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