Best time to travel to Maine

Maine Fall Foliage

Enjoy the state's yellows, reds, and oranges in full swing

Best time: late September–October

Maine Fall Foliage
Maine Fall Foliage
Maine Fall Foliage
Maine Fall Foliage
Maine Fall Foliage
Autumn colors of Grafton Notch, Maine

Maine's farms, mountains, state parks, and coast provide lovely settings for fall leaf watchers. Color in the state progresses from north to south. Northern Maine is near peak conditions late September into early October. The central and western mountains of Maine are near peak the week of Columbus Day. As a rule, coastal and southern Maine reach peak conditions mid- to late October. Here are some suggestions for the supreme sites in each region of Maine and the best time to visit for the best fall colors.

Northern Maine (peak foliage: late September–early October)

Maine's northern hillsides begin to redden with more than half of the trees displaying fall colors. Leaf peeping at locations like Fort Kent, Eagle Lake Public Land, Mount Kineo, Aroostook State Park, Baxter State Park, and Rockwood definitely deserves to be a part of your unforgettable vacation.

Central and Western Maine (peak foliage: mid-October)

The second week of October is the best period for peak color in central and western Maine. Fall foliage is especially stunning in Grafton Notch State Park, Rangeley Lake State Park, Mt. Blue State Park in Weld, Lily Bay State Park, Bigelow Preserve, and Sebec Lake. You won't regret visiting Greenville, Moosehead, Jackman, and Rockwood as well.

Mid-October is a prime time for leaf peeping as vivid colors paint Maine hills of Fryeburg, Skowhegan, Farmington, and Rumford.

Southern and coastal Maine (peak foliage: late October)

The last week of October is best for peak fall foliage in southern and coastal Maine. Here in Acadia National Park, Camden Hills State Park, Bridgton, Sebago Lake region, Kennebunk, Wells, Limerick, and York, you will inevitably feel the gentle touch of fall.

Road Trips

A road trip across Maine can turn into the most exciting way to admire the stunning foliage. Route 1 features many excellent sites to stop along the way to Rockport, Rockland, and Camden. If you start your trip from Brunswick, you will find numerous "fingers" to explore on the coastline: Pemaquid Point with its famous lighthouse, Boothbay Harbor, and the picturesque Friendship Harbor are here for you to enjoy. Once you reach Camden, head to Penobscot Bay to see how the fall leaves create a scenic backdrop behind the town.

Where to Stay

Your Maine fall foliage journey can be complete only with cozy accommodation to stay, a place where you feel home away from home. Fortunately, the are a lot of campgrounds and places to stay around the state, such as Bear Point Marina Campground and Cabins, Mt. Blue State Park Campground, or South Arm Campground near Richardson Lake. If you plan to bring your dog with you, there is plenty of pet-friendly lodging as well. Otherwise, pick one of the hotels or inns in the towns along the way.

Practical info

When can you observe fall foliage in Maine?

To observe fall foliage in Maine, the ideal time is from late September until late October. The fall colors peak at different times according to the region. Those in the north experience peak conditions towards the end of September and beginning of October. On the other hand, southern parts of Maine attain peak seasons mostly in mid to late October, while central and western regions follow the second week of October. The town of Fryeburg, Farmington, Skowhegan, and Rumford are at their best around mid-October. Show more

Where are some suitable places to observe fall foliage in Maine?

Maine is brimming with gorgeous fall foliage viewing sites such as Bridgton, Kennebunk, and Sebago Lake region, to mention a few. National and state parks like Acadia National Park, Aroostook State Park, Baxter State Park, and Lily Bay State Park offer spectacular fall foliage views. If you’re interested in picturesque hills and lakes, Mt. Blue State Park, Rangeley Lake State Park, and Grafton Notch State Park are ideal. Don't forget to visit Fort Kent, Eagle Lake Public Land, Rockwood, Wells, Limerick, and York to see the vibrant fall foliage on display. Show more

What is the order of fall foliage's progression throughout Maine?

The colors of Maine's fall foliage progress from north to south. Late September to early October is the best time to view peak fall foliage conditions in northern Maine. Meanwhile, the second week of October is the ideal time for those in the central and western mountains of Maine. Southern and coastal parts of Maine attain full color saturation in mid to late October. Mid-October is perfect for leaf peeping and enjoying the beauty of the hillsides near Fryeburg, Farmington, Skowhegan, and Rumford. Show more

What are great campgrounds to experience a fall foliage trip in Maine?

Bear Point Marina Campground and Cabins, Mt. Blue State Park Campground, and South Arm Campground near Richardson Lake are outstanding campgrounds for a fall foliage trip in Maine. These sites offer stunning seasonal beauty, giving campers a chance to experience Mother Nature up close. They also offer full-service amenities to enhance campers' comfort while exploring the natural beauty of Maine's state parks. Note that the state park campgrounds are popular, so book reservations early! Show more

What are some pet-friendly accommodations for a fall foliage trip in Maine?

If you're planning a fall foliage trip in Maine and bringing your furry friend, select accommodations that allow pets, such as Bear Point Marina Campground and Cabins, Mt. Blue State Park Campground, and South Arm Campground near Richardson Lake. These campgrounds are pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your pet along to enjoy the fall scenery. Aside from these campsites, various pet-friendly hotels and inns across Maine's towns offer comfortable accommodations perfect for visitors traveling with pets. Show more

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Last updated: by Dari Vasiljeva