People come to Maine for many reasons – undeniably beautiful scenery, fresh lobster, historic lighthouses – but trust us when we say there is no better place to experience the vibrant hues of fall foliage. Each year around the end of September, the trees appear to explode in bold reds, oranges and yellows throughout Maine, leaving visitors and residents alike in awe and appreciation. Finding yourself wondering where the best place is to experience this notorious foliage? Look no further! From the tops of mountains to sailboat charters in Casco Bay, see our list for the best places to see Maine’s epic foliage this autumn!
Moosehead Lake
It should come as no surprise that Maine’s largest lake is one of the best places in the state to see foliage. Located just south of Baxter State Park (which is an epic experience in itself!) is wonderfully rural, particularly when the summer tourists leave for the season. Along with foliage, there is tons of wildlife to keep your eyes peeled for, which make the trip all that much more worth it! When you’re not mesmerized by the changing leaves, be on the lookout for birds, moose and occasionally even black bears!
Portland’s Casco Bay
Portland is incredibly beautiful on its own, but with the addition of foliage reflecting off the calm waters of the Casco Bay, there is nowhere else quite like it – and no better way to experience it than a chartered sail! At Sail Portland Maine, we offer the best crowd-free sailboat charter in Casco Bay. Our intimate, two-hour public or private cruises will not only have you sailing past lighthouses, historic forts, and seals swimming in the harbor, but alongside some of the most stunning fall foliage Maine has to offer. In fact, it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy shots in the city, so make sure you bring your phone to document your trip!
Our sails are booking up fast through the end of the year, so be sure to reserve your sailboat charter in Casco Bay online here!
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is another notoriously beautiful place all year round, but is particularly breathtaking in the fall. With crowds having died down, you’ll have the park mostly to yourself to enjoy all the foliage it has to offer! In fact, one of our favorite places to see the changing leaves is on top of Cadillac Mountain, which happens to be the first place in the U.S. that the sun rises from October to March. If you can line up your trip to Acadia in early October, you should be able to catch the fiery hues of foliage and the sunrise!
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is synonymous with Maine’s coastal charm, with its fresh seafood and quaint small-town feel, making it the perfect backdrop to enjoy the foliage. Spend a day (or even a weekend!) strolling the streets, grabbing a bite to eat by the water, and shopping at boutiques while you take in the fiery colors of the leaves.
Wherever you end up experiencing Maine’s iconic fall foliage, remember that the window is short, so be sure to soak up all its glory while you can!