Fall Foliage

Western Maine Ski Mountain Route (152mi.)

Begin your drive in Farmington, the entryway to Maine's ski country. This route will take you past some of the major ski resort areas, whose mountains should be aflame in fall colors. Route Map

Points of Interest

• Mount Blue State Park in Weld: This park is open year-round for hiking, trail riding, biking, swimming and picnicking; snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.
• Rangeley Lake State Park, Rangeley.
• Kennebec-Chaudiere Heritage Trail, Along the Kennebec River, Farmington.

Dining

• Backstrap Bar & Grill in Stratton. This well-liked eatery serves new American food and lots of it, with great service. Owner is head chef. Enjoy steaks, fish and chips, specialty pizzas, good wine list and full bar. Serves lunch, dinner and drinks, Take-out. Hours, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; open daily except Wednesday and Thursday.
• Orange Cat Café in Farmington serves basic, hearty breakfast and lunches every day. Classic breakfast menu and lunch is filling sops, salads and sandwiches. There is a kids menu. Lots and lots of homemade pastries and cakes (this is a specialty of the café's catering business). You will feel filled up and healthy when you check out.

Western Maine Fryeburg-Bethel Loop (120mi.)

The town of Fryeburg is known for its huge fall country fair. It has 11 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and 12 public parks. Visitors love to canoe or kayak on the Saco River or walk the short hike up Jockey Cap Trail to see views of dozens of distant peaks. Route Map

Points of Interest

• Fryeburg Main Street Historic District, Main Street from Portland Street to about Swans Falls Road, Fryeburg.
• Steam Mill Antiques in Bethel is a country antique shop located in a large, 1820 farmhouse and barn. The property alone is fun to visit.

Dining

The Oxford House Inn in Fryeburg offers a charming break for the stomach and the senses during your tour of the region, its gourmet restaurant, and a granite-walled pub offer sunset mountain views and exceptional food directed by the owner and chef, trained at the Culinary Institute of America.

Coastal Route (141 mi.)

This trip passes along scenic shoreline, through quaint fishing villages, and to the top of Mount Battie and through the postcard-perfect village of Rockport and Camden. Route Map

Points of Interest

• Pemaquid Point and Lighthouse in Bristol: Try not to miss a visit to this wonderfully beautiful place. The lighthouse overlooks a shield of flat rocks leading to the water. Stunning. Gift shop, too.
• Camden Hills State Park and Mount Battie, 280 Belfast Road, Camden. Sweeping views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.
• State of Maine Cheese Company, now based at Springdale Farm in Waldo.

Dining

• Claws, at 743 Main Street in Rockland is a traditional lobster shack – all waterside outdoor seating and no table service. Seafood is fresh, fresh, fresh. Lobster roll is served either cold with a touch of mayo or hot with butter. Beer and wine are on the menu. It is a short drive to Rockland's artsy downtown.

Belgrade Drive (120 mi.)

Beginning in Augusta, Maine's capital, this trip winds through the Winthrop Lakes region and the Belgrade Lakes region of the state, where outdoor and wild natural beauty is on display among many busy small towns. Route Map

Points of Interest

• Augusta: The state capital and gateway to the region, Augusta has an impressive State House (1829) with a 180-foot dome, designed by architect Charles Bullfinch. The Maine State Museum describes 12,000 years of Maine life through exhibits and 2,000 artifacts. A nice farmers market operated on Tuesdays, May through November.
• Old Fort Western: This is a 1754 National Historic Landmark fort, store and house on the Kennebec River in Augusta. Interesting for anyone curious about the early settlements of Europeans and especially fun for kids.

Katahdin Loop (210mi.)

This trip takes travelers north from Skowhegan up toward Jackman, and down past Moosehead Lake. On the way, you will pass Moosehead Lake, Moxie Falls and Mount Kineo. Particularly scenic segments of the trip are Route 201 between Solon and West Forks, and Route 6 and 15 between Jackman and Rockwood. Route Map

Points of Interest

• Moosehead Lake area -- 888-876-2778
• Moxie Gore Township – Moxie Falls, Lake Moxie Road off Route 201

Brake for Farm Stand!. Stutzman's Farm Stand and Bakery at 891 Douty Hill Road in Sangerville is just outside Dover-Foxcroft and a worthy stop for hungry travelers. Fresh produce from the farm, home backed breads and chicken pies, nice Friday lunch buffet, and Sunday morning brunch with live music.

The Northern Tour (214mi.)

This scenic trip features long stretches of unpopulated territory between towns. The route begins north of Bangor and ventures into the region known for growing Maine potatoes. Route Map

Points of Interest

• Hollywood Casino at Bangor: Slot machines, silmulcast racing, dining, entertainment.
• Duty Free Americas in Houlton: Discounted consumer goods of all kinds: liquor, watches, and more.

Foliage Cruising in Maine

Cruise Maine's Coastline

Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors of autumn on a spectacular 16-day adventure through New England, from Portland, Maine, to New York City.

• Witness Maine's breathtaking fall foliage as you depart Portland and head to Bath, ME, before exploring even more charming coastal towns and iconic landscapes.
  
• Highlights include visits to Martha's Vineyard and Newport, where the rich history and stunning scenery are even more magical in autumn's golden hues.
  
• Savor the freshest seafood, indulge in a traditional Maine lobster bake, and enjoy scenic drives and walks surrounded by fiery red, orange, and yellow leaves.

This unforgettable journey blends the beauty of New England's fall with cultural treasures and culinary delights.