If you haven’t been before, fall in Maine is pretty awesome and it’s beautiful. Doing a road trip or planning a few days here and there is a really fun way to experience the state whether you’ve been here before or if it’s your first visit. From Portland to Acadia National Park and up to the Highlands of Maine, fall is such a special time to explore and enjoy all the things that make it awesome.
New England in autumn is picturesque, but specifically Maine in fall is one of the best road trips in the United States. I’ve put together an easy to follow, easy to book road trip route with activities and where to stay that is perfect for an immersive Maine fall colors and fun experience. If you have any questions about the stops or need additional recommendations on where to stay, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan great trips to share with your family.
Check out our Maine website, MaineExplored.com!
Why Do a Road Trip through Maine in Fall?
Maine is always fun, but in the summertime it can be very busy and also very expensive. If you shift your plan to visit in fall, you’ll get both fewer people and better rates for hotels and glamping options. And fall is when you can enjoy Maine’s farm country at its peak AND it’s the start of Aurora season AND it’s when the moose rut begins AND the Indian summer effect… Maine in fall is when you get the best of the state at the easiest time.
When you think about a road trip, you might consider one as an epic journey covering two thousand miles with long days of driving, but you don’t need to do it that way. When you’re in Maine you can easily plan a road trip where you change your destination or home base every few days and cover a lot of ground, but you do it slowly and really get to enjoy the stops. A slow road trip in Maine in fall is both fun and relaxing.
Check out our Maine Summer Road Trip plan too!
Maine Regions to Visit in Fall
So much of Maine is covered in deciduous trees, so the fall colors creep in and most of the state turns yellow and orange starting in mid September. By mid October the Highlands are nearly done with their colors and DownEast is at its peak. By the end of October MidCoast and Southern Maine are at their most saturated, colorful fall look and the temperature has dropped significantly.
When you’re planning your road trip around Maine in fall, I recommend starting at the northern end of the road trip route so you can capture the autumn leaves at their peak as the wave of change moves southward. Up in the Highlands, when the leaves start to change it happens fast. There are times when you head out for a day of exploring and when you return in the evening the green leaves have fully transitioned to bright yellow, or yellows into oranges… all in a day.
The best fall leaf peeping road trip route in Maine goes like this:
- Arrive into Portland (PWM) or Bangor (BGR) ->
- drive to the Highlands (Millinocket) ->
- head DownEast (Bar Harbor and Acadia NP) ->
- visit MidCoast Maine (Camden and Rockland) ->
- finish in farm country (Freeport and Brunswick) -> Depart.
Where to Stay in Maine in Fall
Of course the weather is going to vary each year, but because Maine tends to get these wonderfully warm Septembers and really lovely Octobers, the options to camp or glamp are 100% on the table when you’re planning your fall road trip. Yes, hotels are an option too, but if you can spend a little extra time immersed in the outdoors, why wouldn’t you?
We’ve stayed in several glamping and cabin resorts in Maine and love this option for fall travel. In the Portland/Freeport area we’ve stayed at the Desert of Maine and Sandy Pines Campground, in MidCoast we’ve enjoyed the Drift Oceanside Inn and Sea Swell Megunticook Cabins, DownEast we LOVED the Terramor Outdoor Resort, and in the Highlands we’ve had cabins at the New England Outdoor Center and have rented cabins in other small towns. There are lots of options! Yes, the hotel route is fine too, and there are some great ones, but glamping in Maine is awesome!
Desert of Maine – Freeport
Year round, Freeport is a fun place to be based, with lots of things to do and great restaurants and shopping in town. Also, my favorite grocery store in Maine is in Freeport, the Bow Street Market. The Desert of Maine is a really fun glamping experience and it’s just 10 minutes from the town. Here at the Desert of Maine you’ll find platform tents that are fully furnished, A-frame cabins with decks, modern cabins in the woods, and beautiful geodesic domes that are out of this world. We’ve stayed in the A-frame and dome and both are beautiful and unique ways to glamp. The fall colors of Maine seep in through all the windows and it’s perfect.
And does the “Desert of Maine” sound like a weird title? Yes, it’s actually a big sandy area in the hills reminiscent of a desert. And while it isn’t an actual desert there are sand dunes and a whole other geologic story to the area. You can explore the dunes and all around the “desert” there are exhibits and things to do. There is a fairy maze, forest trails, historic structures, and more. I think my favorite activity at the Desert of Maine is the mini golf, which is actually the nicest and most well built mini golf course I’ve ever seen (and my kids make me do them everywhere we go). The Desert of Maine is a great destination for its own trip or for a home base when you’re doing a road trip through Maine in the fall.
Terramor Outdoor Resort – Bar Harbor
On the higher end of glamping, the Terramor Outdoor Resort in Bar Harbor is on the edge of Acadia National Park. It’s gorgeous here and the platform tents are all built so beautifully and can accommodate a whole family. Full bathrooms, sitting areas, bunk beds, a king bed, morning coffee setup, heaters for when it gets cold… Terramor is legit glamping because all of the accommodations are in canvas tents but it feels like a hotel.
Something cool about Acadia National Park is the shuttle service from all around the park and through it. There is a shuttle pickup at the entrance to the Terramor Outdoor Resort and it can get you into the town of Bar Harbor or drop you and pick you up at lots of different stops all around Acadia NP. With the free shuttle service, it makes staying at the Terramor Outdoor Resort an easy option.
While you’re staying here at Terramor, you should also try to take advantage of the amenities at the glamping ground. We did the coolest beekeeping experience and really enjoyed both learning about the bees and about the environment of Mount Desert Island (where Acadia is located). Also, the stargazing from here is AMAZING! The sky is so wonderfully dark that you get to really clearly see the Milky Way and endless stars. I loved staying here!
New England Outdoor Center – Millinocket
I didn’t know that staying at the New England Outdoor Center was going to be so much fun, but it’s actually much more than a cabin resort, as it’s got wildlife tours, kayaks, mountain biking and more. They have a whole range of accommodations, from large newly renovated cabins that sleep 10+ to smaller, more vintage Maine cabins on Millinocket Lake. It’s a beautiful setting and when you’re at the lake and look out across the stillness, Mount Katahdin looms over you, draped in fall colors.
Besides having tons of space in a great cabin, we took full advantage of the activities at the New England Outdoor Center (NEOC for short). Since the camp is located beside the Katahdin Area Trails system, we got to rent mountain bikes and ride all through the woods. There are different levels of difficulty, so you don’t need to be a pro. Kayaking on Millinocket Lake is beautiful, and the water is amazingly clear. There are islands and coves to explore, and if it’s still pretty warm, the lake is great for swimming.
The reason we were staying at NEOC (besides the awesome accommodations and setting) was for its close proximity to Baxter State Park. There’s not much in the town of Millinocket, so the park is the big draw. You’ll see why as you keep reading.
How Much Time Do I need?
If you can spare a solid week 7-8 days that’s plenty of time to see a lot of Maine and enjoy the fall activities without feeling like you’re missing out. You could spend five days and cut out one of the regions we recommend, but a full week is the best option. Maine in fall brings autumn colors along nearly every roadway, so whether you’re driving Highway 1 through MidCoast or you’re deep in the hills of the Highlands, you’ll get your fall colors fix.
If you’re interested in doing a fall Maine road trip but don’t have tons of time, you can fly into either Bangor or Portland and then choose just one destination. I would pick either Millinocket for the Highlands or DownEast for Acadia NP and Bar Harbor. Any amount of time you can spare is great, so if it can be longer do it, but you won’t regret a short trip either.
Maine in Fall Road Trip Plan
And now for a really fun, beautiful itinerary that will bring you to the best fall colors and awesome activities in Maine. Remember that you can always adjust a travel plan by adding or removing a day from the itinerary so that it fits your time, budget and interests. If you’re unsure how to adjust this trip to best suit your family or friends, just let us know and we’ll get you all sorted!
Day 1: Begin in Portland, Maine
As you arrive in Maine, you’ll likely fly into Portland (PWM) and unless you’re arriving from Boston or Philadelphia on a direct flight, you’ll like lose half of the day or more to airport time. Enjoy whatever time you get on your first day in Portland. It’s actually a bigger city than you might think and it’s beautiful.
Downtown Portland has both the Portland Museum of Art and the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House (part of the Portland Historical Society), and both are an interesting stop to make to get in the groove of Maine history and art. If you head a few blocks down to the waterfront you’ll have lots of nice shops and restaurants to enjoy, and if you choose to stay downtown for the night, you’ll have plenty of hotel options. This is our preferred Portland neighborhood for an overnight.
Another fun way to enjoy a day in Portland is to visit its three lighthouses. You can start at the Portland Head Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in Maine (commissioned by George Washington), and then pop to the Spring Point Ledge Light to walk the breakwater, and then finish at the Bug Light aka the Portland Breakwater Light. A lighthouse afternoon is a great way to see the sights and get beautiful views of Maine in fall. This is a great start to a road trip!
Sleep in: Portland area, downtown is my pick. We’ve liked staying both at the Aloft Waterfront and Hampton Inn on the waterfront.
Day 2: Exploring Millinocket Lake
Today is your long drive day, but it’s going to be beautiful with the fall colors as you do the road trip up to the Highlands of Maine. Departing from Portland you’ll jump onto either I-295 or I-95 to drive northward to Millinocket. You can either stay on the interstate or you can do the country roads to get there. If you take the long way you can stop off in the little towns, do a little apple picking (we have that later in the Maine fall road trip itinerary), see some covered bridges and just meander your way to the Highlands.
When you arrive, the town of Millinocket isn’t much to speak of since the big mill closed, so downtown doesn’t really have restaurants or museums (there is a nice gallery), but you’re here for exploring the outdoors! Head to Millinocket Lake, either via the New England Outdoor Center or Penobscot Outdoors, to get on the water and go kayaking! Mount Katahdin, the tallest peak in Maine, looms over the lake and so much of the land all around it is protected, so it’s just beautiful wilderness. If you’re not in the mood for paddling, you can also get on the water with a wildlife boat trip. The area is known for its moose, loons and eagles, so this is a wonderful way to see if you can spot them!
If you’re a little more rough and tumble, there are also the Katahdin Area Trails that you can explore on foot or on mountain bike. For those who came to Maine for fall colors, walking or hiking in the woods is a great way to be immersed in the changing leaves. The New England Outdoor Center also rents fat tire mountain bikes if you’re into that. There are some doozy trails to ride and if you have a lot of energy you just have to get out, this is how you do it.
Sleep in: stay at the New England Outdoor Center in their cabins. You’ll need to stop by the grocery store in town to get breakfast food and snacks for your cabin, but both the River Drivers and Knife’s Edge brewing are open for lunch and dinner.
Day 3: Baxter State Park
This is the day where Maine becomes one of your favorite places for fall colors and beautiful sights. Baxter State Park is pretty large with entrance points from the Millinocket side and from the northeast, near Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. For this day though, we’re going to enter through the Togue Gate on the west side. It’s all about hiking and fall colors today, so plan on being able to relax and not be rushed.
TIP: bring plenty of water and lunch/snacks for the day. There are no services in Baxter State Park, and even though you’re on a road trip, you don’t want to drive back and forth continually on the dirt roads because you didn’t bring food and water.
The hikes we like best for fall colors that won’t leave you feeling completely worn out include:
- Sandy Stream
- Russell Pond / Widden Pond
- Little and Big Niagara Falls
- Deicy Pond Loop
- Double Top Mountain – for a challenge
You’ll love all of the small lakes and ponds all through the park. The stillness, the fall colors and the wildlife make hiking in Baxter State Park one of the most beautiful days of your Maine road trip. And remember, don’t forget your picnic!
Sleep in: stay another night here at NEOC. Be sure that you go stargazing and hopefully you’ll see the Aurora Borealis!
Day 4: Acadia National Park in Fall
Now that you’ve gotten to enjoy the Highlands and the peace and quiet of Millinocket Lake and Baxter SP, Acadia National Park is your stop next for your Maine road trip and TONS of fall colors. On your way to Acadia, you can stop in Bangor to check out the downtown area and grab some snacks, or maybe do the DownEast Scenic Railroad before you get to Mount Desert Island. That’s actually a great activity before you have a super active visit to Acadia and you’ll get a solid dose of local history while you relax on the train.
When you arrive in Acadia there are three different ways you can plan your time depending on how active you want to be. You can rent bikes or e-bikes for going all around on the Carriage Trails that cover so much of the National Park, which is my favorite way to see Acadia NP. Another option is to pick a few of the famous hikes in the park and just go for it. The Beehive Trail is epic (and challenging), the Ocean Path goes all along the rocky coastline on Mount Desert Island, or the Jordan Pond Trail to Jordan Ridge.
The other way to see the park is from a vehicle, either your own or the Island Explorer Shuttle Bus that runs all around Acadia and Bar Harbor. You’ll love the fall colors, especially if you get some elevation and can see all around Mount Desert Island.
Tip: reserve entry to Cadillac Mountain for sunset if you can. There is limited access to the peak but you can drive up if you have a reservation and it’s gorgeous. There are trails around it and some of the best views in Maine.
Sleep in: glamping at the Terramor Resort was wonderful! Platform tents and all the comforts of a hotel, but you’re still sleeping in the fresh air. You can also choose to book a hotel in Bar Harbor, as there are lots of options.
Day 5: Bar Harbor Area
Bar Harbor is a beautiful town and besides Acadia National Park there is a ton to do. If you’re staying at the Terramor Outdoor Resort be sure that you have some time relaxing at camp or enjoying the beekeeping experience. It’s a great place to hang out. You can take the shuttle into town and then do some shopping and have a nice meal, and you can visit the Abbe Museum which is all about the Wabanaki nation of Maine and the Northeast.
One of the most popular things to do in Bar Harbor is to go sailing or on a whale watching tour. The waters of Penobscot Bay are amazing and full of whales, porpoises, eagles and even puffins! There are also lots of lighthouses to see from the water. We actually have done a really cool tour with Bar Harbor Whale Watching that took us around to 21 lighthouses including up into Canadian waters. There are lots of great ways to enjoy the Maine coast when you visit Bar Harbor. It’s a great region and will be a highlight of your Maine fall road trip.
Sleep in: stay in Bar Harbor for one more night. There is wonderful stargazing from here on Mount Desert Island and the marshes at the north end of the island.
Day 6: MidCoast Maine for the Day
Driving between Bar Harbor and Freeport (our next stop on our fall Maine road trip) you’ll get to see MidCoast Maine. This is the land of lobsters and coves. There are lots of stops you can make, but I think to keep it easy and still enjoy the vibes, you can choose one of the picturesque towns and enjoy a nice walk about. Belfast is pretty with really good shops and a nice riverfront. Camden is quintessential Maine with a perfect harbor, a waterfall and colorful buildings. Rockland is awesome with the Farnsworth Art Museum and the Maine Lighthouse Museum, and again, it’s just nice to walk around.
You have lots of easy lighthouses you can stop and visit as you go. Our top picks include the Rockland Breakwater Light (amazing), the Owls Head Lighthouse (fun hike), the Marshall Point Light (the Forrest Gump lighthouse), the Pemaquid Point Light (on the Maine state quarter) or any of the many others.
One more great stop as you travel through MidCoast Maine is the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden. The gardens and woods are really pretty and fun to explore and there’s even a tram to take you around. The highlight of the gardens though is getting to see the many Thomas Dambo wooden trolls all through the gardens, and there are lots of trolls to see. From here you’ll continue onto Freeport where we’ll be based for the last two nights of our Maine fall road trip.
Sleep in: Freeport, Maine. The Desert of Maine is awesome with several types of glamping to choose from, including geodesic domes, A-frames, cabins and platform tents. We also love the Harasseeket Inn in Freeport.
Day 7: Hiking and Apple Orchards around Freeport
Start your day either by exploring the dunes at the Desert of Maine if you’re staying here or visiting with a day pass. There’s also some great mini golf and trails here too. When you’re done, today’s plan is a little mini road trip around the Freeport and Brunswick area visiting some local farms. Begin by heading into Brunswick for a walk around downtown. You can visit the Lord of the Rings themed cafe, Elevenses, do a little shopping and maybe even pop over to the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge.
Now it’s time to head to the farms, beginning with Rocky Ridge Orchard. Enjoy apple picking and shop at the farm stand for fresh jam, local honey and all kinds of Maine baked goods. Cider donuts and whoopie pies are standards for fall in Maine. Grab some snacks for your next stop, because it’s a nice hike at Bradbury Mountain State Park. The Northern Loop Trail is great and takes you to the top of the mountain for beautiful views with fall colors and there’s even a picnic table at the top.
Make another apple picking stop at Thompson’s Orchard where they have quite a few varieties to choose from. If you’ve already gotten a lot of apples, maybe just go to stroll through the orchards and check out the farm store. Pineland Farms is on the way back to Freeport and they have all kinds of things to do (it’s great for cross country skiing if you’re doing Maine in winter!). There’s a corn maze, an awesome farm store, berry picking and a really beautiful public garden. End your day back in Freeport for a nice dinner and a stop at the HUGE L.L. Bean store.
Sleep in: Freeport or you can head towards Portland if you have an early flight out.
Day 8: Return to Portland
Today is rather a free day as you end your fall road trip through Maine. You can explore Portland and Cape Elizatbether, pop down to Kennebunkport or just take it easy before you depart. There’s no need to over-schedule this day, so give yourself a chill morning and plenty of time at the airport.
Another idea if you want to see a little more of Southern Maine is to drive down to York and Ogunquit, which are both fun and beautiful in fall. You can head inland a bit and check out Sebago Lake and the Babb Covered Bridge… And of course there are always more lighthouses to visit. Wrap up your Maine fall road trip with a little list of the things you enjoyed and the activities you had to pass up so you can make your plan for next time. You’ll be back, I’m sure!
We have so many ideas for enjoying Maine, whether it’s in fall, summertime for a road trip or if you want to experience Maine in winter. Be sure to also check out our other website ALL about the state, MaineExplored.com. If you have any other questions about planning a your autumn visit, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan a great adventure!
