Maine is filled with exciting outdoor activities no matter the season, but in the fall visitors experience Maine at one of its most glorious times of the year. Not only have the majority of the tourists left the state, the foliage from early on until peak is absolutely magnificent. Check out these 10 outdoor activities in Maine. You’ll be glad you did.
Starting in Eddington and winding up in Bangor, kayakers can enjoy the fall foliage from the Penobscot River as they paddle down river during high tide. The water is mostly flat at this time, so it’s perfect even for beginners. Start your trip in the early evening and you’ll wind up at the Bangor docks right around sunset. If you’d like to do this adventure on the Penobscot River as part of a group, contact Bullfrog Adventures. They’ll provide your kayaks and guide you through your arrival in Bangor. They’ll also transport you back to your vehicle unless you’ve arranged to leave it at the parking lot at the Bangor docks. For a bite to eat at lunch or dinnertime, check out the Sea Dog Brewing Company. Both the food and the beer are excellent.
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Shagg Crag offers an exciting rock climbing experience for beginners through experts. Considered “good, granite climbing,” directions must be followed closely in order the reach the base. Located about an hour over the Maine border from North Conway, New Hampshire, the crag is part of the White Mountains range. After scaling the crag enjoy steaks, Italian food and the best martinis around after a day of hiking at 22 Broad Street. Located less than an hour from the crag, lots of outdoor enthusiasts stop here for a bite to eat. Not far from Bethel, enjoy a good night’s sleep at the historic Kings Hill Inn & Barn. Located in nearby South Paris, the ambiance is conducive to pure relaxation.
This adventure resort offers trailside cabins for camping and ATV trails that start at your cabin door! Ride solo or join one of the resort’s group trips. Want to ride your ATV on trails near the Forks, but not stay and ride in the resort? There are beautiful trails that will take you all the way from the Forks to Moosehead Lake . After your day of adventures, head to the on-site brewery, the Kennebuc River Brewery to be exact. Indulge in the most satisfying brews, or take a growler back to your cabin. Nothing feels better than combating the cold weather rolling in by keeping active all day, and then warming up with a pint of spiced malt beverage.
Trails for hikers of all levels take visitors through some gorgeous fall scenery in Acadia National Park. Choose from coastal trails, trails that wind through the beautiful forest and along lakes, too. Climb the famous 7.1-mile hike along south ridge of Cadillac Mountain. After immersing yourself in Acadia's beauty, stop in for excellent coffee at Trailhead Café. Serving breakfast all day, it’s a perfect spot for a post-hike pick me up. Did you forget your walking poles or your hiking boots en route to the Bar Harbor region? Take a visit Cadillac Mountain Sports in Ellsworth. It’s just a 20-minute drive from Acadia National Park, you’ll pass it on your way to the park.
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The highest mountain in Maine, Mount Katahdin is perfect for climbing in the early fall. Part of the Appalachian Trail, amateurs hike it, but it is recommended that climbers have some experience before taking on this challenge. Be aware of the terrain conditions before heading out as this is a steep and difficult summit. If a cold beer or something stronger is on your mind following your climb, the Blue Ox Saloon is the perfect place to enjoy it. You’ll meet locals and travelers alike bonding over excellent food and drinks. For a nearby comfy place to stay, consider the Young House Bed and Breakfast. The warm atmosphere and cozy rooms are perfect after a day of strenuous activity. Each room has a private bath and the breakfasts are hearty and delicious.
Fishermen have loved fishing for salmon in Grand Lake Stream for decades—maybe even centuries. The salmon return to the region in September and October to spawn, so they’re plentiful. Fishing takes place until October 20. Stay at Leen’s Lodge while fishing in Grand Lake Stream. The steak and lobster dinners are said to be phenomenal, and you can fish from the dock. The owner often takes groups out fishing, so sign up to go along. Crumb’s Café & Bake Shop in nearby Calais is known for their delicious coffee and tantalizing baked goods. It’s a great place for a sandwich at lunchtime, too.
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Bear hunting season goes well into the fall, and avid hunters give it a go on their own. The woods in the Grand Lake Stream region are dense, so unless you’re experienced it’s best to go with a guide. Make sure to check Maine's laws regarding hunting bears! Why leave the forest to find lodging? Instead check out the wonderful cabins at Grand Lake Lodge. There are plenty of options to choose from, and the rate is a flat $50 per person in the cooler months. Dogs can also come aboard at an additional $20, with a two dog maximum limit. You can't find a more picturesque spot to wake up to. Enjoying a cup of joe while watching the consume the lake will give you pure serenity.
Rent a party boat for a sunset cruise on Clifton’s Chemo Pond. Maybe you’d prefer an aluminum boat to skirt the lake with instead. Both are available for rent at Maine Lakeside Boat Rentals in Clifton (Don’t let the “summer rentals” part of the website deter you. Rentals are available in the fall, too.) Of course you’ll need a place to stay if plan on spending time in Clifton, so look into staying in one of several fully-equipped cottages and waterfront homes for rent on Chemo Pond or nearby Beech Hill Pond to see which meets your needs as well as for availability. For a home cooked breakfast lunch or dinner, visit the Eagle’s Nest in Brewer, just a 15-minute drive from Clifton. The diner sits on the Penobscot River. This water's edge diner has a quaint atmosphere and delicious food.
There is always something going on or around the corner at Treworgy Family Orchards. You won't miss a beat any day of the week but check their calendar for specific events going on. Go on a hay ride, get swept away by violin music at a concert, get lost in their four-acre corn maze, feed the animals at the petting zoo, and so much more. Don't forget to check out the Night Maze running at the end of October. If you are easily frightened you'll be enchanted to hear that this has no scare-factor to it. Check the website to find a date and time to go! After spending a good portion of the day admiring the orchard and all its quirks you'll be ready for a nice meal. Stop by 11 Central in Bangor for an excellent experience and delicious meal. 20 minutes out of Levant, this restaurant is a favorite of the locals. Drinks are top notch, but more importantly they have an amazing menu. Opt for their salads, steak, or sea scallops and you won't be disappointed.
Book a campsite for this upcoming September, October or November and you'll be presented with the most spectacular crisp fall weather and beautiful scenery. To keep warm, campfires are encouraged at the designated areas; note that wood must be purchased locally. All campers are invited to take advantage of the park by hiking, fishing, canoeing, birdwatching, and more. There is an abundance of well-maintained trails to hike within the park, available for hikers of all levels. Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery is a small Maine chain of restaurants featuring delicious home cooked food and even better bakery items. Their famous freshly baked desserts deserve the hype. On your way to camping in Aroostook State Park, stop at Ben’s Trading Post where you’ll find everything you need from coolers to tent stakes. You'll also be able to converse with the locals who know the state park like the backs of their hands. They’re always friendly and happy to answer visitor’s questions.
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