Visiting New England in the fall is one of those classic trips for travelers that makes many a bucket list.
The impressive and vibrant foliage of reds, oranges, yellows, and browns that adorn this leafy region’s forests is something that has to be witnessed at least once in your life.
While there is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing the best destination to see stunning displays of fall leaves in New England, one of the favorites is the state of Maine.
With beautiful national and state parks, tree-covered mountains, and pretty towns and cities, it’s an enticing destination.
But it may become even more enticing, especially for solo travelers, after data from Consumer Affairs showed that Maine is the third safest state in the U.S.
Each state was measured on multiple different metrics with Maine recording the overall lowest violent crime rate. Its aggregate score of all metrics was only bettered by New Jersey and New Hampshire.
So, if you are considering a fall foliage foray, Maine is an ideal destination.
Where Are The Best Places To Visit In Maine?
There are plenty of great things to see in the most northeastern state in America – a perfect place to start is Boothbay Harbor.
This idyllic seaside town is a picture postcard New England setting with red-roofed buildings, rocky outcrops, and pine tree reserves.
It also hosts the annual Fall Foliage Festival (7-8 October in 2023), which is the ideal way to start your exploration of the area with local vendors selling great gifts and a full program of entertainment.
Boothbay is about 60 miles up the coast from Portland, which is another destination worth your attention.
This city is rich in Victorian history and architecture and features other photogenic sights such as the Portland Head Lighthouse.
Away from the cities and Maine’s vast and impressive nature is where you can see some of the best fall colors.
Covering more than 47,000 acres, Acadia National Park is a must-see. Comprised of dense forest, miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline, and countless islands, this national park has been breaking visitor records in recent years.
Elsewhere you can find hiking trails for all levels of ability around Pleasant Mountain and Mount Battie.
Hiking is in the folklore in Maine as the state also marks the end (or start, depending on which way you walk) of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail.
Things You Should Know Before You Visit
The first thing to consider when planning a trip is that Maine in the fall is not going to be warm all the time.
Due to its extreme northeast location, temperatures begin to drop once we get into September and October.
It is also an unpredictable place when it comes to weather – while the golden fall sun can feel pleasant, temperatures drop quickly at night, and rain showers are common.
Reaching Maine is relatively straightforward thanks to airports in Portland and Bangor, but once there you may need to rent a car to travel around as many of the parks are away from the cities.
When visiting Acadia National Park, make sure you obtain an entrance pass from the website. You should also check the latest info on possible trail closures.
Maine is also not the cheapest place in the United States to visit. Data from Lonely Planet estimates that a basic hotel room for two can cost around $250, while dinner for two can sometimes break $100.
A Safe Region For Solo Travel
If Maine doesn’t tickle your fancy, then you could consider one of New England’s other states that flourish in the fall.
The Consumer Affairs data shows that eight of the top ten safest states in the United States are in the Northeast region. The full top ten is as follows:
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- Connecticut
- Rhode Island
- Idaho
- New York
- Virginia
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Connecticut are all known for amazing fall displays, so there is plenty of flexibility when it comes to planning that last-minute trip.
