Ideal Fall Road Trip in Maine
Every fall, thousands of people flock to the state of Maine in search of bright, colorful trees, and autumn delights. With seven distinct foliage regions, Maine has an array of yellows, oranges, and reds changing at different times of the season from September through October. The Maine Fall Foliage website tracks and reports the changing leaves so it’s best to check the website to plan the timing of your perfect fall road trip to view the incredible foliage. It’s some of the best in the world!
Coffee by Design, Portland, ME
Skip the pumpkin spice lattes at the chain coffee shops and hit up one of the Coffee by Design cafes in Portland for some delicious locally roasted and brewed lattes. Their coffee is grown on small family estates or groups of small farms and roasted in-house at their Diamond Street Coffee Micro Roastery. For a little Maine flavor, try the Maine Wild Blueberry or Maine Maple Sundae coffee.
Downtown Kennebunkport, Kennebunkport, ME
Kennebunkport is one of Maine’s most iconic coastal towns that attracts thousands of visitors throughout the year. The small village is home to the summer home of President George H.W. Bush and his wife as well as beautiful beaches, boutique shops, and tons of great restaurants. Take a stroll through Down Square and grab some homemade fudge at the Candy Man.
Robinson’s Wharf, Southport, ME
Robinson's Wharf is the tried and true seafood spot in Boothbay Harbor, serving up savory lobster rolls for over 40 years. Enjoy award-winning dining and unbeatable views of the harbor with family and friends. Taste the history; feel Maine's seafood dining tradition at Robinson's Wharf.
Mount Agamenticus, York, ME
Mount Agamenticus is a small mountain within the 10,000-acre Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region in York. Standing at only 692 feet, this former ski hill isn’t a hard climb, but it does offer great panoramic views overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Presidential Mountain Range in New Hampshire, and even the far-off skyscrapers in Boston on a very clear day. The park is home to several hiking trails that all connect to the summit and are open to both hikers and bikers. The Ring Trail is the longest trail at the base of the mountain at 1.5 miles long.
Orchard Ridge Farm, Gorham, ME
After spending a few hours hiking around Mount Agamenticus, you've probably worked up an appetite. It’s time for the perfect fall snack–apples! On your way to your next destination you can stop at the family-owned farm specializing in prepicked apples. You'll find many traditional varieties like MacIntosh and Cortland along with newer types like Honeycrisp.
Bramhall, Portland, ME
Let your nerves settle down after the big scare with a couple of drinks at Portland’s most popular speakeasy. Don’t worry, you won’t find any ghosts or goblins in this basement bar. The friendly bar tenders will pour you a stiff drink as you munch on some of gourmet bar snacks. Always check the specials board for the latest delicious cocktail.
Pomegranate Inn, Portland, ME
Skip the chain hotels and stay at one of Portland’s best bed and breakfast inns in the historic West End. This shabby chic B&B is one-of-a-kind and offers a funky décor that will just soothe your soul for tomorrow’s adventures. There is always free Wi-Fi and many of the rooms have gas fireplaces so you’ll be plenty warm when the temperatures start to drop.
The weather outside is frightful, but this breakfast is pretty darn delightful. ☀�
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Camden Hills State Park, Camden, ME
If you’re short on time and can’t visit Acadia National Park or Baxter State Park, Camden Hills State Park is your next best option for incredible fall scenery in Maine without a spending most of the day in the car. The hike up Mount Battie is short and rewarding. Camden and neighboring Rockland is your quintessential Maine coastal village perfect for Instagram photos to make all your friends jealous. Of course, the drive up Route 1 is just as pretty.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Maine is known for its vibrant fall foliage, with seven distinct foliage regions changing colors from September through October.
- Coffee by Design in Portland offers locally roasted and brewed lattes, including unique flavors like Maine Wild Blueberry and Maine Maple Sundae.
- Kennebunkport is a popular coastal town with beaches, boutique shops, and great restaurants, including the iconic Robinson's Wharf seafood spot.
- Mount Agamenticus in York offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Presidential Mountain Range, with hiking trails open to hikers and bikers.
- Orchard Ridge Farm in Gorham specializes in prepicked apples, including traditional varieties like MacIntosh and Cortland.
- Bramhall in Portland is a popular speakeasy with gourmet bar snacks and delicious cocktails, perfect for a relaxing evening.
- Pomegranate Inn in Portland offers a unique shabby chic B&B experience with funky décor and gas fireplaces in some rooms.
- Camden Hills State Park is a great alternative to Acadia National Park for stunning fall scenery, with a short hike up Mount Battie and picturesque coastal villages nearby.
