Planning a fall foliage trip to Maine and Vermont.

Question

My wife wants us to go to Maine and Vermont to see the leaves this fall. So I know I need to get it booked now. Would like suggestions where to go , how much time might be needed. We are into photography (landscape. Wildlife and waterfalls), can do moderate hikes. Suggestions on where to fly into, must see things. This will be a 1x trip for us. Lodging recommendations. Most likely will be a 5-7 day trip. Might could add a couple more days, depending on on what cost are.

Answer

Fall foliage in Maine and Vermont is a photographer's dream, offering vibrant colors, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, you’ll want to make the most of it by visiting the best spots for fall colors and also ensuring you have time to explore and photograph some of the state's most scenic areas. Here's a suggested itinerary for a 5-7 day trip, with time for moderate hikes and plenty of photography opportunities.

1. Flying into Maine and Vermont
You can either fly into Portland, Maine (PWM) or Burlington, Vermont (BTV). Portland is a great base for exploring Maine's southern coast and some inland areas, while Burlington is ideal for exploring Vermont's western side. If you're planning to visit both states, you can fly into one and out of the other, or use a car rental to drive between the two.

2. Recommended Trip Length and Timing
A 5-7 day trip is ideal for this, giving you enough time to explore key areas without rushing. If you're into photography and moderate hiking, I'd recommend spending about 3 days in Vermont and 3-4 days in Maine. Early October is the best time for peak foliage in both states, but the exact timing can vary depending on the weather each year. Typically, Vermont's foliage peaks first, followed by Maine's inland areas, and then the coastal regions.

3. Vermont – Must-See Areas
Vermont is known for its picturesque countryside, charming small towns, and incredible fall colors. Some top spots for photography and hiking include:

Stowe and Smugglers' Notch: A classic Vermont destination, Stowe offers stunning mountain views and several easy to moderate hikes, such as the trail to the top of Mount Mansfield. The drive through Smugglers' Notch is breathtaking in the fall.
Waterbury: Home to the beautiful Waterbury Reservoir and a great spot for photographing fall reflections. This area also offers hikes such as the Winooski River Walk.
Woodstock and Quechee: These charming towns offer great photo ops and nearby trails. Don’t miss Quechee Gorge, known as Vermont's "Grand Canyon" – a stunning waterfall and gorge that are great for fall foliage photography.
Green Mountain National Forest: If you enjoy hiking, the Green Mountains offer a variety of scenic trails, including the Appalachian Trail section and several waterfalls such as Bingham Falls and Big Falls.

4. Maine – Must-See Areas
Maine offers diverse landscapes, from its rugged coastline to its forested mountains. Some of the best spots for fall foliage photography and outdoor adventures include:

Acadia National Park: Acadia is a must-see during fall, known for its dramatic coastal views, mountain trails, and colorful autumn foliage. The Jordan Pond Path and Precipice Trail offer incredible views, and the Cadillac Mountain sunrise is iconic. You’ll also want to photograph the Otter Cliff and Thunder Hole.
Western Maine – Sunday River and Bethel: These areas are stunning during peak foliage, with mountain views, forests, and waterfalls. If you're into hiking, try the Grafton Loop Trail or Sunday River Whitecap Mountain.
Moosehead Lake: If you're into wildlife photography, this area is great for spotting moose, loons, and other wildlife. The Mount Kineo Trail offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forest.
Rangeley Lakes: A scenic drive through the Rangeley Lakes Region offers stunning fall foliage with lots of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and photographing waterfalls like Smalls Falls and Angel Falls.

5. Lodging Recommendations
There are plenty of cozy lodges, inns, and B&Bs in both Vermont and Maine, perfect for a fall foliage trip. Here are some suggestions for each state:

Vermont:
- The Green Mountain Inn (Stowe): A charming, historic inn with a beautiful setting in the heart of Stowe.
- The Woodstock Inn (Woodstock): A quintessential Vermont getaway, perfect for exploring the town and nearby trails.
- The Inn at Weathersfield (Perkinsville): A lovely, secluded inn with access to hiking and scenic views of the Vermont countryside.
Maine:
- Bar Harbor Inn (Bar Harbor): Located near Acadia National Park, this inn offers beautiful views and easy access to trails and photography spots.
- Rangeley Lakes Resort (Rangeley): Perfect for those wanting to explore the Rangeley Lakes Region and enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
- Sunday River Resort (Newry): Ideal for fall foliage and outdoor adventures, with plenty of hiking trails and mountain views.

6. Tips for the Trip:
- Bring a good camera with a zoom lens for wildlife and landscape shots. - Pack layers for the cool mornings and evenings, as temperatures can fluctuate in the fall. - Consider booking lodging and any popular activities (such as Acadia National Park entrance) in advance to avoid disappointment during the busy foliage season.

Overall, this trip will offer stunning scenery, fantastic hiking opportunities, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Enjoy your fall foliage adventure in Vermont and Maine!

Planning a fall foliage trip to Maine and Vermont.

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