Autumn in the MidCoast
For us, few sights signify Fall as much as the brilliant colors splashed across Maine every Autumn. The trees start to turn as early as mid-September and often continue their vibrancy as late as Halloween. And really, since we have 57 species of broadleaved trees, pretty much any time you visit in Autumn will give you some beautiful color – starting with the bright oranges and yellows of the sugar maples, moving to the purples of the white ash and the scarlet of the red and mountain maples, and finally to the rich, earthy russet tones of the black and white oaks. It is hard not to find something to delight in, and in our option, there really is no better place to enjoy Fall in all of its harvest glory than beautiful Maine!
If you’re looking for a MidCoast leaf peeping road trip, we highly recommend driving the Coastal Route (or at least doing part of it)! You can leave from our beloved Friendship, drive along the scenic shoreline to the top of Mount Battie and through the picture-perfect towns of Camden and Rockport, before returning inland through the foothills and even more lovely towns like Appleton and Union, just to name a few.
If you’re wanting to view the Fall foliage a little closer to home, there are plenty of spots to choose from. Some of our favorites include:
Hiking in Camden Hills State Park
With over 10,000 acres of forest land, Camden Hills State Park provides many ways to witness the changing colors of Autumn. There are several hiking trails in the park - the Mount Battie Trail is our very favorite! It’s a 1.1-mile hike (via a moderately challenging rock-scramble route or a more accessible fire road) that boasts panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and all the fall colors at its summit. (You can also drive to the top if that’s more your speed!) 😉
Setting Sail from Camden & Rockland Harbors
Both Camden and Rockland Harbors offer a uniquely MidCoast opportunity for more leaf-peeping fun. Many of the sightseeing tours run until mid-October, so you can cruise around and see the best Fall foliage on every side of town! (Just remember to bring a jacket as it can get chilly!)
Riding the Lift at the Camden Snow Bowl
And who could forget the Camden Snow Bowl! While it’s best known as our area’s premier winter attraction, you can also ride one of their lifts in the Fall. Enjoy aerial views of the tops of trees, as well as a beautiful view of Penobscot Bay. And seriously, how many ski lifts can boast views of the ocean!?!
Staying at Three Sisters Farm
Finally, if you’d rather just keep cozy and warm, you can stay right here at the Farm and enjoy the colors on the trees that ring our fields from our screen porch or from the swing in our barn door. Or you can take the 5-minute stroll to the cove near our house where the water is often looking-glass calm in Autumn and enjoy the Fall colors (and beautiful Fall sunsets!) reflected on the water.