9 Short And Sweet Fall Hikes In Maine With A Spectacular End View
Welcome to the perfect time of year in Maine! While we all love the summer, there’s just something remarkably special about fall 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 temps later in the year, why not get outside and enjoy this perfect in-between time. These easy hikes in Maine are best done in October and November, so get out there and enjoy!
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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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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."
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.
Know what else you can still do in October? Eat outside in Maine! We recommend these spots for great views!
