Fall Foliage Scenic Drive - Lakes and Leaves Maine
Maine is one of the most heavily forested states in the nation,
containing over 17 million acres of natural beauty, hikes, and
magnificent summer and fall foliage scenic drives.
This scenic drive is through Maine backcountry. A rugged
environment of thick forests and impressive mountain terrain.
The drive is magnificent in summer but not-to-be-missed in fall
foliage season.
The route follows a 218-mile loop through central west Maine
along the lower western shore of Moosehead Lake, and then runs
parallel with the tree-lined banks of the Kennebec River. It's
best experienced over a few days rather than a one-day excursion
trip, and lodging reservations are recommended during the
popular fall foliage season.
Let's get you started...
In the first part of the tour you'll wind your way towards the
town of Greenville on the southern tip of Moosehead Lake. Begin
the tour in the town of Skowhegan by taking Route 150 to Route
151 in Athens. Follow Route 151 west to Newport where you'll
pick up Route 7 to Dover-Foxcroft.
Take Route 6 to Guilford, and then follow Route 6/15 north to
Greenville.
At Greenville stop and relax for a bit. Greenville is a center
for those seeking the pastimes of hunting, fishing, hiking and
boating in the area. It's also home to a number of attractions
in the area.
One such attraction is the 110-foot SS Katahdin, a popular
steamship that cruises on Moosehead Lake during the summer and
through fall foliage. It leaves from the center of Greenville.
A 20-mile excursion east of Greenville takes you to beautiful
Gulf Hagas. This is a stunning 3-mile-long gorge, with
waterfalls, water chutes, deep pools, and vertical walls 300
feet tall in places. The hike is especially scenic during fall
foliage. For those spreading this scenic drive over multiple
days this is a must-do side trip.
The Greenville area also boasts splendid hikes along the
close-by Appalachian Trail.
If you're intending to stay overnight then Greenville offers
your best opportunity for lodging.
The scenic drive continues along Route 6/15 passing Big Squaw
Mountain and Ski Area on the left, and winding along the
Moosehead Lake shore to the village of Rockwood. Once at
Rockwood you'll see across the water the imposing Mount Kineo
with its sheer cliff face rising over 700 feet from the deepest
point in Moosehead Lake.
Stay on Route 6/15 and head west to Jackman. This 30-mile
portion of the scenic drive is all about Maine wilderness. Look
out for opportunities to stop and admire the summer or fall
foliage views in the hills and on scenic lookouts across the
lakes and ponds along the road.
Just south of Jackman Route 6/15 will connect with Route 201,
and you'll follow Route 201 south towards The Forks along the
National Scenic Byway.
Jackman is a canoeing center, famous for the 42-mile Moose River
Bow Trip. The canoe trip takes two or more days and is a
favorite of outdoor enthusiasts. It's one of the few remaining
wilderness canoe trips in the Northeast, and organized tours are
run by local operators.
Continue on Route 201 south to The Forks where the Kennebec and
Dead Rivers meet. The Forks is base for popular and
awe-inspiring whitewater rafting trips on the two rivers.
A few miles west of The Forks is Moxie Falls, at 90-feet one of
the tallest waterfalls in New England.
The scenic drive continues south on Route 201 to Bingham. This
stretch of the road follows the Kennebec River through Caratunk,
offering magnificent views of the river and surrounding hills,
and is one of the best fall foliage sections on this tour.
Follow Route 201 back to Skowhegan to complete the tour.