The best thing about visiting Maine in October is the wonderful mix of both coastal scenery and autumn colors. Other coastal destinations throughout New England don’t typically offer a lot in the way of fall foliage, but Maine is the perfect exception.
This post is all about fun and festive things to do in the Pine Tree State during the month of October, including the best places for fall foliage, best fall festivals, and fun fall things to do! So, grab your coziest sweater and tastiest warm beverage, and let’s start to plan your fall trip to Maine together!
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Best Time To See Fall Color In Maine
First thing’s first – before planning to see fall foliage in Maine, you have to know when to go. And, the annoying answer is – it depends. As with anywhere in New England during foliage season, color begins to change in different regions at different times. So, depending on where in Maine you want to go, you’ll want to plan your visit at the right time.
The good news is, if you’re planning an October visit, you have a lot of options for fall color, as that’s when most of the state will peak! Foliage will peak in northern regions first, and then trickle down from there.
For Maine, these are the general timelines for peak fall foliage throughout the state:
Northern Maine (Aroostook County, Baxter State Park): Late September, into early October.
Western Maine (Rangeley, The Forks, Grafton Notch, Bethel, Moosehead Lake): Early October
Eastern & Central Maine (Augusta, Bangor): Mid-October
Coastal Maine (Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, Portland, Camden, Boothbay): Mid-Late October
With any of my fall foliage guides about New England, I always say this: Peak foliage times can change each year, and it’s not an exact science. Even dramatic weather shifts as late as September can delay or push forward peak foliage times, so it’s good to know that some flexibility is important.
Most folks have to book their foliage trips in advance since this is a high tourist season, so I know this is frustrating to hear. But, that’s weather for ya, am I right? Generally speaking, though, I’ve found that these general timeframes are reliable. Just know that there’s a chance you may have to adjust expectations if something fluctuates before your trip that affects foliage color.
Best Time To See Fall Foliage In Acadia National Park
While Acadia National Park is a coastal destination, because it’s a bit further north than some of the other coastal towns, it typically peaks a tad earlier than places along the Southern Maine coast, like Kennebunkport. But generally, it falls in line with the rest of the coastline region. The best time to visit Acadia National Park for peak fall foliage is mid-October (between the 13th-15th), lasting through the 22-25th of October.
As mentioned, this can change from year to year, but generally speaking, you can plan a fall foliage visit to Acadia National Park around these times for peak color. I usually recommend getting there right at mid-October for the best foliage.
How Long Does Peak Foliage Last In Maine Before The Leaves Fall?
Once the leaves hit peak foliage in Maine, you can expect them to last, on average, about two weeks on the trees. Some years, they can last longer, and some years, they fall off sooner than two weeks. But generally, two weeks is what you can expect, which means October is the perfect month to visit for the best displays of foliage all month long.
Best Places For Fall Foliage In Maine In October
Okay, now that you’re filled in on when to come to Maine for fall foliage, let’s talk about the best places to actually see it! While there are definitely more than 11 places to see fall foliage in Maine, I narrowed down the very best of the best when it comes to beautiful displays of autumn color, and also considered things to do, and wonderful scenery.
1. Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor
Acadia National Park is undoubtedly one of the best things to experience in Maine, and it always tops my list of best places to visit in New England. But combine the already epic coastal views, amazing hikes, and stunning scenery that exists year-round with the beautiful fall foliage, and it’s even better.
In fact, October is one of my favorite months to visit Acadia because the weather is cooler than the summer, which makes for more comfortable hiking. But of course, the fall color makes Acadia especially worth visiting.
When visiting the park, most people choose to stay in Bar Harbor, which is considered the gateway to Acadia. This charming little town will also have some nice fall color, and is packed with character, great restaurants, and opportunities for boating tours.
Many of the best things to do in Acadia National Park in October are the best things to see any time of the year. The fall color can be found all over the park, so if you’re planning your first visit, plan to do all the popular things, and enjoy the foliage along the way.
Some of the best things to do in Acadia National Park that are also perfect in October are:
- Drive the scenic Park Loop Road for amazing coastal views
- Enjoy sunrise or sunset from the summit of Cadillac Mountain (sunrise is famous, but I love both!)
- Take a scenic hike, with some of my favorites being Beehive, Gorham, and Great Head
- Walk Jesup Path, which is especially beautiful in the fall with foliage color
- Book a table at Jordan Pond House, and get their famous popovers (typically open through end of October)
Here are some of my guides on the Acadia area to help you plan the perfect trip:
- Best Towns To Stay When Visiting Acadia National Park
- My Perfect Acadia National Park Itinerary
- Best & Worst Times To Visit Acadia National Park
- Bar Harbor, Maine In The Winter
2. Camden
One of the best coastal towns in New England for fall color is beautiful Camden. This small little town makes for such an idyllic getaway because of the wonderful Main Street, amazing dining options, and gorgeous waterfront scenery. But it also offers an iconic fall foliage view that’s worth visiting in October just to see it in person.
The view at the top of Mount Battie in Camden is amazing to experience year-round, but it’s especially stunning in October when it’s surrounded by bright fall foliage. At the summit, you’ll get an incredible bird’s eye view of Camden’s harbor and rolling hillsides, and it makes for an awesome photo spot.
To get up to the summit, you can either hike, or drive up via the auto road. I’ve never personally hiked it, but many people have told me they’ve enjoyed it! The auto road is an easy drive, and there’s plenty of parking at the top.
The rest of Camden is also wonderful in October. Enjoy the last of the sailing and boat tours during this time of the year, seasonal dining menus, fewer crowds, and nearby areas that also offer wonderful fall color. Towns close to Camden like Rockport and Rockland are also great fall foliage spots in October.
Here are some fun things to do in Camden, Maine in October:
- Enjoy a sunset sail on a classic Windjammer (usually runs through mid-October)
- Stroll through the cute shops along Main Street
- Explore the rest of Camden Hills State Park
- See more fall foliage at Megunticook Lake
- Visit the nearby towns and lighthouses, like Owls Head Light and Rockland Breakwater Light
3. Baxter State Park
In northern Maine, one of the premier fall foliage locations is Baxter State Park, which provides gorgeous lake views backdropped in stunning fall color. Considered a wilderness region of the state, this is also a top place for spotting wildlife, including the iconic Maine moose.
While this region begins to peak with fall color toward the end of September, you can also catch it if you plan an early October visit.
With over 200 hiking trails to explore, you’ll have no shortage of fall color to see inside the park – it’s pretty much everywhere you go during peak foliage season. But one of the best places for an epic view of Mount Katahdin (Maine’s tallest mountain!) is at Katahdin Lake. From here, you’ll have the lake in the foreground, the mountain in the background, and bright fall foliage between the two. It’s absolutely beautiful!
Since Baxter State Park is a wilderness area, there isn’t much to do besides lots of gorgeous walking, hiking, and boating. But for one of the ultimate nature getaways in Maine in the fall for leaf-peeping, it’s really hard to beat.
4. Rangeley
Rangeley is a gorgeous region in the northwest corner of the state, close to the northern border of New Hampshire. And the fall foliage here is absolutely stunning in October! Since there’s a cute little town right in Rangeley, with restaurants, shops and even a brewery, it’s not quite as secluded as Baxter or Moosehead.
One of the best ways to enjoy the fall foliage in Rangeley is with an incredible Seaplane tour. Because there’s such diverse landscapes and wildlife in the Rangeley area, including multiple lakes, mountains, and even moose, this is probably one of the best areas for a Seaplane tour in all of New England. And in October during peak foliage? Well, it’s simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s surprisingly not as expensive as you may think!
🍁 Click here to check rates & availability for this incredible Seaplane Tour in Rangeley!
Another amazing view to check out in Rangeley in October is the Quill Hill overlook, which offers panoramic views of the mountain vistas bursting with fall color. There’s a road that you can drive right to the overlook, making it easy to visit, and there are even picnic tables you can use for the most epic lunch or sunset dinner of your life.
Some more great fall things to do in Rangeley In October:
- Hike Bald Mountain
- Take a boat tour of the lake to admire the fall foliage
- Better yet, rent a kayak or canoe to enjoy the views at your own pace
- Take pictures at the Height of Land overlook
5. Moosehead Lake
Moosehead is the largest lake in Maine, but also one of the best places for fall foliage in the state. This is another secluded wilderness destination in Maine, there’s an easy way to enjoy the gorgeous fall color in early October, which is by driving the Moosehead Lake Byway.
The 59-mile Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway is wonderful drive through some of Maine’s more remote regions, and also passes by cool things to see like Little Wilson Falls, state parks, and mountain vistas. While this area is usually pretty far from other popular places in Maine, it can make for a fun day trip or a weekend getaway in October!
Also, as I’m sure you’ve gathered from the name 😉, Moosehead is one of the premier places to spot moose in New England. So, if this is something you’re hoping to cross off your bucket list, you’ll want to consider a visit.
Here are some more fun things to do in Moosehead Lake in October:
- Take a moose and wildlife tour for a better chance at spotting animals
- Explore Lily Bay State Park
- Enjoy the views in Kokadjo, which also has wonderful fall foliage
- Take a boat tour cruise around the lake
6. Boothbay Harbor
Another wonderful coastal town for amazing fall foliage in Maine is Boothbay Harbor, which is only about an hour and 15 minutes northeast of Portland. I love this little town for all its coastal New England charm, and while it’s truly wonderful year-round, it’s a great place for leaf-peeping in October.
The harbor is the center of town, and it’s surrounded by autumnal color this time of the year, so you won’t have to go far for great fall photos. And one of my favorite things about Boothbay is all the wonderful boat tours that depart from the harbor. You’ll be able to book a lot of different types of cruises that take you out to enjoy the fall color from a different perspective (and see some lighthouses along the way!).
Boothbay Harbor is perfect if you’re looking for a small-town getaway that’s very quaint and cozy, want nice fall color, and are looking for wonderful coastal views, too.
Here are some great things to check out in Boothbay Harbor in October:
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in nearby Boothbay (just outside of Boothbay Harbor)
- Penny Lane Preserve
- Footbridge Brewery
- Maine State Aquarium
- Cruise out to Burnt Island Lighthouse
Psst! I have an entire guide on the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, if you need more ideas 😉
8. Kennebunkport
The last coastal town on my list to visit in October is Kennebunkport, which also happens to be one of the best places for a Maine vacation year-round. But once again, October is especially scenic and cozy here! Kennebunkport is perfect if you’re looking to book an October getaway in the later part of the month, as it tends to peak closer to the end of October – perfectly coinciding with Halloween 😉
You’ll find a lot of amazing bursts of fall color around Dock Square and throughout Kennebunkport in October, making the coastal scenery even more beautiful. The side streets are also lined with colorful fall trees and historic homes beautifully decorated, which feels quintessentially New England, and provides visitors with the best of both worlds during their stay.
There’s a great postcard moment right on the Kennebunkport Bridge in Dock Square where you’ll often see three little rowboats in the cove, backdropped by bright autumn foliage. But all through The Kennebunks in Maine is really such a wonderful place for leaf-peeping in the later part of October.
Fall is also a great time to visit because Kennebunkport is usually very busy and crowded in the summer months, but is much quieter and less expensive in October.
Here are some fun things to do in Kennebunkport in October:
- Hop on the Pumpkin Patch Trolley
- Attend HarvestFest in Kennebunk
- Sip on fall cocktails at Batson River
- Savor seasonal flavors at Earth, an amazing farm-to-table restaurant
- See all the fall decorations around town
- Take a brisk walk on the ocean, bundled up in your favorite sweater
- Book a cozy stay at the Cottages At Cabot Cove, which feels like a fall fairy tale!
7. The Forks
A lesser-known area of Maine is a gorgeous region called The Forks, which is in the Kennebec and Moose River Valley regions of the state. Located right where the Kennebec and Dead Rivers intersect, The Forks puts on a gorgeous show of fall color in the first week of October.
In fact, the drive from The Forks to Moosehead Lake was named by Travel & Leisure as one of the country’s best fall foliage drives! So while The Forks has plenty in the way of fall color, one trip you can consider is visiting both of these regions, and really savoring the drive along the way.
Even if you want to just visit The Forks, one of the best things to do to enjoy the fall color is to hit the road. Not only is the drive between here and Moosehead exploding with foliage, there are actually three looped drives in The Forks that make for a perfect fall day trip.
A great town to start in for a scenic fall road trip around this area is Skowhegan, and Route 201 will turn into Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway. This route will take you by some of the best scenery in the area, including gorgeous fall foliage displays.
9. Bethel
For a small town getaway in the mountains, Bethel is hard to beat in the fall season! Located in western Maine, Bethel offers idyllic scenery, tons of foliage in early to mid October, and fun things to do.
One of the best ways to enjoy fall foliage in Bethel is by heading up a mountain peak at the Sunday Mountain Ski Resort. The ski resort keeps their chairlifts and gondolas open during peak foliage time, and from the top, you can enjoy sweeping mountain vista views covered in fall color. There’s even a cute covered bridge you cross over to enter the ski resort, which makes for a great fall photo.
You also have the option to head out on a scenic drive, sip on seasonal craft beer at the local breweries, and walk the Bethel Pathway for the perfect October getaway.
Psst! I have a detailed guide on Things To Do In Bethel, Maine, if you’re looking for more suggestions 😉
10. Grafton Notch State Park
Close to Bethel (just 20 minutes away, in fact!) is the wonderful Grafton Notch State Park, which is also bursting with color during the first part of October. Since these two destinations are so close together, they can easily be combined for a wonderful fall getaway in western Maine.
Since the entire park is alive with bright colors this time of the year, you don’t have to look hard to enjoy the foliage scenery. And really, all the best things to do in the park are equally as perfect, if not better, in the fall.
There are two hikes I recommend for epic fall foliage overlooks that rival those found in New Hampshire: Table Rock and Eyebrow. The easier of the two is Table Rock, which is just over 2 miles and moderately challenging. The view from the top is truly breathtaking, and reminds me a lot of popular places in New Hampshire like Franconia Notch and Dixville Notch.
The second incredible hike is the Eyebrow Trail, which offers an equally as epic mountain view that’s especially gorgeous in the fall. This trail is more challenging, and since the views are about the same as far as your reward at the top, I would say to pick which one suits your agility level the best. Both of these hikes of such gems in Maine!
11. Aroostook County
The most northern parts of Maine that border Canada can be found in Aroostook County, which is truly a wonderful destination for fall color in the state. While further away from pretty much every other region, it’s most definitely worth visiting if you’re able to work it into your itinerary. This is another region that begins to peak in late September, but you can still catch the gorgeous fall color in the first part of October.
This area reminds me a lot of Vermont in the fall season, and you’ll find charming little towns, scenic drives, and idyllic rural landscapes – which is pretty much as perfect as it sounds.
One of the best places to enjoy fall color in this region is the Haystack Mountain overlook in Castle Hill, which requires a short hike that’s moderate in difficulty, but offers panoramic views that are breathtaking in the fall season.
For a guided foliage tour, you’ll want to head to Presque Isle to hop aboard the historical society’s Molly The Trolley! Not only is the name, well … perfect 😉, this 3-hour tour takes you through gorgeous areas with fall foliage, and does a fantastic history narration along the way.
My guides on some of the destinations listed above that you may find helpful:
Where To Stay In Maine In October: Best Towns & Hotels
Wondering where to actually stay in Maine in October during your visit? From this list, these are the best towns to stay in for foliage, things to do, and awesome accommodation options:
- Bar Harbor
- Kennebunkport
- Boothbay Harbor
- Camden
- Rangeley
Bar Harbor, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor, and Camden are all coastal towns, and offer the best of both worlds when it comes to beautiful fall foliage, water views, quaint New England charm, and lots of things to do. They also feel quintessentially Maine, and are perfect for first-time visitors, and those looking for a bit of everything.
Where To Stay In Bar Harbor:
Where To Stay In Kennebunkport:
My favorite place to stay in Kennebunkport is the Cottages At Cabot Cove. They’re typically open through the end of October, and you’ll see lots of fall color at the property, with canoeing around the cove as a free perk for guests!). The property is all independent cottages that feel like a story book world – it’s so lovely here.
Here are some more awesome places in Kennebunkport:
🍁 Captain’s Collection Historic Inns
Where To Stay In Boothbay Harbor:
🍁 Harborage Inn On The Waterfront
Where To Stay In Camden:
Rangeley is perfect for a fall getaway that’s more secluded, but still offers lots of opportunity for leaf peeping and lake views. Rangeley is close close to the New Hampshire border, and the White Mountains, so you could combine these two into one longer trip.
Where To Stay In Rangeley:
🍁 Lakefront Cabin Rental With Water Access
You can also choose to stay close to Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park, which are some of the most secluded destinations on this list, and not really near a lot of other attractions and things to do. For these reasons, they’re not the best choice for everyone. But, for those looking to really get away from it all, these destinations can be very magical. Especially if you’re hoping to spot a moose!
Where To Stay Near Moosehead Lake:
Where To Stay Near Baxter State Park:
Best Fall Activities To Experience In Maine In October
When you’ve had your fill of foliage hikes and admiring the fall color, and you’re looking for other ways to enjoy Maine in October, here are some of my favorite things to do this time of the year!
12. Apple Picking, Of Course
Apple picking is probably one of the best things about fall, and Maine has some absolutely gorgeous orchards to visit in October! A few of my favorites are:
- Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner
- Rocky Ridge Orchard in Bowdoin
- Randall Orchards in Standish
- Wallingford’s Fruit House in Auburn
- McDougal Orchards in Sanford
All of these orchards offer wonderful trees for U-pick apples, cider donuts, and have pumpkins available for purchase, too.
I especially love to visit Richer Hill Orchards to try their hard cider, and Rocky Ridge for their awesome farm stand and donuts.
13. Visit A Haunted House
Looking for more thrills? Then add a haunted houses to your Maine in October itinerary! The Haunted Grandview Manor in Lebanon is one of the best in the entire state, but they also have no-scare nights for young children that want some Halloween tricks, but might not be old enough for the full experience.
Fright Fest at the Farmington Maine Fairgrounds is another awesome one to check out, and you get to experience three houses with your admission ticket!
Haunted Overload In Lee is also worth visiting for lots of thrills! But they also have no-scare tours available for those that like a few goosebumps, but don’t want to worry about what goes bump in the night.
14. Sip On Seasonal Brews & Hard Ciders
Maine is one of the best states in New England for craft breweries, with Portland being a mecca for beer lovers! This time of the year, the breweries release amazing fall-inspired drinks that feature notes of apple, pumpkin, and warm spices. I have an entire post on the best breweries in Portland, Maine, which you can check out here.
But let’s not forget the hard cideries! While I love a good fall beer, the past few years I’ve been gravitating more toward ciders in the fall, which feel especially perfect during the month of October. There are wonderful cideries all over Maine to check out, but some awesome ones to check out are:
- Absolem Cider Company
- Tin Top Cider Co.
- Norumbega Cidery
- Ricker Hill Mainiac Hard Cider
15. Head Out On Your Last Whale Watch Of The Season
October is generally the last month companies offer Whale Watch tours, and many of them stop running after Indigenous People’s Weekend. So, if going on a whale watch is on your radar for your fall trip, now is the time to go! Here are some great tours to check out:
- Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
- First Chance Whale Watch in Kennebec
- Cap’n Fish’s Cruises in Boothbay Harbor
- New England EcoAdventures in Kennebunkport
Best Fall Festivals & Events In Maine In October
16. The Freeport Fall Festival
Taking place the first weekend in October, this festival is perfect if you’re looking to visit the L.L. Bean Flagship Campus, and plan the perfect fall afternoon out!
During this festival, you can expect live music, free activities for the kiddos, artisan and craft vendors, and delicious food vendors. Be sure to swing inside the store and pick up a new, cozy fall sweater, too – L.L. Bean sweaters are some of my fall staples and favorites!
17. Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
One of the coolest fall festivals in Maine to check out is the Pumpkinfest & Regatta in Damariscotta, and you’ll definitely want to plan to be there to see the Regatta for yourself. During this event, locals race across the waters in their own boats carved out of giant pumpkins, and it’s honestly such a fun experience to cheer them all on.
Taking place for Indigenous People’s Weekend in October, you can also expect lots of other exciting events during the festical, including giant pumpkin displays lining the town’s streets, a pumpkin car derby, music and dancing, parades, and so much more.
18. Fall Foliage Festivals In Boothbay Harbor
Also on Indigenous People’s Weekend, you can attend the Fall Foliage Festival in charming Boothbay Harbor. During this event, the Boothbay Railway Village’s grounds are turned into a festival fall marketplace, featuring food and craft vendors, and live music.
During the festival, you can also book a ride on their scenic railroad for a fall foliage tour around Midcoast Maine.
19. Harvest On The Harbor In Portland
For any foodies visiting Maine in October, you’ll want to get tickets for the Harvest on the Harbor events, which highlight the incredible Portland culinary scene that it’s known for.
For those over 21, you can choose different food and drink experiences that are expertly curated to highlight the very best of Maine’s dining scene. Choices range from the Lobster of the Year event, where you can sample different lobster dishes paired with prosecco and wines, or the Gourmet Graze, which features the best chocolates, cheeses, wines, and coffee.
Weather In Maine In October
Just like peak foliage times, October weather in Maine depends a lot on what region you plan to visit, as the more northern areas will feel cooler than the southern regions. It’s also good to know that New England weather in the fall can be all over the place, and you could have warm and sunny days, and then the next day, it could be cold and rainy.
Generally, though, you can expect to pack sweaters (especially if you’re heading up north), and jackets.
Here’s a general guide on average temperatures in each region of Maine in October
Northern Maine: Highs between 52-55°F, lows between 35-40°F
Western, Eastern, & Central Maine: Highs between 55-60°F, lows between 38-42°F
Southern Maine: Highs between 58-62°F, lows between 42-45°F
Pro Tip: Since weather can vary quite a bit, I suggest you check the weather reports a few days before leaving to ensure you’re packing appropriately.
Is Maine, Vermont, Or New Hampshire Better In October?
Personally, I do slightly prefer Vermont and New Hampshire’s fall foliage over Maine. That’s not to say that Maine doesn’t put on a wonderful show in the fall season, it’s just that there’s something very special and magical about Vermont and New Hampshire in the fall season. Vermont and New Hampshire are also smaller, and it’s easier to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, whereas Maine is a much bigger state that requires you to pick and choose regions for a shorter October getaway.
However, if you have a longer fall trip planned in New England, I encourage you to visit as many places as you can, including Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts!
Maine is the perfect destination in the fall if you’re looking for both amazing coastal scenery, and beautiful fall foliage because that’s where it really stands out from other states in New England in October. But Vermont and New Hampshire are hard to beat in the fall (they just don’t have that stunning coastal scenery!).
More Of My Maine Travel Guides:
- Maine In November: Is It Worth Visiting?
- Maine In The Spring: Where To Go & What To Do
- Blueberry Picking In Maine
- Maine In The Winter
- Portland, Maine In The Winter
- Best Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
- Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
- Where To Find The Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine
- The Best Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
- Summer Vacations In Maine
More posts you may enjoy:
- Spookiest Haunted Houses In Maine + Haunted Places You Can Actually Visit!
- Thanksgiving In New England: Cozy Getaway Ideas & Things To Do!
- Fun Day Trips From Bar Harbor, Maine
- Guide To Visiting Ogunquit, Maine
- Is Lubec, Maine Worth Visiting?
- Best Time To Visit New England
That’s A Wrap On Maine In October!
And there you have it – all my tips on the best places for fall foliage in Maine in October, and cool things to do to celebrate this very magical season. If you visit one place on this list, definitely let it be Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park – especially if you’re visiting for the first time. But a fall road trip through the entire state is also a wonderful way to experience all the beautiful fall color and community events. Happy planning!
