6 Fall Foliage Hikes in Maine Worth the Effort

Written By Maine Hikes

It’s official. It’s leaf peepin’ season, and your friends at Maine Hikes have carefully selected the most awesomely autumnal hikes around. This list is for you if you don’t mind a little sweat to reach your reward. Fall foliage views abound from these admittedly challenging hikes, but hey, the view is often sweeter when it takes some effort to get there. Plus, that snack stuffed into the bottom of your backpack suddenly transforms into a little slice of heaven at the summit.

Choose your fall adventure based on the below estimate for peak foliage, and don’t forget to reference our Foliage Tracker to get your timing just right. Full disclosure: leaves are already turning, and many experts are predicting an early, yet vibrant color display this year. So don’t wait and consider coming early!

1. Mount Kineo

Peak Foliage Window: September 24 — October 4

Mount Kineo stands dramatically above Moosehead Lake, offering panoramic views that make the effort well worth it. The Indian Trail is the hardest, offering a steep, rocky climb, while the Bridle Trail is a gentler option. Pair them together, taking the Indian trail up, for a fun loop! The sweeping vista of Moosehead Lake and the surrounding mountains is particularly stunning in the fall, with the foliage reflecting off the lake’s surface. Take the ferry across the lake—getting to the trailhead is part of the adventure! Just a heads up, this will cost about $18 between the ferry ride and state park fee. Once you’ve seen these this iconic views, you'll agree the effort was completely worth it.

2. Tumbledown Mountain

Peak Foliage Window: September 27 — October 7

Arguably the most classic Maine hike not in Acadia or Baxter, Tumbledown Mountain is blessed with a bit of everything—stunning vistas, a beautiful alpine pond near the summit, and just the right amount of challenge. There are a few trails to the top, with the Brook Trail being the easiest and the Loop Trail providing a tough but rewarding scramble. The fall foliage here is breathtaking, with the surrounding forest exploding in color as you climb. Insider tip: pack a lunch and enjoy it at the pond—it’s the perfect spot to rest after the climb. The views from the top make every step worth it. Be aware that this is a popular hike, so get there early on the weekends!

  • Location: Weld

  • Distance: 5.5 miles (loop)

  • Difficulty: Hard

  • Trailkeeper: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands

  • More Info: Tumbledown Area Trail Map

3. Bald Mountain

Peak Foliage Window: September 30 — October 10

Not to be confused with the seemingly countless other “Bald Mountain” summits in Maine, this one is near Rangeley and offers one of the best views of the surrounding lakes and mountains in the region. For the shortest way up, park at the trailhead on Bald Mountain Road (gotta love these creative names), and start your ascent! The trail isn’t too long but has some steep sections, so you’ll definitely feel accomplished when you reach the top. The fire tower at the summit gives you a panoramic view that stretches for miles, with the foliage in fall making the scenery pop. Insider tip: the Rangeley Lakes are especially beautiful from this vantage point, so bring a lightweight packable hammock and soak it in.

4. The Beehive

Peak Foliage Window: October 3 — October 13

If you’re in for a thrill, look no further. Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park is famous for its iron rungs and steep climbs. It’s a short trail but very challenging, so it’s not for the faint of heart. The reward? Jaw-dropping views of Sand Beach and the surrounding coastline, especially stunning in the fall when Acadia’s foliage is in full swing. The Bowl Trail offers a less adrenaline-pumping way to the top if you want an easier route. Insider tip: head out early to beat the crowds—this popular trail gets busy, but the views make it worth the rush. And if you’re really daring, hike it for an epic sunrise over the ocean.

  • Location: Bar Harbor

  • Distance: 1.5 miles (loop)

  • Difficulty: Hard

  • Trailkeeper: Acadia National Park

  • More info: Acadia | Beehive Loop

5. Glassface Ledges

Peak Foliage Window: October 3 — October 13

Glassface Ledges is certainly a lesser-known gem. It gives you a sense of Maine’s wilderness without the crowds, and overlooks one of Maine’s most iconic waterways, the Androscoggin River. The climb up is steep in sections but nothing too technical, and the ledges at the top offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The fall foliage here is nothing short of spectacular, making the hike even more rewarding. Insider tip: keep an eye out for hawks soaring above the ledges—they love the thermals. If you can make it work, do this one around sunset. The positioning of the view to the west adds brilliant hues of orange and yellow to the already-vibrant maples.

6. Blueberry Mountain

Peak Foliage Window: October 3 — October 13

If you’ve read this far and you live in southern Maine, you’re in luck. Head to this hike on the border of New Hampshire for some splashy colors. It may not be the tallest peak, but the panoramic views and abundance of, you guessed it, wild blueberries in the summer make it a local favorite. It is underrated though, for its display of fall colors, with bright reds and oranges stretching as far as the eye can see. The White Cairn Trail is a bit steeper and more difficult, while the Stone House Trail offers an easier route to the summit and features Rattlesnake Pool, a beautiful emerald green swimming hole that will mesmerize you as much as the foliage. Insider tip: bring a book and thermos of coffee, peel off to one of the gentle waterfalls along Rattlesnake Brook, and settle in for some good ole forest bathing relaxation! The short but rewarding hike is perfect for families, and the summit offers sweeping vistas that make the climb well worth it.

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