10 Can’t-Miss Fall Scenic Drives in Maine

There is almost nowhere that does fall foliage better than New England, especially Maine. Almost 75 percent of the state is forest, with a delightful combination of evergreen and deciduous trees. When the weather starts to cool down, that means that it’s time to hit the road for some autumnal sightseeing.

These top fall scenic drives in Maine offer unique and stunning views of every part of the state, from the coastal south to the isolated north.

Sebago Lake - Route 302: A scenic drive featuring Sebago Lake, showcasing vibrant fall foliage around the lake and nearby forested areas.

Enjoy Fall Colors at Sebago Lake (Route 302)

This beautiful stretch of highway through Southern Maine is all about the lake. Not just one lake — the entire route passes several lakes, starting with Sebago Lake just outside Portland.

The highway will take you past Sebago Lake State Park and Long Lake before continuing off into forests and small New England towns. The trees and lakes make for a beautiful autumn drive, offering plenty of fall foliage to see. You may even spot some animal life, including birds of prey or moose.

Casco is the heart of Maine’s Lakes Region on the northern end of Sebago Lake. Casco is home to eight lakes and ponds, including Maine’s second largest lake, Sebago Lake. Other lakes within Casco’s 36 mile area include Songo Lake, Long Lake, and Brandi Pond. Marinas offer boat tours and rentals of boats, kayaks and SUPS.

Casco is popular for year round visitors because of its fresh water playgrounds, plus Championship Golf and Maine’s best outdoor family resort – Point Sebago Resort.

State Route 11 (Fish River Scenic Byway): This northern route offers beautiful views of Mount Katahdin, Eagle Lake, and potential wildlife sightings like eagles and moose.

Cruise Down State Route 11 (aka Fish River Scenic Byway) for Autumnal Awesomeness

State Route 11 is one of the northernmost highways in Maine, and consequently in the continental United States. The route winds 38 miles between Portage and Fort Kent, offering some beautiful views along the way. Some of the best include scenic overlooks of Mount Katahdin and Eagle Lake.

You won’t see many people along State Route 11, but you may see wildlife such as eagles and moose! This area is a prime space of Acadian culture and history, having been settled by Acadians in the 19th century.

Route 27 to Cathedral Pines: Known for its towering pine trees and stunning autumn colors, this route passes through Carrabassett Valley and Bigelow Preserve.

Road Trip Along Route 27 to Cathedral Pines for Fall Foliage

Cathedral Pines might seem like a strange name for a campground, but it will make sense the moment you see it. The pine trees that line the site are truly massive, looking like church spires.

With all the evergreens around, it comes as no surprise that this region — which lies in Carrabassett Valley alongside Bigelow Preserve and Flagstaff Lake — is a popular spot for winter sports. But it is also a gorgeous place to visit in the autumn when you’ll catch a glimpse of brilliant fall foliage through the pine trees.

Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway (Route 113): A rural drive with views of White Mountain National Forest, Saco River, and Mount Cutler.

Peep Fall Leaves Along Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway (Route 113)

The Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway is one of Maine’s most rural foliage drives. Following roughly 60 miles through mostly undeveloped land, the byway starts out alongside the White Mountain National Forest before passing the Saco River. You will also catch a glimpse of Mount Cutler as you pass through Hiram.

Though the route winds through mostly rural regions, you will pass through some small towns, making this the perfect weekend trip to enjoy Maine’s fall colors.

Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway (Route 201): A quiet, picturesque route from Solon to the US/Canada border, featuring views of the Kennebec River and Moose River.

Ogle Autumn Views on the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway (Route 201)

If you’ve been to Northern Maine, you know that once you pass the middle of the state, there aren’t a lot of towns or people around. Luckily, for those looking for an amazing road trip to see the fall foliage, that’s ideal!

The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway winds roughly 80 miles from Solon to the US/Canada border. But, you can kick off your trip in the quaint town of Waterville and follow Route 201 toward Quebec City. You won’t see a lot of other cars on the road.

This stunning region is French-speaking country, so don’t be surprised if you hear some Quebecois along the way. Though the history of the region is fascinating, the route is best known for having some of the most unique and beautiful scenery in Northern Maine.

Key spots along the route include the Forks, known for its whitewater rafting, and Lake Parlin. Also, you’ll pass the Kennebec River. Though you can spot some beautiful fall foliage from the road, you’ll want to keep your eye out for the Attean Overlook, which offers an unparalleled view of Moose River and the Attean Pond.

For lodging near Old Canada National Scenic Byway in Maine, consider Northern Outdoors in The Forks, offering private cabins, a riverside campground, and the Kennebec River Brewery.

North Country Rivers Cabins in Bingham provide deluxe four-season cabins with full amenities and on-site activities like whitewater rafting.

Attean Lake Lodge in Jackman offers all-inclusive, off-grid lodging on a secluded island.

Lastly, Maine Lakeside Resort and Event Center in Caratunk features fully furnished cabins, deep water access, and a variety of outdoor adventures.

Ellsworth to Cobscook Bay (Route 1): A coastal drive offering late fall colors, ocean views, and charming coastal towns.

Experience the Best Scenic Route this Fall from Ellsworth to Cobscook Bay (Route 1)

Coastal Maine is a fascinating place in the autumn. You will see the trees changing color much later than the rest of the state, thanks to the climate influence of the ocean and coastline. If you want to take a drive down through Acadia in the late fall, you have a treat in store along this coastal route.

One thing to bear in mind: Acadia in the fall can be crowded with tourists, so be prepared for a traffic jam!

This drive offers truly one-of-a-kind views of both the Atlantic coast and the brilliant New England colors. Along the way, you will also enjoy the spectacular scenery of Maine’s charming coastal towns, as well as the Narragaugus River and Gouldsboro Bay.

Ellsworth, Maine is a unique small-town city, along your way to Acadia, Mount Desert and Bar Harbor. It is a place with a friendly atmosphere where visitors can explore the area by water or land.

Ellsworth is nicknamed the Gateway to Acadia, and it offers an ideal overnight stop with affordable and family friendly lodging, on the road to Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island with affordable motels, hotels, inns and cabin rentals.

Acadia All-American Road: This byway offers stunning views of forests and mountains in Acadia National Park, including Thunder Hole and Sand Beach.

Take in Maine Fall Colors Along the Acadia All-American Road

The Acadia Byway, otherwise known as the Acadia All-American Road, is one of the most beautiful and unique routes in Maine. This rural stretch offers unparalleled views of old forests and mountains, which are unsurprisingly eye-catching in the autumn.

Along the way, you can also catch glimpses of other beautiful sites throughout Acadia National Park, including Thunder Hole and Sand Beach. Eventually, you will find yourself in Bar Harbor, which is the perfect final stop on this stunning autumn trip through Southern Maine.

Along the Maine Coast in the Downeast & Acadia region, Mount Desert Island is celebrated for its natural beauty and attractions. Home to Acadia National Park, it features rugged coastlines, dense forests, serene lakes, and Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the East Coast.

Mount Desert Island offers diverse lodging options. In Bar Harbor, choose from hotels, resorts, and charming bed and breakfasts with easy access to restaurants and shops. Waterfront lodgings provide stunning ocean views but are pricier and less accessible.

Southwest Harbor and Northeast Harbor feature vacation rentals and smaller inns for a quieter stay. For proximity to Acadia National Park, consider lodges and campgrounds near the park’s entrance. Each area on the island has unique charms, catering to different preferences and budgets.

• The Acadia Inn in Bar Harbor offers comfortable rooms, direct trail access to the park, and family-friendly activities.
• The Bar Harbor Villager Motel, located in downtown Bar Harbor, provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and the free Island Explorer bus service.
• The Bar Harbor Motel features amenities like a heated outdoor pool, playgrounds, and on-site trail access.
• Seaside Cottages in Southwest Harbor offer a peaceful, private setting with beautiful shoreline views, while the Harbour Cottage Inn provides a historic bed and breakfast experience with picturesque views of Southwest Harbor.

Western Maine Ski Mountain Route: A drive through Maine's mountainous region with fall colors, passing Rangeley Lake State Park and Mount Blue State Park.

Wind Along Western Maine Ski Mountain Route for a Color-Filled Drive

Each region of Maine offers a unique experience when it comes to natural sights. The Western region of the state is often overlooked, but it is worth a visit at any time of the year. This mountainous region offers some of the most stunning natural views in the state — especially during the autumn.

If you are looking for a great road trip through the Maine mountains, the Western Maine Ski Mountain Route could be a great choice. This route starts in Farmington and follows 152 miles through Maine’s popular ski areas, which feature stunning fall colors at this time of the year.

Along the way, you’ll get amazing views of Rangeley Lake State Park, Mount Blue State Park, and the Kennebec River.

Local lodging options include:

• Wilson Pond Cabins in Greenville, offering premier housekeeping cottages on a serene lake, perfect for short or long-term rentals.
• Ski Esta in Newry provides a luxury home with spectacular views, an indoor heated pool, steam rooms, and a cinema-quality home theater.
• The Maine Houses in Bryant Pond offer diverse accommodations ranging from a lakefront lodge to private suites, ideal for family reunions and group outings, close to Sunday River Ski Resort and Mt. Abram skiing.

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway: A scenic drive around Rangeley Lake with potential wildlife sightings and views of the Appalachian Mountains.

Coast Along Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway for Colorful Fall Foliage

Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway is one of Maine’s most well-known road trip destinations, and it’s not hard to see why. This route follows approximately 40 miles through the mountains of Western Maine, winding around Rangeley Lake itself.

This short day trip is rural enough that there is a good chance you might spot a moose wading into the water or crossing the forest. This byway also crosses through the very top of the Appalachian Mountains, which extend all the way down into Georgia.

The most stunning spot is Height of Land, which dramatically increases in elevation until you find yourself looking down at panoramic views of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the Richardson Lakes. It’s perfect for a quick road trip in the autumn.

Rangeley Maine and Saddleback Mountain offer a stunning blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities in the Lakes & Mountains region, making them a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. The area’s charm is further enhanced by local attractions, such as the Cascade Stream Gorge Trail and the South Bog conservation area.

Located in Franklin County, Saddleback Mountain boasts breathtaking views and scenic hiking trails, ideal for year-round adventures. Rangeley is renowned for its picturesque lakes, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, skiing, and fishing.

Rangeley and Saddleback Mountain provide various lodging options, including rustic cabins, charming bed and breakfasts, and spacious vacation rentals. Grants Kennebago Camps offers a family-friendly environment with 18 modern cabins, a main lodge, dining room, daily home-cooked meals, and lakeside activities in the Western Lakes and Mountains.

Million Dollar View Scenic Byway: A short but scenic route with overlooks like Peekaboo Mountain, offering views of Grand Lake and New Brunswick, Canada.

Don’t Miss the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway this Fall

The Million Dollar View Scenic Byway’s very name gives it away — this is a road that’s worth traveling. Amazingly, the byway is only 8 miles long, making it an ultra-quick sightseeing trip or an easy detour on a long road trip. However, these 8 miles pack an astonishing number of beautiful overlooks, earning the byway its name and attracting countless visitors each year.

One of the most famous spots along the road is Peekaboo Mountain, which overlooks Grand Lake and the mountains of New Brunswick, Canada. The byway is also well-known as a corridor for animal life, and you may spot bears, moose, deer, or eagles.

For lodging near the Million Dollar View Scenic Byway, consider Sewall House in Island Falls, offering private rooms, yoga retreats, and wellness workshops.

The New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket provides luxury lodging, inspired cuisine, and various outdoor activities near Mount Katahdin.

Loon Lodge near Allagash Lake offers log cabins and guest lodges with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching in a serene northwoods setting.

Sebago Lake: An image highlighting Sebago Lake's autumn scenery with colorful foliage around the lake.

Finding The Best Fall Scenic Drives in Maine

Here’s the best secret of taking a scenic drive to see the fall foliage in Maine: there’s no wrong answer. Anywhere you go is bound to offer breathtaking sights of the forests, mountains, coastlines, lakes, and rivers that make Maine famous.

Whether you’re driving along the rural Canadian border or hopping between coastal villages during peak foliage season, you’re bound to find adventure (and plenty of Maine fall colors) wherever you go.