How to Enjoy Maine's Fall Foliage

It is said, "Maine...the way life should be". There is no better time to take in the breathtaking beauty of Maine than in the Fall / Autumn when the air is crisp, and the leaves are turning to vibrant hues of green, red, orange, and gold. Best of all, leaf peeping in Maine will cost nothing more than the gas to get here !

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   courtesy of FreeFoto.com

   HEAD TO GREENVILLE:
   
   The Moosehead Lake region in the northern part of the state is one of the most scenic areas in Maine all year round; but the Fall season is especially beautiful. An abundance of wilderness, autumn color, and quaint, small town atmosphere abound.

2. 
    
   Courtesy of FreeFoto.com

   VISIT OTHER COUNTRIES:
   
   In Western Maine, you will find towns with names like South Paris, Norway, Poland and in central Maine: China. These areas provide scenic waterways and rolling hills for leaf peeping.

3. 
    
   Fort Knox and Narrows Bridge

   VISIT FORT KNOX:
   
   Fort Knox is located in a small town called Prospect directly on the Penobscot River. It is one of the best preserved forts in existence today.
   
   Fort Knox offers fantastic fall views, from it's turrets, of the Penobscot River and the new Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory.
   
   OBSERVATORY:
   
   The new Penobscot Narrows Bridge offers a 360 degree panoramic view from one of the towers; 42 stories high ! The bridge is one of only 3 observatory towers in the WORLD !

4. 
    
   Mt. Katahdin

   HIKE MOUNT KATAHDIN:
   
   For the outdoor enthusiast; a hike on some of the trails leading to Mt. Katahdin (or the moutain itself), is a breathtaking event. Bubbling brooks, moose, deer, and other wildlife lend creedence to the adage that Maine is truly "vacationland". If you should be bold enough to venture to the summit; you will feel as if the world is laid out before you !

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   © SPhilbrick

   DRIVE TO KNOX RIDGE:
   
   You won't find the Ridge in any tourguides that you'll read. You'll hear about it from the "locals" only. It is one of the most amazing "hot spots" for appreciating Maine's fall foliage. Located in central maine, it may be tough for the tourist to find without ideal directions, but the view from the top of the hillside will reward you with scenery that stretches all the way to New Hampshire on a clear day.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't have to drive all over the place to view the fall foliage. Fall color will abound anywhere you travel within the state ! From the interstate to back country roads-color is everywhere!
• Don't be afraid to ask the locals
• Guided tours by bus are plentiful in Maine during the foliage season
• Check with Maine officials for peak foliage viewing times by area
• Don't pet the moose ! Ever ! (Seriously, tourists DO try sometimes)
• Be ware that Mt. Katahdin receives snow EARLY in the fall

Resources

• Moosehead Lake region
• Fort Knox and Observatory
• Mt. Katahdin

[prism]

on 2/20/2009 Great article! Brings back memories. Thanks!

[dsarokin]

on 10/1/2008 Great descriptions. I'm heading to update NY, so I hope to get a good fall fix there.

[DUSTYMILLS]

on 9/29/2008 As much as I'd love to come and visit Maine, I don't think I even have enough in savings to afford gas from Oregon! Your very fortunate to live in such a beautiful state. Thanks for the tour.....