Autumn just might be our favorite season of the year! Sure, we might say that about every season. And, who could blame us in a place like Maine? But, truly, things here are special when the leaves begin to change. And seeing fall foliage surrounding us makes every outing just a little more festive. This year, plan in advance to explore some of the best fall destinations in the state.

1. Hike through Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge.

Named for an environmentalist and marine biologist who loved this region of Maine, the refuge is a wonderful place to explore year-round. But we think autumn is the best. The paths wind through the trees, along waterways and bring you as close as can be to the changing leave. Learn more here.

2. Take in a Damariscotta River Cruises Fall Foliage Ride.

To really get up-close and personal with the changing leaves, you'll want to check out the scenery from the water. These cruises run through the fall and offer food, drinks and all the Maine foliage you can lay eyes on. To learn more click here.

3. Enjoy a night at a locally run cabin or cottage.

There are so many wonderful nooks and crannies to enjoy in Maine and each one seems to have a cabin or cottage to spend the night in! We've rounded up a few of our favorites, but you can't go wrong with anything really. To check out a few options click here.

4. Take a 2-hour foliage road trip.

You can hop in the car and drive just about anywhere in the state for two hours to see foliage along the way. But we've got a pretty special route that will ensure you see some of the best Vacationland has. The route heads from Medway toward Baxter State Park and the views begin almost immediately. To learn about the route and see the directions click here.

5. Visit Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal.

You'll find this beauty on Route 9 between Portland and Lewiston-Auburn. If you love the outdoors throughout the year, this is a natural choice as you can picnic, hike and camp your way across the 590 acres of land. And it's a no-brainer if you enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking or snowmobiling. It's the only park in southern Maine to offer the mixed use trails necessary.

6. Explore a local orchard, like Libby & Son U Picks.

There are tons around the state, but this one was recently named to a list of the top ten in the country by USA Today. Visit to get your fill of apples, but don't you dare leave without an apple cider donut! You can learn more about the orchard and others around the state here.

7. Visit Bennett Bridge, Lincoln Plantation.

Each and every one of Maine's covered bridges are worth a day-trip, but this one happens to be surrounded by beautiful trees that absolutely pop in the fall. Built over the Magalloway River in 1898, this is one of the state's oldest bridges.

8. Take a stroll over Artists' Bridge, Newry.

One of the state's most well-known covered bridges this one comes alive in the autumn. The bridge dates back to 1872, making it one of Maine’s only 19th-century covered bridges that’s still standing. It gets its name from being oh-so photographable and it's not uncommon to see photographers and even painters here trying to capture its beauty. You can learn more about it by clicking here.

What are your suggestions for spots we have to visit before the fall comes to a close? Let us know in the comments! And if you’re looking for a great way to see as much of the season as possible, we’ve got just the thing. Take this gorgeous fall foliage road trip to see Maine like never before!