Your Guide To The Best Times And Spots To See Maine’s Stunning Fall Foliage In 2025

Maine transforms into nature’s most spectacular art gallery every autumn, painting the landscape in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds.

From coastal cliffs to mountain peaks, the Pine Tree State offers countless spots to witness this amazing seasonal show.

Fall foliage season typically runs from mid-September through mid-October, with peak colors varying by location and elevation.

1. Acadia National Park

Picture postcard perfection awaits at Maine’s crown jewel, where maple trees explode in candy apple reds against granite cliffs.

Cadillac Mountain provides sunrise views that photographers dream about, while the Park Loop Road offers easy access to stunning vistas. Peak season hits around October 5th to 12th.

Pro tip: arrive early at Jordan Pond for mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks draped in autumn glory.

2. Bar Harbor And Mount Desert Island

Coastal charm meets mountain magic on this island paradise where lobster rolls taste better surrounded by fall colors.

Shore Path offers waterfront strolls past mansions framed by golden birches, while Cadillac Summit Road winds through tunnels of fire-colored leaves. September 28th through October 8th brings peak beauty.

Local tip: grab blueberry pie from a downtown bakery and enjoy it while leaf-peeping.

3. Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway

Maine’s largest lake becomes a giant mirror reflecting sugar maples and birches in their autumn finest along this 54-mile route.

Lily Bay State Park offers lakeside camping surrounded by nature’s fireworks display. Peak colors typically arrive September 25th to October 5th at this northern location.

Bonus points: you might spot an actual moose browsing among the colorful undergrowth near dawn or dusk.

4. Sugarloaf And Carrabassett Valley

Ski slopes transform into rainbow carpets when autumn arrives in this mountain playground known for powder and peaks.

The Sugarloaf Access Road climbs through hardwood forests that glow like stained glass windows. Peak foliage hits around September 20th to 30th due to higher elevation.

Fun fact: chairlift rides offer bird’s-eye views of the valley’s patchwork quilt of fall colors below.

5. Sunday River Area

Another ski resort that doubles as autumn eye candy, where chairlifts become scenic overlooks for leaf lovers.

Artist’s Bridge nearby adds covered bridge charm to your foliage photos, while hiking trails wind through forests painted in every shade imaginable. Expect peak colors September 22nd through October 2nd.

Local secret: the Sunday River Road offers stunning mountain views without crowds found at bigger attractions.

6. Baxter State Park And Katahdin Woods Waters

Mount Katahdin towers over endless wilderness where fall colors stretch to every horizon like nature’s own infinity pool.

Northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, this remote paradise explodes in color from September 18th to 28th. Chimney Pond offers alpine lake reflections that Instagram dreams are made of.

Adventure alert: backcountry camping lets you wake up surrounded by autumn magic few people ever witness.

7. Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway

Historic route through working forests where lumber trucks share roads with leaf peepers on this 78-mile scenic journey.

Wyman Lake creates perfect photo opportunities with surrounding hills reflected in calm waters. Peak season runs September 25th through October 8th along this varied elevation route.

History buff bonus: follow the same path Benedict Arnold took during his failed Quebec expedition centuries ago.

8. Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway

Chain of pristine lakes connected by roads that wind through postcard-perfect New England fall scenery.

Height of Land overlook provides panoramic views across Mooselookmeguntic Lake surrounded by mountains dressed in autumn finery. Colors peak September 22nd through October 5th in this region.

Fishing tip: brook trout bite better when surrounded by golden birches and crimson maples reflecting off the water.

9. Tumbledown Mountain In Western Maine

Alpine pond sits like a jewel surrounded by cliffs and hardwood forests that burst into flames every September.

Moderate hike rewards adventurers with 360-degree views across western Maine’s rolling hills painted in autumn splendor. Peak colors arrive September 20th to October 1st at this elevation.

Swimming brave souls can take polar bear plunges in the mountain pond surrounded by nature’s most colorful amphitheater.

10. Gulf Hagas

Maine’s Grand Canyon carved by the Pleasant River creates dramatic gorge views enhanced by surrounding hardwood forests in full autumn dress.

Waterfalls cascade past granite walls while overhead maples create a colorful canopy. Peak foliage typically occurs September 25th through October 8th in this protected area.

Geology lesson: billion-year-old slate formations look even more impressive framed by golden birch and bright red maple leaves.

11. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens In Boothbay

Cultivated beauty meets wild Maine coast where garden designers work with Mother Nature to create autumn masterpieces.

Tidal gardens showcase native plants in fall glory while woodland trails wind past maples and oaks showing off their seasonal wardrobe. Peak colors run October 1st through 15th in this coastal location.

Garden party: special autumn events celebrate the season with local food and live music among the colorful displays.

12. Sebago Lake State Park In Casco

Second largest lake in Maine becomes a mirror for surrounding forests dressed in their autumn Sunday best.

Sandy beaches offer unique perspectives on fall colors reflected in crystal clear waters perfect for final season swims. Peak foliage hits October 3rd through 12th in this southern location.

Family fun: rental canoes let you paddle through floating leaves while surrounded by nature’s most spectacular light show.

13. Bradbury Mountain State Park In Pownal

Small mountain packs big views across southern Maine’s rolling hills carpeted in autumn colors that stretch toward the coast.

Easy summit trail makes this perfect for families wanting spectacular fall foliage without extreme hiking challenges. Colors peak October 5th through 15th at this accessible location.

Picnic perfect: summit meadows provide ideal spots for lunch with million-dollar views of Maine’s autumn patchwork quilt spread below.

14. Mount Agamenticus In York

Highest peak in York County offers ocean views mixed with inland forest colors creating unique coastal mountain autumn experiences.

Fire tower provides 360-degree panoramas from New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. Peak colors arrive October 8th through 18th in this southern coastal location.

Beach bonus: combine mountain leaf-peeping with afternoon walks on nearby York Beach for the perfect Maine autumn day.

15. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park In Freeport

Casco Bay coastline meets hardwood forest where fall colors frame rocky shores and quiet coves perfect for contemplation.

Tidal pools and osprey nests add wildlife interest to autumn color tours along well-maintained trails. Peak foliage runs October 5th through 15th near this famous shopping destination.

Shopping spree: combine outlet bargain hunting in Freeport with peaceful nature walks through some of Maine’s prettiest coastal fall scenery.