Fall Foliage in Maine

Leaf peepers love Western Maine! The leaves start changing in September with peak fall foliage in October. Take a scenic road trip to The Forks, Maine to see the fall colors from the river or the trail. Rafting, hiking, biking, fishing, ATVing, or kicking back on your cabin porch- there is so much to do. Watching the leaves change is an adventure in itself!

Maine’s Fall Foliage by River and Trail

There is nothing like autumn in New England, and Maine tops the list for breathtaking vistas and amazing fall color. Whether visiting for a day or a week, fall in Maine offers plenty to see and explore among a natural riot of color. Take a raft trip on the Kennebec or Dead River. Hike to a waterfall, crunching through fallen leaves under a vivid canopy of foliage. Pack a picnic and take a drive or a motorcycle ride along back roads, stopping at overlooks and creek-side rest areas along the way. Whatever you choose, don’t forget your camera!

Maine Foliage Report

Stay updated as the colors change right here in The Forks with The Forks Area Foliage Report, updated weekly mid September through mid October. Compare to Maine’s Official Fall Foliage Report for the latest news on the leaves around our state, and get to planning the ultimate foliage getaway! Make sure to add rafting to your list – the views of brilliant New England fall colors are amazing from the river!

Kennebec Put in Fall Foliage

Fall Rafting in Maine: Scenic & Revitalizing for Families and Friends

Fall rafting in Maine is a truly unique experience. Crisp mornings, the reflection of colors on the water, and some special high water releases on the Kennebec and Dead Rivers all come to greet us in September and October. The rivers are even more wild and solitary than usual (thanks to the long-departed summer crowds), making each outing more intimate. Plus, value-season rates on lodging and rafting make it even more affordable!

Whitewater Rafting >>

Moxie Falls Foliage

Fall Foliage Hikes: From Leisurely Walks to Challenging Hikes!

Northern Outdoors is at the center of incredible hiking trails. Within minutes of Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort are several great day hikes, including Moxie Falls, a beautiful waterfall cascading 90 feet! Mosquito Mountain is also a popular spot for checking out the colors.

Fall Hikes >>

ATV trail Foliage

ATV Trails: The Best Conditions of the Year are in the Fall!

For a four-wheeled adventure of a different kind, ATVs offer a great way to explore the unique beauty of fall in Maine. Leaves cover the trails and provide a striking overhead canopy under which to ride. Ride directly from your cabin door at Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort! Ample parking and room for trailers. Many overlooks and picnic areas dot the trails offering ideal opportunities to take breaks and enjoy fantastic views.

ATV Trails >>

Fly Fishing Fall

Fall Fly Fishing: Fish the Kennebec River Gorge!

Catch the incredible fall colors while landing a trout or salmon on one of our guided fly fishing trips in the Kennebec River Gorge. This remote section of the Kennebec River is our showcase trip, and we are the only fishing outfitter that guides on this rugged section.

Fly Fishing >>

Fall Foliage Scenic Drives

The Best Maine Scenic Drives for Viewing Fall Colors

The Old Canada Road Scenic Byway, Route 201, passes right by our adventure resort in The Forks as it winds its way through Maine’s mountains to the Canadian border and eventually Quebec City. This stretch of US Route 201 parallels the Kennebec River, Wyman Lake, and the Dead River, and is also known as “moose alley” for its high population of moose! Travel & Leisure rates the drive from The Forks to Moosehead Lake as one of America’s Best Fall Color Drives.

Small and large cabins, condo units, and camp sites, located directly on the ATV trails. Plenty of trailer parking and access to our main lodge, brewery, hot tub, and more!

Northern Outdoors’ base for fall adventuring is in The Forks – get directions.

Adventuring to Maine in autumn is a no brainer: with 90% forest cover, Maine's fall foliage is INCREDIBLE! But, what's the best way to see it all? Whitewater rafting, ATVing, and more make our top 5 list of the BEST things to do in Maine in the fall!