Big question....as for color, it depends on when in October. You may not be too late for foliage. Check out www.foliagenetwork.com foliage reports for the northeast over the last couple of years. I find them to be off a bit. For example, when they claim "peak" I think it is past peak. So look for "moderate" to "high" color. Looking at the report for October 6th from this past fall, you'll see a lot of Maine was still good.

But Maine is known as "vacationland" for a reason, what are you interested in doing? They have lakes, waterfalls, mountains, kayaking, wilderness, whitewater rafting, fishing, rocky seashores, lighthouses, etc. So, depending on how much time you have, you could do a "coastal" trip or a "mountain" trip, or do a loop that includes both.

A few high points, IMO:
Along the Coast (North to South--or "downeast"):

  • Acadia National Park---should have ok foliage in October. You'll rarely get great foliage close to the ocean, temperatures are too moderated. But the park is extremely scenic. Bar Harbor is a great resort town.
  • Boothbay harbor---great seafaring/tourist town. Lighthouses, rocky coast, very scenic.
  • Monhegan Island---on my list to go do. It has been highly recommended to me by a couple of people.
  • Portland--Largest city, great character/restuarants/bars...great lighthouses and islands nearby
  • Ogunquit/Perkins cove---touristy area, nice seashore hike...good restuarants
  • York/Wells beaches. I hear the beaches are nice and there are some lighthouses I want to shoot.


In the Mountains:

  • White Mountains (near bethel)---mostly in New Hampshire, but extended into Maine. Good waterfalls, nice hikes, scenic.
  • Rangely/Umbagog Lakes---beautifully large lakes nestled into the northern hills (almost mountains)
  • Moose/Sebago/Long lakes...very similar, just further south
  • Baxter State Park...northern terminal of the Appalachian trail, great for hiking. Not all that scenic until you get on the mountains.
  • Northern Woods---great for kayaking/canoeing/hunting
  • Rafting the Penobscot or Kennebuc Rivers---again, on my list, haven't done it.


Of course, New Hampshire is right next door

Brant