Fall is one of the best times to get outside and explore Maine. The days are still warm enough to avoid bundling up and the cool days are crisp and refreshing. The forests just about everywhere are changing colors which means rich reds and bright yellows surround us. There’s plenty to do, including hikes. But we love just hopping in the car and exploring the small towns. One great destination is this Oxford County town, located in the mountains.

Bethel, located in Oxford County, has been voted one of the best mountain towns in Maine and we completely agree!
Bob Travis / Flickr
The town is the ancestral land of the Abenaki people, like much of the state. It was settled by European settlers in 1774 after a grant by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1768.
Rafael Medina / Flickr
Surrounded by some of the largest mountains in the state, there are plenty of outdoor opportunities here.
The B's / Flickr

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One of the best is Grafton Notch State Park, a must-visit for nature lovers. Be sure to check out the trail to Screw Auger Falls, which are incredible and well worth the effort.
ChrisDag / Flickr
Newry is right next to Bethel and a great stop is the Artist's Bridge. Officially known as the Sunday River Bridge, this beauty was build in 1872 and is often the subject of photographers and painters. It was closed to vehicular traffic In 1958 which makes it a lovely walk over the Sunday River.
Sunday River Bridge, Sunday River, Newry, ME 04261, USA
The B's / Flickr
As you're driving through town, be sure to keep an eye out for local antique shops. They're full of fun, local finds worth checking out.
David Wilson / Flickr
If you can stay overnight to make a weekend of it consider the beautiful Bethel Inn Resort. You'll be fully surrounded by the gorgeous fall colors, making this the perfect autumn weekend away.
The Bethel Inn Resort, 21 Broad St, Bethel, ME 04217, USA
Bethel Inn

Have you visited Bethel in the fall? If so, share your recommendations for must-see spots and fun things to do!

Fall is a great time to explore the state’s covered bridges and we have a few that are extra-special this time of year. Here are 10 of the most beautiful Maine covered bridges to explore this fall.

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More to Explore

Fall in Maine

Tori Jane | August 01, 2022

Where can I go on an amazing fall road trip in Maine? 

There’s nothing like New England during autumn, is there? We think no; all the states that make up New England are the ultimate destinations for fall color, and we think it’s about time you do an amazing fall road trip in Maine! We just happen to have some ideas; for example, the Golden Road is an amazing drive from Millinocket to Moosehead Lake. You’ll pass through true wilderness, and the trees will be ablaze with color. Or do the amazing-all-year trek from Sebago Lake to Grafton Notch via Route 302. You’ll pass through some of the cutest small towns in Maine along the way, and we couldn’t love it more.  

Where are some of the best places for fall foliage in Maine?  

So, in that case, where are some of the best places to find autumn color in Maine? Easy – anywhere there are trees should do! But, that being said, some of the most popular destinations for fall foliage in Maine include amazing places like Bar Harbor, which just so happens to be right next to Acadia National Park (another amazing fall color spot in Maine you can’t miss). Speaking of the state parks in Maine, most of them are at their best during autumn, like Baxter State Park, Sebago Lake State Park, Fort Knox State Park, and many more.  

Which Maine mountain towns are the best during fall?  

Alright, towns time! The Maine mountain towns – and all the towns, really – definitely come alive in autumn. Visit some of the most beautiful small towns in Maine in fall for an amazing adventure, like Rangeley. It’s nestled right in the heart of the Rangeley Lakes area and sits 30 miles east of the Maine/New Hampshire state line. In autumn, it sets itself aflame, filled with brilliant golds, reds, oranges, and deeper hues. The town of Lubec has the distinction of being the easternmost town in the United States, as well as an AMAZING place for fall color. We also love the towns of Kennebunkport, Rockwood, Bethel, and Camden. This list is nowhere near exhaustive, but it’s a good start.  

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