The Best Places to Visit This Fall in Inland Maine
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Trying to narrow down an inland Maine place to visit in the fall is painting with a really broad stroke. Luckily, nature uses the same paintbrush. The air feels different—crisper, cleaner, almost charged with the energy of the changing season.
As the last scents of sunscreen disappear from the beaches, the smell of pine, pumpkins, and fresh apples lure you inland to the lakes, mountains, and highlands. Lush landscapes transform in a firestorm of colors reflecting off of glassy lakes.
The best news for anyone planning a fall trip to inland Maine is that the peak travel season leaves most options open through the second week in October, which is Indigenous Peoples Day (formerly Columbus Day).
No matter which corner of the state beckons, we have some helpful advice for your fall getaway to inland Maine.
Best Time for Fall Foliage in Inland Maine
The challenging terrain, elevations, and latitude of Maine’s inland regions means you need to keep an eye on the Maine Foliage Forecast when planning a trip.
The Maine Highlands peak first, with an average start date from late September through early October.
Then, the northernmost Maine Lakes & Mountains region bursts with color in early October. The Rangely Region is particularly stunning.
The central part of the state follows with prime viewing in mid-October, and that runs from Fryeburg on the southern edge to Houlton in Aroostook County.
The Maine coastline finishes off the grand finale of fall foliage in late October.
The Highlands Region
Your chance of seeing a moose in the North Maine Woods increases exponentially, and colors collide in a stunning array of elevations. Autumn is awesome in the Highlands, a land known for its rugged outdoor escapes.
Greenville | Moosehead | Rockwood
One of the most iconic Maine things to do in the fall is take a Katahdin Cruise on Moosehead Lake to enjoy the scenery. Those run through mid-October. Tours from the sky are available from vendors like Currier’s or Fletcher Mountain Aviation.
Fall is the moose mating season, which means a moose safari should be on the list of things to do. The expert guides know the best places to spot the majestic animals.
Those who want a deep woods adventure can scout out the B-52 Crash Site in the mountains among the fall colors (and with far fewer biting bugs than in summer).
The ferry from Rockwood to Mt. Kineo State Park runs through mid-October. Explore the great views along the trails that lead to the top of 700 cliffs. Paddling is also available on the lake, which doesn’t freeze over until after the new year.
Local Lodging Options
- Wilson Pond Cabins: Nestled right in the mountains, staying here offers a chance to enjoy excellent views, go fishing for salmon and trout, and enjoy the serenity only Maine can offer.
- Moosehead Hills Cabins: These cabins are the height of rustic luxury on Moosehead Lake and Loon Lake, but visitors can also enjoy whirlpool bathtubs, wood-burning fireplaces, and more.
- Wilsons on Moosehead Lake: These spacious lakefront cottages are only bettered by incredible mountain and lake views. Visitors can find plenty to keep themselves entertained while escaping into the Maine wilderness.
Millinocket
As the gateway to the most primitive and wild landscapes in the state, Millinocket is an adventurer’s paradise. Mid-September kicks off the Trails End Festival, an official goodbye to summer among the fascinating fall colors before the throws of winter take over for snowmobile season.
The Millinocket Municipal Airport hosts the Fly-In and Cruz-In in mid-October. If you’d rather drive the open road, take a ride on the Golden Road from Millinocket as far as 100 miles to the Canadian border. With no amenities or towns along the way, this remote road is a truly remote fall adventure.
Remove any intimidation of the great outdoors with a seasonal guided tour or adventure through the New England Outdoor Center.
Local Lodging Options
- Big Moose Inn: With its blend of friendly service, beautiful surroundings, and unique charm, Big Moose has something for everyone. Guests can enjoy rooftop dining, many lodging options, and proximity to the beach.
- New England Outdoor Center: Cozy luxury lodging, inspired cuisine and a wide range of activities for every age group.
- Loon Lodge: Log lodge and guest cabins are located deep in the north woods of the Allagash Lake region.
Public Lands in the Highlands
The iconic Mount Katahdin stands nearly 5,300 feet above sea level in Baxter State Park. This place isn’t for those who like amenity-laden spots. Read our article about Baxter State Park to learn the ins and outs.
Nearby, Katahdin Woods & Waters is still wild but under the control of the National Park Service. Great views of Mount Katahdin can be seen here, and stargazing is epic as this is a designated International Dark Sky Park.
Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area fills the wild gap between Baxter State Park and Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness. The remote lakes and ice caves dazzle in any season but bring a special fabric of fall with the colorful bursts among mature forests.
Venture to Nahmakanta Public Land to see the most remote section of the Appalachian Trail as it enters the final stretch to Katahdin.
Kennebec Valley Region
The north/south region of the Kennebec Valley runs from north of Jackman all the way south to Augusta and Gardiner. Get a sense of the remoteness by reading Through a Howling Wilderness, which tells the tale of Benedict Arnold and his March to Quebec in 1775.
The Forks
Where the Dead River and the Kennebec River meet, you’ll find the untamed town of The Forks.
Whitewater rafters need to mark their calendars for select fall dates when the Dead River peaks with class IV rapids due to water releases at Long Falls Dam. Only eight rafting days are available each year, and three of them are in the fall. Rafters can see water release dates and plan their Dead River or Kennebec River adventures with Northern Outdoors.
The Kennebec River release dates usually happen three times in September, with rapids as low as class III.
RAFTING ADVICE: Taking advantage of the release dates isn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision. Generally, these adventures fill up months in advance.
Various tour companies in The Forks provide fall tours by water, walking, and ATV.
The 90-foot-tall Moxie Falls is another must-see in The Forks, with year-round water flow that becomes especially dynamic after a fall storm.
Local Lodging Options
- Northern Outdoors: The resort includes private cabins, riverside tent & RV campground, and the Kennebec River Brewery.
Bingham
A fun fact for a trip to Bingham in the fall is that the city is exactly halfway between the North Pole and the Equator. If you stop at the Arnold’s Way Rest Area on the town line, you’ll see the wonderful fall colors while learning about Benedict Arnold’s adventures in this region through interpretive panels.
Explore the beautiful sights along the river on the Kennebec Valley Trail, which runs nearly 15 miles between Bingham and North Anson. Keep an eye out for Caratunk Falls when you cross over the old railroad bridge at Arnolds Landing.
Local Lodging Options
- North Country Rivers: Couples and groups enjoy spacious, fully furnished cabins, many located on the banks of the beautiful Kennebec River, all nearby the resort complex.
Lakes & Mountains Region
West of the Kennebec Valley is the expansive Lakes & Mountains Region, with charming towns, scenic drives, and stunning overlooks along the way for drivers and hikers.
Perhaps the greatest fall festival in this region is the Fryeburg Fair, which runs for a week, overlapping the end of September and the beginning of October.
Casco | Sebago Lake
Just an hour from Portland, Sebago Lake is a favorite fall getaway for urban dwellers. As Maine’s deepest lake, the foliage astounds across 45 square miles of water. Paddling, hiking, and sightseeing at Songo Locks make for a great fall day trip.
Maine Wildlife Park in nearby Gray stays open through early November, and you can see bears, moose, and cougars (plus many more animals) in a safe setting.
A trip to Shaker Village in Sabbath Day Lake is worth it for the Harvest Festival in mid-October. Farmed goods, crafts, and village tours mix with live music performances and tasty treats.
Take the backroads to experience a quintessential New England fall sits at Babb’s Covered Bridge between Windham and Gorman.
DID YOU KNOW? Of the eight historic covered bridges in Maine, six of them are in the Lakes and Mountains region.
Make the most out of a Portland to Sebago Lake adventure by taking the Sebago to the Sea Trail. More trails in mountains, woods, and on waterways can be found through the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust.
Local Lodging Options
- Point Sebago Resort: Featuring a highly-regarded championship golf course and a mile of sandy beach, this resort offers plenty of amenities, fishing, family weekends, and more.
Rangeley | Saddleback
The beauty of the Rangeley region speaks for itself, even before you look at the numerous fall activities to enjoy. Whether you soak in the scenery from the waterfront downtown or at Rangeley Lake State Park, the views are jaw-dropping in all directions. Cue the loons for the ultimate Rangeley Lake experience.
The Maine Forest and Logging Museum loves a good festival, and October brings out the pioneer in everyone for Living History Days. Look for mushroom hunts if you’re visiting in September.
More history abounds in the fall, with Historic Rangley hosting a Fall Festival at the Outdoor Heritage Museum in early September. Plan for crafts, antiques, and artists among the vendors.
High on the mountain, Saddleback hosts Oktoberfest in early October. Compete in a keg toss, sample beer flights, or take a scenic lift ride to admire the fall colors. Skiers should also know about the sick deals on gear and clothing for the upcoming winter.
Sugarloaf competes with a Homecoming celebration in mid-October, with special events each day of the festival, including the grueling uphill climb competition. Not to be outdone, Sunday River in Newry (Bethel) holds Fall Fest around the same time. That event includes the globally-famous North American Wife Carrying Championship.
Local Lodging Options
- Grants Kennebago Camps: Nestled nine miles beyond a controlled gate on Lake Kennebego, visitors can enjoy 18 modern cabins just steps from the lake with plenty of amenities and terrific mountain views.
Harrison | Waterford
South of Rangeley, Harrison, Waterford, Bridgton, and a bunch of cities named after places on the other side of the ocean await with epic fall colors and adventures near every lake and mountain. Be sure to get a photo at the World Traveler Sign Post, one of our favorite roadside attractions in Maine.
Whether you want to try the taps at the Maine Lakes Brew Fest or put on your running shoes for the Waterford Fall Foliage Road Race, you will find something of interest for everyone.
Self-proclaimed “Most Beautiful Mountain Village in Maine,” Bethel hosts the annual Harvestfest in late September, with apple pie taking center stage.
Hikers should consider Pleasant Mountain, the highest in the region at 2,000 feet, or other Loon Echo Land Trust properties. More daring adventurers should head to Grafton Notch State Park and climb Old Speck or go waterfall hunting.
Local Lodging Options
- Greenwood Manor Inn: This secluded, romantic B&B offers peaceful surroundings, including wooded acreage, beautiful gardens, and an opportunity to enjoy Long Lake.
Savor the Maine Fall Scenery
It’s hard to beat the beauty of inland Maine in fall, and we’ve put together some of the best scenic drives for your adventure. Maine law doesn’t allow billboards or highways or roads, making the views that much better.
We’ve also highlighted some of our favorite fall festivals across the state.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Atlantic Hurricane Season peaks in September and October. While Maine rarely gets hit by “the big one,” the smaller hurricanes or tropical storms can cause flooding, storm damage, and closed roads.
Keep an eye on the forecast before you make any plans to travel throughout inland Maine in the fall. You can also sign up for text messages or email alerts through the Maine Emergency Management Agency.