If there’s a great time to come to Midcoast Maine this fall, it’s now! The Pine Tree State is popping with reds, oranges, yellows and golds.
The Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry shows the majority of Maine’s foliage has already hit peak conditions due to the lack of rain everywhere, except in the Midcoast: “Color is still emerging daily in portions of southern and coastal regions of Maine” into October.
This is the perfect time to visit Maine (keeping in mind the state’s COVID requirements), and here are five of the best spots to see blankets of brilliant color.
Camden Hills State Park
This is one of the easiest state parks to access with unparalleled view of Penobscot Bay — either as a hike or from the comfort of your car. There are a number of easy-to-moderate trails, or drive up the The Mount Battie Road (fee required) to picnic at the top and marvel at the scenery that inspired Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poem, “Renascence.” Get more information about Camden Hills State Park.
Apple Picking, Wine Tasting & Leaf Peeping
Drive inland to Hope, Appleton or Union, and you will see more brilliant colors approaching peak conditions. While in Hope, stop at Hope Orchards on the weekends for pick-your-own-apples and just-pressed cider. Or take the gorgeous drive through the countryside to Union, and stop at Sweetgrass Winery and Distillery or the nearby Savage Oakes Vineyard and Winery for a wee nip with your scenery.
Long Peninsula Drive
If you head south on Route One toward Wiscasset, hang a left on Route 27 to Boothbay Harbor. This bucolic drive is a perfect time to play your favorite tunes while gazing at mile-after-mile changing fall leaves. Quieter this time of year, Boothbay is charming with multiple independent stores, breweries and harbor views. Along the way, stop by Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, then jaunt over to East Boothbay to explore light hiking trails in Ocean Point Preserve.
A Lake View from the Top
Maiden’s Cliff, just off Route 52 in Camden, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors year-round. The moderate trail brings hikers to a magnificent vista of tree-covered mountains overlooking Lake Megunticook with a peek of the Camden Harbor in the far distance. Dogs are also allowed on a leash.
Maine’s Pumpkin Trail
Covering 40 miles of Maine’s coastline and quaint inland spots, the Maine Pumpkin Trail had some major events canceled this fall due to Covid-19, but fall foliage seekers will still get their leaf peeping fix while finding fun family activities this month, including corn mazes, lighthouse cruises, farm tours, and pumpkin-carving events primarily in the Freeport, Damariscotta and Boothbay regions. Follow Maine’s Pumpkin Trail on Facebook for the most up-to-date information.
Autumn enthusiasts can visit the state’s official foliage website for all things Maine foliage. For more day trips and outdoors places to explore, check out Maine Lobster Festival’s Travel Blog.
