Travel + Discover Inland Maine: Best Fall Lodging, Adventures & Foliage Hotspots
- Gerry Caron
- Sep 27
- 5 min read
Travel + Discover Inland Maine: The Best Places to Visit This Fall
When autumn arrives, Inland Maine transforms into a spectacular canvas of fiery reds, brilliant oranges, and glowing golds. The crisp, clean air feels charged with seasonal energy, and the scent of pine, apples, and wood smoke drifts across the Highlands, Moosehead Lake, and the Lakes & Mountains regions.
If you’re looking for the ultimate fall getaway, Travel + Discover Inland Maine delivers what you need to know. With peak foliage hitting between late September and mid-October, you’ll have endless opportunities to explore moose country, pristine lakes, and historic mountain towns—all while avoiding peak summer crowds.
🍁 Pro Tip: Foliage in the Maine Highlands typically peaks first (late September–early October), followed by the Lakes & Mountains region in early to mid-October, and finally the Maine coast in late October.
Greenville · Moosehead Lake · Rockwood
The heart of the Maine Highlands, the Moosehead Lake region is one of the most iconic fall destinations in the state.
🚢 Katahdin Cruises run through mid-October, letting you admire fall foliage from the water.
🦌 Take a Moose Safari—fall is mating season, and your chances of seeing these giants are at their best.
✈️ For a bucket-list adventure, book a scenic floatplane tour with Currier’s Flying Service or Fletcher Mountain Aviation.
🗻 Take the ferry from Rockwood to Mt. Kineo State Park before mid-October and hike to the 700-foot cliffs for jaw-dropping views.
🪖 History buffs can explore the B-52 Crash Site Memorial near Elephant Mountain, surrounded by stunning foliage.
Lodging Options in Greenville & Rockwood
Wilson Pond Cabins – Lakefront cabins with incredible mountain views and excellent fishing.
Moosehead Hills Cabins – Rustic luxury with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and serene lakefront settings.
Wilsons on Moosehead Lake – Spacious cottages, perfect for families or couples seeking adventure.
Moose River Lookout (Rockwood) – A cozy, scenic retreat right on the river with stunning views of Mt. Kineo.
👉 Learn more: Moosehead Lake Lodging & Travel Guide
Millinocket · Baxter State Park
Known as the Gateway to Katahdin, Millinocket is a fall adventurer’s dream.
🍂 Kick off autumn at the Trails End Festival in mid-September.
🛩️ Visit the Fly-In/Cruz-In at Millinocket Municipal Airport in October.
🌲 Take a scenic drive on the Golden Road—100 miles of untouched wilderness bursting with color.
🥾 Explore Baxter State Park or Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument, both offering epic foliage hikes.
Lodging Options in Millinocket
Big Moose Inn – Family-friendly with multiple lodging types and rooftop dining.
New England Outdoor Center – Cabins, fine dining, and guided adventures.
Loon Lodge – Remote cabins deep in the Allagash Lake region.
The Forks · Kennebec Valley
Fall in The Forks is pure adrenaline.
🌊 Experience world-class whitewater rafting on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers (limited fall release days).
🌄 Hike to Moxie Falls, a 90-foot waterfall even more spectacular after autumn rains.
🍁 Drive the Kennebec Valley Scenic Byway and step back in time at Arnold’s Way Rest Area in Bingham.
Lodging Options
Northern Outdoors – Private cabins, riverside campsites, and an on-site craft brewery.
North Country Rivers (Bingham) – Spacious cabins along the Kennebec River, perfect for groups.
Lakes & Mountains Region
If festivals are on your fall bucket list, this region delivers big:
🎡 Fryeburg Fair (late September–early October) – Maine’s largest agricultural fair.
🚤 Paddle or sightsee at Sebago Lake, just an hour from Portland.
🎃 Visit Shaker Village for its October Harvest Festival.
🎿 Head to Rangeley or Saddleback for Oktoberfest, scenic lift rides, and fall foliage festivals.
🏞️ Hunt waterfalls in Grafton Notch State Park or hike Pleasant Mountain.
Lodging Options
Point Sebago Resort (Casco) – Sandy beach, championship golf, and family-friendly activities.
Greenwood Manor Inn (Waterford) – A romantic B&B with gardens and Long Lake access.
Why Visit Inland Maine in Fall?
✅ Peak foliage in every direction
✅ Wildlife encounters, especially moose
✅ Epic outdoor adventures (rafting, hiking, paddling)
✅ Cozy, rustic, and luxury lodging options
✅ Fewer crowds than summer
🌐 Plan Your Trip:
Visit Maine Official Guide → https://visitmaine.comMoosehead Lake Region Travel Info → https://mooseheadlake.org
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 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
Foliage in the Maine Highlands typically peaks first (late September–early October), followed by the Lakes & Mountains region in early to mid-October, and finally the Maine coast in late October.
