, when the settlement was known as Falmouth.
The Old Port district is famously recognised for its lively nightlife and historic architecture, catering to both history enthusiasts and those seeking entertainment. In the district's far East End, you will also find Eventide Oyster Co, which serves some of the city's best lobster dishes.
Meanwhile, the Arts District showcases a wide variety of museums, galleries, studios, and cultural venues, and Portland Head Light adds an iconic lighthouse stop nearby.
Maine has over 60 lighthouses along its coast, and Portland Head Light is widely known as the most photographed lighthouse in the world, ensuring ample attractions are available for all visitors to enjoy in Portland. With Maine Open Lighthouse day falling on September 11th, early fall travellers can learn about the Head Light and Maine's lighthouse history in great depth.
Another top attraction, especially at this time of year, is the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad. The state's most popular tourist train ride, you can sit and relax while enjoying a 40-minute round-trip journey along the coast, taking in historic sights and panoramic vistas.
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; Best Bower is another charming hotel in Portland, Maine, for travelers who want a smaller alternative.
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. Its location also puts guests close to great restaurants in the Old Port.
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, and Bar Harbor also has great restaurants that make it a strong overnight base. Quimby House Inn and Spa is an affordable alternative for Bar Harbor visitors.
Nearby Sand Beach is also one of the best beaches in Maine and makes a nice bonus for those travelling when the weather is still warm at the start of the fall season. Just to the north of Bar Harbor, you will also find several of the best wild blueberry barrens in the United States, which is ideal for those wanting to experience Maine's legendary blueberry products.
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 Colors 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 foliage season, Damariscotta becomes exceptionally scenic, as vibrant hues of red, orange, and golden foliage illuminate the surrounding forests, enhancing the serene waterfront atmosphere and making it an ideal spot for scenic fall 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, with ocean views adding to its appeal. 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. 16 Bayview in Camden is a popular stay known for its ocean view suites. 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 one of the only places in the nation where you can see vibrant fall foliage and the rocky Atlantic coastline simultaneously.
It 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. It also has many hiking trails for different skill levels. 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.
Other scenic highlights include Echo Lake, the Long Pond boat launch for exploring the water, and the Beehive Trail uses iron rungs for climbing, making it one of the park’s more adventurous hikes. Jordan Pond House is also known for popovers, a classic Acadia stop.
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, close to the New Hampshire border and the White 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. Bethel also works well as a base for leaf peeping and for continuing to the Kancamagus Highway, a scenic 34-mile drive in New Hampshire. Scenic drives, hiking paths, and mountain vistas offer breathtaking views, solidifying Bethel's reputation as a beloved location for nature enthusiasts and leaf-peepers. The Bethel Inn Resort is a comfortable 3-star stay in town.
Just north of Bethel, you also have Grafton Notch State Park. An awe-inspiring natural area nestled in the Mahoosuc Range, it showcases stunning views along the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway. Route 26 in this area includes some truly dramatic mountain passes. Guests can enjoy scenic drives, picnicking, wildlife observation, and hiking on trails of all skill levels, including sections of the challenging Appalachian Trail.
A notable feature is Lower Falls, where the Bear River cascades through a rocky gorge, making it an ideal location for photography and immersing oneself in the surrounding forest. Additional attractions include the striking Screw Auger Falls, Mother Walker Falls, Moose Cave, and Table Rock and Old Speck mountains.
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. It’s also a great place to enjoy delicious seafood, with Maine lobster standing out as a signature local specialty.
In fact, Maine harvests the majority of lobsters in the U.S. Order a lobster roll or lobster bisque, and keep an eye out for fresh lobster while exploring the coast. 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. It’s a perfect mix of seaside scenery and classic fall outings, since apple picking is a popular autumn activity in Maine and cider donuts are a favourite seasonal treat. Maine’s blueberry pie is a state staple and well worth trying in fall. 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.
For an extra coastal detour, a side trip to Morse Mountain leads to a hike ending at Popham Beach.
Final Thoughts On A Perfect Maine Fall Foliage Road Trip Itinerary
As we near the end of 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.
While we have guided you as best we can, we still recommend using a state foliage tracker in the build-up to your trip, to ensure the season is going to produce the colours you dream of seeing. Some of our listed attractions, such as Camden and Acadia National Park also get very busy in fall, so make sure to book lodging well ahead of time, especially at weekends.
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. Then, once you're done planning your perfect itinerary for Maine, why not consider expanding it into a larger New England road trip?
New England Fall Road Trip
With attractions like Franconia Notch State Park, Mount Washington, White Mountain National Forest, and North Conway in New Hampshire, the Green Mountains and Quechee Gorge in Vermont, as well as its iconic maple syrup and maple candies, and endless covered bridges, rustic cabins, fall festivals, and stunning New England fall foliage throughout the region, you won't be disappointed. We have a choice of New England Fall road trips for you to look at below.
A perfect 5-day New England fall road trip itinerary
The perfect New England fall road trip
We also have a selection of other fall road trip guides you may enjoy. These include:
The best Vermont fall foliage road trip itinerary (Vermont Route 100 has some of New England's best fall foliage)
The best New Hampshire fall foliage road trip
The best East Coast fall road trip itinerary
The best Northern California fall foliage road trip
The best places to travel to in the fall
FAQs
Is Franconia Notch State Park In Maine?
No, Franconia Notch State Park and its iconic maple trees is found roughly an hour's drive away in neighbouring New Hampshire.
Where Are The Best:
Apple Cider Donuts
While apple cider donuts can be bought throughout Maine, 3 locations are regularly touted as the best places to get them. These are Thompson's Orchard in New Gloucester, McDougal Orchards in Springvale, and Randall Orchards in Standish.
Apple Picking Orchards
McDougal Orchards and Randall Orchards are again ranked among Maine's best apple picking orchards, along with Treworgy Family Orchards in Levant, which also lays claim to Maine's best corn maze and pumpkin patch.
Covered Bridges
Maine has 9 of its historic covered bridges remaining, and visitors often try to tick them all off. If you plan to do the same, here is where you will find them.
- Hemlock Covered Bridge, Fryeburg
- Parsonsfield-Porter Covered Bridge, Parsonsfield
- Sunday River Covered Bridge, Newry
- Historic Bennett Bean Covered Bridge, Lincoln
- Historic Lowes Covered Bridge, Eliotsville Township
- Robyville Historic Covered Bridge, Corinth
- Babb's Bridge, Gorham
- Lovejoy Bridge, Andover
- Watson Settlement Bridge, Littleton
What Are The Best Places To Stay If We Stray From The Route?
Harraseeket Inn in Freeport, Maine, and Cohill's Inn in Lubec, Maine, are both very popular fall lodging options in Maine that stray a little from our route.
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