9 Short And Sweet Fall Hikes In Maine With A Spectacular End View
By Michelle|Updated on June 03, 2022(Originally published May 29, 2022)
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Michelle
Author
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Welcome to the perfect time of year in Maine! While we all love the summer, there’s just something remarkably special about the fall season in Vacationland. The tourists have cleared out, the air has a slight chill in the morning and the leaves — well — they speak for themselves. As we get ready for colder temperatures later in the year, why not get outside and enjoy this perfect in-between time. These easy fall hikes in Maine are best done in the autumn season, so get out there and enjoy the sights of the leaves changing all over the state.
1. Little River Community Trails, Belfast
Little River Drive, Little River Dr, Belfast, ME 04915, USA
These trails might not come with a summit overlook, but they do offer some of the best foliage views in the midcoast of Maine while you wind your way through town. Begin on Route 1 at the old brick pump house. The trailhead is located at the kiosk near the Belfast Water District office. Look for the blue paint markers on the trees to confirm you're on the right track. Make your way along the Little River for about four miles until you end up near the Walsh baseball field. From here you'll need to make your own way back to where you're parked.
Frequently hitting our list of little-known Maine hikes, we love the Little River Community Trails for the gorgeous views and easy trail.
This is another wonderful trail with some of the best fall foliage views you'll find — but without the elevation gain. Enjoy the views from close to sea level on this 1.5-mile hike through the wooded areas of Acadia National Park.
If you’re looking for a scenic hike in Maine, it’s hard to go wrong when you’re in Acadia National Park, arguably one of the most beautiful places in the state.
The summit of this mountain hike looks out over Northeast Harbor in the 1,000-acre Land & Garden Preserve outside of Acadia National Park. History lovers might like this option. The trails here are said date back to the 1800s. And, have you seen the harbor surrounded by orange, red and yellow? If not, it's certainly a sight to behold!
This hidden gem Maine hike is another great one to do in the autumn season, especially if you’re in the Mount Desert Island area.
4. South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond, Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
The South Bubble hike of the Bubble Mountains is one of the more accessible trails in Acadia National Park. Once you've reached the top, you'll see the famous perched rock, left by glacial activity centuries ago. But, this time of year, you'll probably want to gaze out at the incredible colors instead!
One of the best fall hikes in Maine, the views from the top are worth stopping and soaking in. And when you see the colors change? You’ll be blown away!
Add this hike to a trip to Reid State Park to get as much Maine into one day as possible. The trail itself is short — a little more than a half mile — but the summit is one of the best. From the top, you'll be able to see Maine's coast eastward from Robinhood Cove towards Sheepscot Bay. And in the fall, it's even more spectacular!
If you’re looking for great fall hikes in Maine, Higgins Mountain is wonderful one to do in Reid State Park.
6. Step Falls Trail, Newry
Step Falls Hiking Trail, 1657 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
This hike has a wonderful end, but it's not at the top of a mountain like some of these other hikes. This moderately easy 1-mile trail will bring you directly to the base of the falls, which are among the highest in Maine. Or, for a different vantage point, take the slightly more challenging (though not difficult) hike up to the top.
The waterfall just adds to the splendor, making it one of our favorite scenic hikes in Maine.
7. The Great Head Trail, Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
With its mix of water views and fall foliage, this hike has the best of both Maine worlds. In addition to sweeping views, this hike is wonderful for seeing all of the flora and fauna Maine is famous for. The highest point of the trail is about 145 feet above sea level, reached via a very gradual increase.
One of the best fall hikes in Maine, you could even say this hike is pretty gorgeous all year long and totally worth the trek.
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8. Camden Hills State Park, Camden
Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd, Camden, ME 04843, USA
From the top of Mt. Battie, you'll be able to see some of the best fall foliage that Maine has to offer. Along with the coast and water views we're known for. This view even inspired Edna St. Vincent Millay's poem "Renascence."
Camden Hills State Park are filled with classic Maine hikes offering those spectacular panoramic views. Worth the hike to the top!
9. Wolfe's Neck State Park, Freeport
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
We recommend you hit these trails early to make sure you've got enough time to shop at the Freeport outlets afterward with a cup of hot cider! Walking through the network of Casco Bay Trails will take you from forest to rocky coastline. This one is great for kids and the views all along the way will be beautiful.
This gorgeous scenic hike in Maine is a great one of the autumn season, and you’ll want to explore all 244 acres of this park!
We love this list of fall hikes in Maine. Are there any we missed? Should be put a couple more on there? Let us know in the comments below!
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More to Explore
Fall Hikes In Maine
Megan McDonald|June 03, 2022
What months are best for watching the leaves change in Maine?
Plan your trip from north to south, as peak leaf peeping conditions hit northern Maine around the last week of September through the first week of October. Traditionally, Columbus Day weekend is considered the very best time to see the fall foliage in Maine.
What temperature is Maine in the fall?
Maine is a brisk, comfortable temperature of the low 50’s to the low 70’s during the fall days, and it will drop all the way to low 30’s to low 50’s during the night.
