Maine’s fall foliage is poised to transform into a stunning tapestry of fiery yellows, reds, and oranges, captivating visitors with its brilliance. Renowned for having some of the most vibrant autumn colors in New England, the state offers breathtaking views from iconic locations like Acadia National Park. The best destinations for leaf peeping vary depending on the timing of your visit, making it essential to plan ahead for optimal experiences.
For details on estimated peak foliage dates, scenic byways, hotels, and more see below.
When is peak foliage in Maine?
- Northern Maine: September 24-October 6
- Central and Western Maine: October 6-20
- Southern and Coastal Maine: October 21-27
These are approximate dates expected for the 2024 season, of course they’ll vary slightly based on weather in Maine. Maine.gov will publish weekly foliage reports throughout the season, for the latest updates.
Scenic fall foliage byways in Maine
Maine has 10 scenic byways to explore the fall foliage, all indicated by a black star on the map. The state also shares three national scenic byways and one 40-mile All-American Road that follows Bar Harbor and Acadia National park.
All of Maine’s scenic byways and when to visit them based on peak fall foliage:
September 24-October 6:
- Fish River (Route 11)
- Katahdin Woods & Waters
- Moosehead Lake
- Saint John Valley
October 6-13:
- State Route 27
October 14-20:
- Grafton Notch
- Million Dollar View (Route 1)
October 21-27:
- Blackwoods (Route 182)
- Pequawket Trail (Route 113)
- The Bold Coast
Picturesque Maine fall foliage train rides
The Downeast Scenic Railroad, different from Amtrak’s Downeaster, is the only dedicated fall foliage train ride in Maine. The nearly 2h our ride travels through Ellsworth Maine on 12 miles of track. The last rides of the season are on Columbus Day, October 14, 2024 and tickets are $25 for adults and $14 for children ages 3-12.
Best places to see Maine’s fall foliage
With 32 state parks, there are dozens of vantage points for admiring the fall foliage in Maine. It’s equally as breathtaking admiring the foliage from a coastal town like Ogunquit or Kennebunkport, which also go big with fall decor around the quaint downtown areas! These are some of the best spots to see foliage in Maine, just make sure you time it right using the foliage tracking map above!
- Acadia National Park
- Asticou Azalea Garden
- Baxter State Park
- Fryeburg
- Grafton Notch State Park
- Kennebunkport
- Ogunquit
- Height of Land on Route 17
Traveling to Maine
Trains from Boston to Maine are just $26 each way. However, if you book 3+ days in advance, enjoy a BOGO 50% off deal on select Downeaster trains. For those in the New England region, Maine is a quick drive, especially from Boston to the Southern Coast. If flying from New England or outside the region the main airports in the state are Portland and Bangor.
Where to stay in Maine for foliage
From glamping tents to waterfront cottages, these are some of the best stays in Maine for fall:
- Under Canvas: for elevated glamping in Acadia National Park
- The Dunes on the Waterfront: for a waterfront stay in charming coastal Ogunquit
- The Nonantum Resort: for a family-friendly stay in Kennebunkport
- Yachtsman Hotel & Marina: for a luxurious front-row abode on the water and overlooking the trees
- Longfellow Hotel: for a stay at the heart of Portland with direct access to fall excursions and city living