| Fall foliage scenic drives in Maine are varied and | | | | foliage. For those spreading this scenic drive over |
| include coastal drives around Acadia National Park | | | | multiple days this is a must-do side trip. |
| and the rocky coastline of upper Northern Maine | | | | The Greenville area also boasts splendid hikes |
| to Baxter State park region. I've chosen this one | | | | along the close-by Appalachian Trail, and is the |
| because it's especially stunning in fall foliage | | | | preferred stop over town in the area if you're |
| season. Read on... | | | | intending to do any of the excursions over |
| Fall foliage scenic drives in Maine are varied and | | | | multiple days. Like most lodging in New England |
| include coastal drives around Acadia National Park | | | | during the fall season... book early. |
| and the rocky coastline of upper Northern Maine | | | | The scenic drive continues along Route 6/15 |
| to Baxter State park region, to some of the | | | | passing Big Squaw Mountain and Ski Area on the |
| larger lakes in the state. Many of the scenic drives | | | | left, and winding along the Moosehead Lake shore |
| emphasize the rugged wilderness of thick forests | | | | to the village of Rockwood. Once at Rockwood |
| and impressive mountain terrain of the Maine | | | | you'll see across the water the imposing Mount |
| backcountry. | | | | Kineo with its sheer cliff face rising over 700 feet |
| Maine is one of the most heavily forested states | | | | from the deepest point in Moosehead Lake. |
| in the nation, containing over 17 million acres of | | | | Stay on Route 6/15 and head west to Jackman. |
| natural beauty, hikes, and magnificent summer | | | | This 30-mile portion of the scenic drive is all about |
| scenic drives. One of the drives is nicknamed | | | | Maine wilderness. You'll find plenty of opportunities |
| "The Lakes and Leaves" and I've chosen it | | | | to stop and admire the fall foliage views in the hills |
| because it's especially stunning in fall foliage | | | | and on scenic lookouts across the lakes and |
| season. | | | | ponds along the road. |
| The "Lakes and Leaves" route follows a 218-mile | | | | Just south of Jackman Route 6/15 will connect |
| loop through central west Maine along the lower | | | | with Route 201, and you'll follow Route 201 south |
| western shore of Moosehead Lake, and then runs | | | | towards The Forks along the National Scenic |
| parallel with the tree-lined banks of the Kennebec | | | | Byway. Jackman is a canoeing center, famous for |
| River. It's best experienced over a few days | | | | the 42-mile Moose River Bow Trip. The canoe trip |
| rather than a one-day excursion trip, and lodging | | | | takes two or more days and is a favorite of |
| reservations are recommended during the popular | | | | outdoor enthusiasts. It's one of the few remaining |
| fall foliage season. | | | | wilderness canoe trips in the Northeast, and |
| Let's get you started... | | | | organized tours are run by local operators. |
| In the first part of the tour you'll wind your way | | | | Continue on Route 201 south to The Forks where |
| towards the town of Greenville on the southern | | | | the Kennebec and Dead Rivers meet. The Forks |
| tip of Moosehead Lake. Begin the tour in the town | | | | is base for popular and awe-inspiring whitewater |
| of Skowhegan by taking Route 150 to Route 151 | | | | rafting trips on the two rivers. A few miles west |
| in Athens. Follow Route 151 west to Newport | | | | of The Forks is Moxie Falls, at 90-feet one of the |
| where you'll pick up Route 7 to Dover-Foxcroft. | | | | tallest waterfalls in New England. |
| Take Route 6 to Guilford, and then follow Route | | | | The scenic drive continues south on Route 201 to |
| 6/15 north to Greenville. | | | | Bingham. This stretch of the road follows the |
| At Greenville stop and relax for a bit. Greenville is | | | | Kennebec River through Caratunk, offering |
| a center for those seeking the pastimes of | | | | magnificent views of the river and surrounding |
| hunting, fishing, hiking and boating in the area. It's | | | | hills, and is one of the best fall foliage sections on |
| also home to a number of attractions in the area. | | | | this tour. Stop on occasions and marvel at the |
| One such attraction is the 110-foot SS Katahdin, a | | | | way the river has carved out such wonderful |
| popular steamship that cruises on Moosehead | | | | scenery for us to admire. If you've got a camera |
| Lake during the summer and through fall foliage. It | | | | - use it! |
| leaves from the center of Greenville. The views | | | | Follow Route 201 back to Skowhegan to |
| from the ship are dramatic and worth the extra | | | | complete the tour. |
| scheduling preparation. | | | | Unlike other scenic drives in New England this |
| A 20-mile excursion east of Greenville takes you | | | | one's main attraction is the natural beauty of the |
| to beautiful Gulf Hagas. This is a stunning | | | | Maine wilderness, rather than villages and towns |
| 3-mile-long gorge, with waterfalls, water chutes, | | | | or other historic monuments. This is a drive to |
| deep pools, and vertical walls 300 feet tall in | | | | build an outdoor vacation around, but it also |
| places. The hike is especially scenic during fall | | | | makes an ideal fall foliage weekend jaunt. |