Where to See the Best Fall Foliage Around Portland, Maine
The best week to see peak foliage in Southern Maine is coming up fast! Around the week of October 21-27, you can see incredible fall colors around Portland, farther south towards York, and up along the coast in the Sebago Lakes region. There are so many wonderful places to experience this annual change – we’ve highlighted some of our favorites below! Keep reading for the best foliage viewing in Portland, Maine and beyond!
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
Freeport, ME
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is just a ten minute drive from bustling downtown Freeport, but you wouldn’t know it! With a tranquil setting of trails along the craggy coastline of Casco Bay, it’s a peaceful and beautiful way to spot foliage.
We recommend the North Loop Trail, which offers a show of bold and bright yellow. It’s an easy half-mile walk that also includes views of the salt marsh and nearby crops at Wolfe Neck Farm. There is also a Guided Nature Program offered by the park throughout the year, which are free with paid admission and include walks, activities and short talks.
Find the updated program schedule here!
Casco Bay Islands
Portland, ME
Casco Bay is stunning any time of year, but she really puts on a show during fall, when the trees along the coast burst into an array of bold colors! Experiencing this display from one of the many islands off Portland’s coast is a unique, can’t-miss way to soak in all the reds, oranges and yellows of the season. While all the islands are special in their own way, we’d recommend you hop on a ferry out to Peaks Island, where you can bike or rent golf carts to explore the approximately 2-mile loop.
See the Casco Bay Lines schedule here!
Bradbury Mountain State Park
Pownal, ME
Bradbury Mountain State Park is a fun hike that rewards visitors with bursting foliage views over the surrounding forests and the Casco Bay. Open year-round, the trails are moderately flat and ideal for nearly every level of hiker. Pack yourself a picnic for once you reach the summit so you can take some time to soak in the fiery foliage!
Portland Head Light
Cape Elizabeth, ME
Maine’s most iconic lighthouse is beautiful any time of year – the dramatic rocky cliffs of the Atlantic make for an incredible backdrop, but are even more breathtaking during peak foliage season. Seeing the classic Portland Head Light surrounded by brightly-hued foliage is a unique experience you don’t want to miss! Spend an afternoon wandering around Fort Williams Park, exploring the old war bunkers and grabbing a lobster roll at the delicious Bite Into Maine food truck. It’s truly the perfect fall day!
Ferry Beach State Park
Saco, ME
Ferry Beach State Park (not to be confused with the Ferry Beach in Scarborough) is a sight to behold in October due to the park’s uncommon trees. Tupelo trees, which aren’t typically found at this latitude, turn a fiery crimson red through October and can be seen throughout the park along the sandy coast. It’s the ideal way to spend a sunny fall morning or afternoon!
Cumberland Crossing by OceanView
Cumberland Crossing by OceanView is an active retirement community in Cumberland, Maine, conveniently located just a few miles from the coastal city of Portland. There is so much beauty that Maine has to offer, and our location allows us the pleasure of enjoying the fiery foliage that visitors from around the country come to experience! With a 100% refundable entrance fee and a manageable monthly maintenance fee, you can leave the stress of homeownership behind and simply enjoy your retirement – “the way life should be!”
To learn more about our community at Cumberland Crossing, please contact us today!
