Maine in the fall is a place of almost unreasonable beauty. The state’s vast forests, which cover nearly 90 percent of its land area, transform into a rolling sea of crimson, gold, and amber from late September through October, and the effect against Maine’s rugged coastline, rocky harbors, and weathered lighthouses is unlike anything else in New England. Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is one of the premier fall foliage destinations in the entire country, with the summit of Cadillac Mountain offering sweeping panoramic views over the turning forests and the cold blue Atlantic. Bar Harbor, the charming gateway town to Acadia, draws visitors with its excellent restaurants, distinctive shops, and the kind of unhurried coastal atmosphere that feels especially magical once the summer crowds have gone. Inland, the lakes and mountains of the western Maine highlands offer quieter but equally spectacular foliage viewing, with Rangeley and the Carrabassett Valley among the most rewarding destinations for hikers and leaf peepers alike. The lobster is still exceptional, the chowder is still warming, and the bed and breakfasts are still welcoming. Our Maine fall guides cover Acadia, Bar Harbor, the coast, the mountains, the best places to stay, and everything you need to plan your perfect Maine autumn.