Maine offers a spectacular fall experience.
From its rocky coastlines to the rugged highlands, Maine offers scenic vistas that are hard to duplicate anywhere else in the country. Renowned for its resplendent fall foliage, Maine also offers a wide variety of fall activities ideally suited for the outdoor enthusiast.
One of the best ways to experience the splendor of fall in Maine is to explore the great outdoors by camping under the stars. Surround yourself with the fiery colors of an autumn day, and then enjoy the warm glow of a sparkling fire on a cool fall night. Scenic campsites from the coast to the mountains mean you can make the most of the season.
Also, arts and culture abound throughout the state. With nine museums and more than 80,000 works of art, the Maine Art Museum Trail showcases the state’s diverse and impressive art collections. The Art & Ales Trip Ideas offers tips on where to find art in Maine in many shapes and forms. Take in the beauty of Maine art and sample the art of handcrafted local brews that starts with Maine’s clear, clean water and expert brewers.
Fall means the air is cooler, but sunny days are still plentiful. Just bring a sweater and head to one of Maine’s many beaches. If you’re looking for some fun-filled action, Old Orchard Beach has access to a beachfront amusement park, Palace Playland, with rides for the whole family and Maine’s largest arcade.
With far fewer tourists fall is the perfect time to visit. Offering cooler temperatures and a kaleidoscope of gold, red, orange and yellow foliage hues, it’s no surprise Maine is a popular autumn getaway. From leaf peeping to apple picking and fall festivals, it’s a destination with something for everyone. Whether a cozy B&B or an epic panoramic view of color from the summit of a mountain, a variety of experiences and fun await.
Use the foliage tracker to help plan your trip.
Fall Foliage
A “must-see” experience, Maine’s fall foliage is truly spectacular. Peak foliage season varies across the state, but it is typically from the last week of September to the first two weeks of October. Maine has a foliage tracker that begins in September to help you plan your trip. There are plenty of ways to experience the state’s bountiful foliage, whether from a mountain’s peak or the comfort of your car.
Check out the Maine Trail Finder for various options.
Hiking And Climbing
Hiking and climbing are popular fall activities throughout the Pine Tree State as the air is invigorating and all levels of trails are available. There are great hikes throughout Maine, on federal lands like Acadia, in state parks such as Mt. Blue and along the East Coast’s longest and most well-known walk, the Appalachian Trail. Check out the Maine Trail Finder for the various options.
Take a leisurely boat ride around the coast’s brilliant colors.
Water Fun
Seafarers know that one of the best ways to experience Maine in the fall is from the water. Climb aboard a Maine Windjammer and take a leisurely sail around the coast’s brilliant colors, or enjoy a sea kayaking trip. Early fall is the perfect time to visit one of Maine’s many islands. Ferry service is available and can get you to your destination of choice in no time.
The state offers biking paths for all ability levels.
Biking
Maine is a biker’s paradise featuring tunnels of vibrant colors along with some overlooks that will leave you awestruck. No matter your ability level, there are scenic trails and picturesque routes that meander for miles and miles. The back roads, gravel roads, paved trails and natural trails are unique and boast splendid vistas. Want to test your biking mettle? You can even peddle a rail cycle on the old Belfast and Moosehead Lake Rail Line.
The Inn by the Sea offers 62 comfortably appointed rooms/suites.
Where To Stay
Set in a location of unspoiled beauty on sandy Crescent Beach, just seven miles from Portland’s urban chic port city, the luxuriously contemporary Inn by the Sea offers guests an experience that is pure Maine from the beach to the coastal setting to fully redesigned modern interiors. The 62 comfortably appointed rooms and suites, full-service spa, fireplace lounge, pool and regionally sourced menus create an atmosphere of eco-luxury. Chef David Brown’s captivating cuisine, handcrafted and regionally sourced, is served with a backdrop of panoramic Atlantic views. Traditional New England activities such as apple picking is popular at the nearby 29 local Cape Elizabeth Farms. Take advantage of the Inn’s free-use bikes to cruise the coast or visit some of the nearby lighthouses, such as the historic Portland headlight. Visit the Inn’s Sea Glass Restaurant for Maine Lobster Week Sept. 22- 29 to savor Maine’s most famous crustacean and help support the local lobster industry.
No Maine visit is complete with a lobster dinner.
Other lodging options include: Inns or Bed & Breakfasts where every guest feels like a local; Luxurious Resorts that feature exceptional amenities in such pristine settings as near the ocean or surrounded by lush forests; Campgrounds if you’re looking for a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; Sporting Camps & Wilderness Lodges are an option when you’re ready to get away from it all and experience a real outdoor adventure. The state’s many sporting camps and wilderness lodges afford visitors the opportunity to spend your days exploring the Maine woods or to just kick back and breathe in the fresh air.
