Discover Your Maine Thing This Fall

Imagine all the things you love most about autumn - is it the bright foliage or apple picking? Perhaps it's going to your favorite fall festival or exploring a new hiking trail. Each fall, Maine's forests turn into a brilliant quilt of crimson, gold and orange, and the pine trees' green provides a lovely balance of cool color. This is the backdrop for some of the best things about Maine.

Fall is ideal for peaceful drives along the state's many scenic byways - through the mountains near Rangeley and Sugarloaf, along the Kennebec River to the Canadian border, or along the Bold Coast, offering even more dramatic views than usual as the blue waters and grey cliffs meet the warmth of the foliage.

It's a great time to stop by an apple farm. Across the state, the farms open up, and families pick Maine's crisp and tart varieties. Apple cider and fresh, hot donuts are a must, too. Every fall, communities celebrate the apple harvest along with the bounty of summer, and the county fairs pay homage to all that's great about this season with livestock competitions, baking contests, local jams and honey and so much more. In October, Damariscotta hosts the Pumpkinfest and Regatta, with (it's true!) pumpkins as the boats.

When you're ready to beat the crowds and find solace in the woods, Maine is the place. Some of the most beloved hikes like Tumbledown, Bubble Rock, or Mount Battie offer simply breathtaking views at the summit as the leaves change. Throughout the state, there are hiking trails for all levels - easy to strenuous - so the whole family can enjoy getting away from it all for a day.

Being on the water in Maine is always a treat regardless of the season - cruising along the coastline and exploring the myriad islands that dapple the shore is simply a boater or kayaker's dream - but in the fall, everything just has a unique quality - the air, the colors - all make for an awe-inspiring adventure.

And at the end of every day, explorers can always find some of the world's best dining. Maine has become a food-lover's destination and our chefs pride themselves on cuisine that is creative, local and sumptuous. There may be nothing more delicious than a fresh, buttered lobster roll at the end of a good, long hike, sitting at the water's edge. Throw in a uniquely flavored Moxie or local brew, and you might just have the best meal of your life.

So imagine yourself immersed in the color and beauty of Maine. Get outside, explore and enjoy. Discover your Maine Thing this fall.

To learn more, check out our multi-media, interactive Maine Thing Quarterly that features road trips.