The Ultimate Guide to Fall Foliage in Maine

Maine’s fall leaf-peeping is a sensory masterpiece—rust-red maples, golden beeches, and fiery oaks reflected in shimmering lakes. Whether you're chasing vibrant drives, crisp hikes, or cozy coastal towns, Maine delivers. Here's your guide to a perfect autumn journey, with top spots to stay, dine, and explore.

1. When & Where the Colors Peak

The foliage wave sweeps north to south:

Late September to early October: Northern Maine—places like Fort Kent, Aroostook State Park, Eagle Lake MaineAllTheRooms

Early to mid‑October: Western and central regions—Grafton Notch, Rangeley Lakes, Moosehead Lake, and Bigelow Preserve shine then MaineTrustTheReevesGroup

Mid to late October: Southern and coastal Maine—Acadia, Camden, Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport MaineOceanView at FalmouthThe Maine Mag

2. Best Leaf‑Peeping SpotsAcadia National Park & Bar Harbor

Cadillac Mountain—drive or hike up for sunrise views over autumn panoramas TrustTheReevesGroupThree Sisters Farm

Jordan Pond Path—a peaceful circuit surrounded by vivid colors TrustTheReevesGroup

Park Loop Road—a scenic drive with coastal foliage highlights Three Sisters Farm

Moosehead Lake Region

Reflections of bright woods on the largest lake in Maine make for stunning views via scenic byways, boat rides, or seaplane flights Only In Your State

Western Maine & Rangeley Lakes

Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Height of the Land, and Grafton Notch deliver immersive fall experiences mainetourism.comThree Sisters FarmMaine

Center Lovell Inn sits near Fred-scenic spots like Gulf Hagas and the Height of Land overlook centerlovellinn.co

Camden Hills & Midcoast

Hike up Mount Battie or Mount Megunticook for epic views of Bay views framed in fall color Three Sisters FarmOceanView at Falmouth

Baxter State Park

A rugged wilderness destination with moose, crisp trails, and fiery fall forests—campgrounds stay open during peak autumn gotraveldaily.com

Fort Kent & Northern Maine

Remote and breathtaking foliage with fewer crowds, ideal for serene drives and outdoor sports AllTheRooms

3. Places to Stay (Leaf‑Peeping Bases)Bar Harbor / Acadia

Bar Harbor Inn – Oceanfront Lodge: Elegant rooms with private balconies overlooking Frenchman Bay; amenities include pool, spa, and restaurants Bar Harbor Inn

Bluenose Inn: Waterfront luxury, in-house restaurant with bay views, perfect for both comfort and convenience visit-maine.com

Villager Motel: Bright, affordable, downtown—ideal for walking to shops, eateries, and shuttle access to Acadia Villagerislandplacebh.com

Mira Monte Inn: Historic Victorian B&B with charm, tucked away yet close to town Wikipedia

Rangeley Lakes

Loon Lodge Inn: Rustic lakeside lodging with fine dining and pub fare, right on Rangeley Lake—perfect for foliage viewing at sunset loonlodgeme.com+1

4. Dining HighlightsAround Acadia / Bar Harbor

Jordan Pond House: Famous for its popovers and tea (worth the wait)—a classic fall treat Reddit

Abel’s Lobster: Waterfront dining featuring lobster bisque and creative cocktails Food & Wine

Havana: Latin-inspired dishes; excellent for a memorable night out Food & Wine

Thurston’s Lobster Pound: Down-to-earth lobster rolls boiled in seawater—delicious and authentic Food & WineReddit

Local favorites: Side Street Cafe, Atlantic Brewing’s Midtown Brewpub for casual fare; Coffee Matter is beloved for great coffee and sandwiches Reddit+2Reddit+2

Rangeley

Loon Lodge: Lakeside dining that's both elevated and cozy loonlodgeme.com

Parkside and Main: American classics with a view; patio overlooks the lake Northwoods Thornes

The Red Onion / The Black Pearl: Pizza and seafood in historic spaces—casual and flavorful Northwoods ThornesSaddlebackMaine.com

Midcoast / Beyond

Aragosta at Goose Cove (Deer Isle): Elevated, foraged seafood menu in a cozy coastal setting Condé Nast Traveler

5. Activities & Local Flair

Acadia Bus Tours: Visit Cadillac Mountain, Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond—great if you prefer not to drive Villager

Hiking & Scenic Drives: Explore Beehive Trail, Park Loop, Height of the Land drive Redditmainetourism.com

Coffee Breaks & Small‑Town Stops: Savor local cafés like Coffee Matter in Bar Harbor or The Hideaway in Rangeley for cozy respites The Rangeley HideawayReddit

Local tips: One Maine Redditor raves:

“I love fall kayaking… The Rangeley area is beautiful in fall!” Reddit

For charming detours: Bucksport and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge tower views, blueberry barrens in Washington County, and rural drives near Bethel and Monson are beloved Reddit

Suggested Itinerary Snapshot

RegionStay OptionMust-Do ActivityDining SuggestionAcadia / Bar HarborBar Harbor Inn or Villager MotelCadillac Mountain + Jordan PondAbel’s, Havana, Jordan Pond HouseRangeley LakesLoon Lodge InnHeight of the Land drive + kayakingLoon Lodge, Parkside & MainWestern MaineCenter Lovell InnGrafton Notch + Gulf HagasLocal inns & heartland taverns

Final Thoughts

Track foliage updates via Maine’s state reports (like MaineFoliage.com) or the hotline (1‑888‑MAINE45) mainetourism.com

Book early—autumn peaks are short-lived and accommodations fill fast Reddit

Mix experiences—combine dramatic mountain views with peaceful lakes and cozy coastal villages

Whether you're sipping coffee on a dock, hiking fiery forests, or sampling lobster with bay views, Maine’s fall charm is unmatched. Whenever you plan to go, the state will be ablaze with color.