As fall approaches, the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder. And our trees turn glorious shades of red, yellow, and orange, painting the landscapes of Maine in breathtaking hues. The vast region of The Maine Highlands offers locals and visitors countless opportunities to see the autumn leaves at their most vibrant stage. Our hiking trails lead you to the top of mountains where your view is a veritable kaleidoscope of autumnal beauty. Our lakes and rivers give you a spectacular view from the water. Hop aboard a seaplane and get a view from above that cannot be replicated. Take a scenic drive into the country, stopping to pick apples at a local orchard along the way!

The Maine Highlands is also home to four state parks: Lily Bay State Park and Mt. Kineo State Park in Greenville, Peaks-Kenny State Park in Dover-Foxcroft, and Baxter State Park in the Millinocket region of the north Maine woods. Our region is also home to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. All of these protected and preserved acres are great spots to catch some glorious fall views.

Now that you’ve decided to visit and view our stunning foliage, when should you come? The historic peak foliage dates for the past five years are as follows for The Maine Highlands:

  • 2023: October 18
  • 2022: October 12
  • 2021: October 13
  • 2020: September 30
  • 2019: October 9

Plan a scenic drive or hike. Some of our favorite trains include Borestone Mountain in Monson, Mt. Kineo in Rockwood, or one of the 200 trains through Baxter State Park. If you’re looking for a less strenuous trek through the woods, set your sights on one of the rail trails in our region. Bangor City Forest is another option for a shorter walk through the woods. Check out the various land trusts in our region that boats more than 2,500 miles of trails across Maine.

Remember, the more north you travel, the earlier the leaves turn. You can check the Maine Foliage website, run by the State of Maine, to help you plan your trip.