Driving through Maine is an awe-inspiring experience in any season (provided you have four-wheel drive and studded snow tires), but there’s something truly special about fall. Maybe it’s the way our state’s already-grand landscapes explode in a pastiche of otherworldly color, indescribable in their boldness. For us in the know, the best leaf peepin’ isn’t done from the highway, but by navigating the small roads and country byways that crisscross Maine’s varied terrain. From ocean to mountain to fields that stretch forever into the horizon — these are some of our absolute favorite autumn views.
- Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr No fall season is complete without a leisurely trip down the 27-mile road that snakes along the craggy coast and lush inland areas of the crown jewel of Maine’s park system.
- Roaring Brook Road, Baxter State Park
Jeff Walters / Flickr The wilderness gets even wilder, in brilliant hues of red and gold, along the rugged road to Baxter State Park’s most popular campground
- The Golden Road, Millinocket
The Shared Experience / Flickr
The Shared Experience / Flickr The lonely logging road that stretches 96 miles from Millinocket to St. Zacharie, Quebec, offers prime leaf peeping against the dramatic backdrop of Katahdin.
- Newry, Oxford County
Tom McC. / Flickr If you can believe it, the Sunday River Bridge (also known as Artists Bridge due to its reputation as the most painted and photographed covered bridge in Maine) becomes even more picturesque once the fall season gets into full swing.
- Moosehead Lake Region, RT-6/RT-15
Jeff Gunn / Flickr The road that skirts Moosehead Lake offers majestic autumn views, and if you’re lucky, a moose or two.
- Mt. Blue State Park, Weld
The B’s / Flickr Whichever road you take to reach Mt. Blue State Park in Franklin County is guaranteed to look more like a painting than real life.
- Haynesville, Route 9
Knowsphotos / Flickr Even though it hooks up with one of Maine’s most haunted roads (see our Ultimate Haunted Maine Road Trip), during the fall season this drive is so pretty it’s scary.
- Bath to Georgetown, Route 127
Dave Hensley / Flickr This colorful coastal jaunt through Sagadahoc County will take you right by the Doubling Point Lighthouse for a double dose of Maine flavor. Speaking of Maine flavor, this trip ends at Five Islands Lobster. If you hurry, you might be able to catch them before they close for the season in mid-October.
- Limington, York County
Stephen O’Grady / Flickr The further south you go, the later you’ll be able to catch fall’s most glorious displays. That means there’s still time to enjoy peak foliage in Limington. While you’re there, head to Brackett Orchards to pick your own apples in an absolutely beautiful country setting.
Maine nature never ceases to amaze us… but fall happens to be one of our favorites. So get out there and catch the colors of the season while you still can! And while you’re at it, let us know about all of your most spectacular fall drives, hikes and views.
Paul VanDerWerf / Flickr
No fall season is complete without a leisurely trip down the 27-mile road that snakes along the craggy coast and lush inland areas of the crown jewel of Maine’s park system.
Jeff Walters / Flickr
The wilderness gets even wilder, in brilliant hues of red and gold, along the rugged road to Baxter State Park’s most popular campground
The Shared Experience / Flickr
The lonely logging road that stretches 96 miles from Millinocket to St. Zacharie, Quebec, offers prime leaf peeping against the dramatic backdrop of Katahdin.
Tom McC. / Flickr
If you can believe it, the Sunday River Bridge (also known as Artists Bridge due to its reputation as the most painted and photographed covered bridge in Maine) becomes even more picturesque once the fall season gets into full swing.
Jeff Gunn / Flickr
The road that skirts Moosehead Lake offers majestic autumn views, and if you’re lucky, a moose or two.
The B’s / Flickr
Whichever road you take to reach Mt. Blue State Park in Franklin County is guaranteed to look more like a painting than real life.
Knowsphotos / Flickr
Even though it hooks up with one of Maine’s most haunted roads (see our Ultimate Haunted Maine Road Trip), during the fall season this drive is so pretty it’s scary.
Dave Hensley / Flickr
This colorful coastal jaunt through Sagadahoc County will take you right by the Doubling Point Lighthouse for a double dose of Maine flavor. Speaking of Maine flavor, this trip ends at Five Islands Lobster. If you hurry, you might be able to catch them before they close for the season in mid-October.
Stephen O’Grady / Flickr
The further south you go, the later you’ll be able to catch fall’s most glorious displays. That means there’s still time to enjoy peak foliage in Limington. While you’re there, head to Brackett Orchards to pick your own apples in an absolutely beautiful country setting.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
