10 Unforgettable Fall Scenic Drives in Maine | Best Foliage Road Trips 2025

🍁 Best Foliage Road Trips 2025: 10 Unforgettable Fall Scenic Drives in Maine

When autumn sweeps across New England, Maine becomes a kaleidoscope of fiery reds, glowing oranges, and golden yellows. With nearly 75% of the state blanketed in forest, Maine is the ultimate destination for fall foliage seekers. From the sparkling coastlines to the rugged mountains and remote northern wilderness, every road promises postcard-worthy views.

Here are Best Foliage Road Trips 2025: 10 Unforgettable Fall Scenic Drives in Maine you can’t miss this season.

🚗 1. Sebago Lake via Route 302 – Southern Maine’s Lakes & Foliage

Just 30 minutes from Portland, Route 302 is a winding corridor through Southern Maine’s famous Lakes Region. The crown jewel is Sebago Lake, Maine’s second-largest lake, surrounded by fiery fall colors.

📍 Highlights

• Sebago Lake State Park & Long Lake

• Wildlife sightings: loons, moose, and eagles

• Charming town of Casco, home to 8 lakes and Point Sebago Resort

👉 Tip: Stay overnight at Point Sebago Resort for waterfront lodging, boat rentals, and golf.

🚗 2. State Route 11 – The Fish River Scenic Byway

Running 38 miles between Portage and Fort Kent, Route 11 offers sweeping views of Mount Katahdin and Eagle Lake. This quiet northern drive also brings you deep into Acadian culture.

📍 Highlights

• Overlooks of Katahdin & Eagle Lake

• Moose & bald eagle sightings

• Acadian heritage towns

👉 Stay nearby: Northern Door Inn in Fort Kent or Eagle Lake Sporting Camps for lakeside cabins.

🚗 3. Route 27 to Cathedral Pines – Towering Pines & Bigelow Preserve

In the Carrabassett Valley, Route 27 leads you through Bigelow Preserve and the Cathedral Pines Campground, where massive evergreens pierce the autumn sky.

📍 Highlights

• Flagstaff Lake reflections

• Views of Sugarloaf & the Bigelows

• Cathedral Pines campground

👉 Lodging: Stay at Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel for fall hikes and year-round adventure.

🚗 4. Pequawket Trail Scenic Byway (Route 113) – Saco River & White Mountains

Follow 60 miles of rural Maine beauty along Route 113, hugging the Saco River and White Mountain National Forest.

📍 Highlights

• Mount Cutler overlooks

• Quaint small towns

• Wildlife-rich riverside stops

👉 Stay: Oxford Casino Hotel in Oxford for a fun base nearby.

🚗 5. Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway (Route 201)

An 80-mile hidden gem from Solon to the Canadian border, Route 201 is ideal for remote, crowd-free leaf peeping.

📍 Highlights

• The Forks (famous for whitewater rafting)

• Lake Parlin & Attean Overlook

• Kennebec & Moose Rivers

👉 Stay along the route:

• Northern Outdoors (cabins + Kennebec River Brewery)

• North Country Rivers Cabins in Bingham

• Attean Lake Lodge (off-grid, all-inclusive island stay)

• Maine Lakeside Resort in Caratunk

🚗 6. Ellsworth to Cobscook Bay via Route 1 – Coastal Colors & Ocean Views

Nicknamed the Gateway to Acadia, Ellsworth kicks off this late-foliage coastal drive along Route 1. Fall lingers longer here thanks to ocean breezes.

📍 Highlights

• Gouldsboro Bay & Narragaugus River

• Coastal fishing villages

• Cobscook Bay State Park

👉 Stay: Ellsworth offers affordable inns and hotels like The Eagle’s Lodge Motel, perfect for exploring Acadia.

🚗 7. Acadia All-American Road – Iconic Fall by the Sea

Few routes rival the Acadia Byway, winding through Acadia National Park and ending in Bar Harbor.

📍 Highlights

• Thunder Hole & Sand Beach

• Cadillac Mountain sunrise views

• Bar Harbor shopping & dining

👉 Stay: Choose Bar Harbor Grand Hotel for convenience, or camp in Blackwoods Campground for an immersive park experience.

🚗 8. Western Maine Ski Mountain Route – Peaks & Valleys of Color

Start in Farmington and follow 152 miles of mountain scenery through Rangeley Lake, Mount Blue, and the Kennebec River.

📍 Highlights

• Rangeley Lake State Park

• Saddleback Mountain

• Mount Blue State Park

👉 Stay: Cozy up at Rangeley Inn & Tavern for a mountain lodge feel.

🚗 9. Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway – Height of Land Views

This short but spectacular 40-mile drive features the famous Height of Land, with panoramic views of Mooselookmeguntic Lake.

📍 Highlights

• Moose spotting opportunities

• Appalachian Mountain ridge views

• Richardson Lakes vistas

👉 Stay: Saddleback Mountain Lodge or Rangeley Lake Resort for fall getaways.

🚗 10. Million Dollar View Scenic Byway – Big Beauty in 8 Miles

Don’t let its short distance fool you—this 8-mile route packs some of Maine’s most breathtaking views.

📍 Highlights

• Peekaboo Mountain overlook

• Grand Lake & New Brunswick mountains

• Wildlife corridor for moose, deer & eagles

👉 Stay nearby: First Settlers Lodge in Weston for rustic charm.

10 Unforgettable Fall Scenic Drives in Maine Recap:

🌟 Final Word: Fall in Maine is a Road-Trip Dream

Whether you’re chasing moose near the Canadian border, winding through pine-lined mountain passes, or soaking in ocean breezes along the coast, Maine’s scenic drives deliver some of the best fall foliage in the world. Pack your camera, plan your route, and get ready for an autumn adventure you’ll never forget.

📌 Travel Tip: Maine foliage peaks in late September to mid-October, but coastal regions stay colorful through early November.

What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

• 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

• 🎣 Fishing hotspots

• 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

• 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

• 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations

👉 Stay Connected with Moosehead News & More!

• Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.

🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

• Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

• 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

• Free WiFi & TV

• Backup Generator

• Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs

• Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

• Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.

Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.

Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!

• Phone: 800-544-0300

• Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com

• Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478

• Website: Moose River Lookout

Plan your drive. Capture the colors. Maine awaits! VisitMaine.net or Maine Travel Bureau for Peak foliage information: Late Sept – Mid Oct.