All parts of Maine present a colorful fall foliage showcase. In the Western Lakes region, Sunday River ski area in Newry, ME and Sugarloaf ski area in Carrabassett Valley, ME offer foliage viewing from above on gondolas and luxury chair lifts. The Songo River Queen offers scenic foliage cruises on Long Lake. Foliage will be great at the fabulous Acadia National Park; the nearby town of Bar Harbor, ME is fun to explore. Another way to see Maine foliage is from a windjammer sailing ship cruise.
This adventurous byway travels past wild blueberry patches, marshes and bays, fishing towns and waterways, moving along Maine’s dramatic coast, north and east of Bar Harbor, ME. Crashing waves, lobster in the rough, and views of lighthouses and fishing boats are among the picturesque fare from the byway’s start at the town of Milbridge, ME to the choice of two end points: Lubec or Eastport, ME, both in shouting distance of Canada’s Campobello Island.
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This beautiful drive skims the coastline and passes through a number of small fishing towns. Almost every town, particularly Castine, Brooklin, Blue Hill, and Ellsworth, is worth a stop to stroll the streets and enjoy local architecture, arts, and restaurants. Route Map
People have been drawn to the rugged beauty of coastal Maine throughout history. The 27-mile Park Loop Road is the best way to get an overview of Acadia National Park. The road takes you past highlights like Otter Cliffs, Thunder Hole, and Sand Beach. There are many pull-off areas to stop and enjoy the view. The loop road begins near the Hulls Cove Visitor Center on the north side of the island. See below for access points.
Much of the road is one way but there is a two-way section that begins near Wildwood Stables. A fee is required and may be paid at the Entrance Station located about one-half mile north of Sand Beach. Entrance passes may also be purchased at the Visitor Center, Blackwoods and Seawall Campgrounds, the Bar Harbor Village Green, and the Thompson Island Information Center.
- Access points in Bar Harbor: Eagle Lake Road, Route 233; South Main Street, Route 3; Entrance Station; Visitor Center
- Access point in Seal Harbor: Stanley Road
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Brake for Farm Stand! Operated by College of the Atlantic, Beech Farm runs a farm stand Thursdays through Saturdays until October 15. The farm stand offers fresh produce and local goods. Cash and credit cards accepted.
Travelers will wind through the mountains and lakes of western Maine. Step back in time and treat yourself to spectacular scenery, outstanding recreational opportunities, abundant wildlife, local museums, and quaint New England villages. This drive follows Routes 17 and 4, wrapping around Rangeley Lake. It follows the ridgeline of the Appalachian Mountains before dropping into rolling hills and valleys. The Height of Land on Route 17 is the centerpiece of this scenic drive, offering breathtaking views of Mooselookmeguntic and Upper Richardson Lakes. Allow 2.5 hours to drive. Route Map
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
This trip will take visitors through the southern corner of Maine, known for its historic sites and apple orchards. Route Map
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
