The days are getting shorter, and the temperatures are dropping, which can mean only one thing: it’s time to plan that Maine fall foliage getaway!
Autumn is a magical season. While it marks the end of warm summer fun and the inevitable march towards winter, it also brings with it a stunning panoply of colors. Reds, oranges, yellows, tans, golds, and all the tones in between.
While autumn’s cloak stretches coast to coast across the country, it doesn’t do so equally. New England is known for its amazing, annual leaf-peeping opportunities and we hope that we don’t appear too biased when we assert that Maine fall foliage is some of the very best.
Here in Searsport, southern coastal Maine, the fall foliage show typically begins around the last week of September and peaks around mid-to-late October. The exact timing varies from year to year, of course, but the Maine state website provides weekly foliage reports every fall to help you plan your visit.
Mid-Coast Maine Fall Foliage Drives
There’s nothing quite like autumn on Penobscot Bay. Though it’s a bit chillier at this time of year, it’s also drier. Plus, the area’s fall colors make the necessity of another layer or two well worth it.
The MidCoast region, primarily farmland in the 1800s, is now mostly small towns and hardwood forests of birch, maple, oak, beech, and aspen interspersed with beautifully contrasting evergreens. Consequently, it’s more difficult to get away from scenes of stunning Maine fall foliage than it is to find them. Just step outside!
Route 1 hugs the bay down to Rockland, providing some 35 miles of absolutely breathtaking autumn scenery. The drive is interspersed with family farms, creameries, wineries, and places like Belfast, Camden, and Rockport.
Hike or drive to the 800-foot summit of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park for sweeping views of Penobscot Bay and the Camden Hills, ablaze in fall color.
Stop by the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. This easy, one mile hike out to the lighthouse on the granite breakwater will reward you with even more lovely Penobscot Bay views.
Following Route 1 south past Rockland, the coastline is rife with potential detours. Friendship Harbor, Pemaquid Point Lighthouse in Bristol, Boothbay Harbor, the possibilities are endless.
Wishing someone else would do the driving so you can take in all that gorgeous Maine fall foliage? Hop aboard the 130 year-old Belfast/Moosehead Railroad for a Fall Foliage Train Ride. The one hour round-trip takes you past the foliage rich woods, streams, lakes, and fields of Waldo County. Fun!
Captain Nickels Inn Fall Special
You can’t go wrong with a New England leaf-peeping getaway and our MidCoast Maine inn is centrally located to some of the best.
Even better, Captain Nickels Inn offers a special fall rate during September and October when you book direct.
Those colors won’t last forever. Book your fall foliage getaway direct at Captain Nickels Inn today and save!
Updated March 2023