Things To Do In Fall
Fall in Maine is legendary. The air turns crisp, the leaves blaze with color, and small towns come alive with harvest festivals and cozy charm. Here are some of the best things to do and places to visit in Maine during autumn.
Go Leaf Peeping on Scenic Byways
Where: Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Acadia’s Park Loop Road and Grafton Notch Scenic Byway
Take in some of the most spectacular foliage in New England. Drive through the Rangeley Lakes region for mountain views and mirrored lakes, or cruise Acadia’s coastal cliffs for foliage with a salty breeze. Grafton Notch is a less-crowded gem in Western Maine.
Attend Pumpkin and Harvest Festivals
Where: Damariscotta Pumpkinfest, Fryeburg Fair and Freeport Fall Festival
Celebrate fall the Maine way — with giant pumpkins, agricultural exhibits, and fresh cider donuts. The Damariscotta Pumpkinfest features enormous decorated gourds, while the Fryeburg Fair is a classic Maine tradition with rides, farm animals, and food galore.
Hike a Trail Surrounded by Color
Where: Bradbury Mountain – Pownal, Tumbledown Mountain – Weld and Camden Hills State Park
Fall hiking in Maine is soul-filling. Climb Bradbury Mountain for a short, family-friendly hike with great foliage views, or take on Camden Hills for an ocean-meets-leaves experience. Tumbledown Mountain offers a remote, rugged escape with fewer crowds.
Visit Apple Orchards and Cider Houses
Where: Thompson’s Orchard – New Gloucester, Ricker Hill – Turner and Norumbega Cidery – New Gloucester
Pick your own apples, sip warm cider, and take in the sweet smell of harvest season. Many orchards offer hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches for the kids — and cider tastings for the adults.
Cozy Coastal Getaways
Where: Boothbay Harbor, Kennebunkport and Castine
As the summer crowds thin, Maine’s coastal villages become peaceful and romantic. Book a waterfront inn, enjoy quiet walks on the beach, and dine fireside at local restaurants serving up fall flavors and fresh seafood.
Campfires and Glamping Under the Stars
Where: Sandy Pines Campground – Kennebunkport and Maine Forest Yurts – Durham
Fall is the perfect time to snuggle up around the fire. Glamping spots like Sandy Pines or off-grid retreats like Maine Forest Yurts offer the magic of nature without sacrificing comfort. Watch the stars come out while wrapped in a blanket and sipping cider.