Inland Maine suggestions - Oct 11-16

Question

Hi all!

We are planning our 3rd trip to Maine and was hoping for advice. We have visited several popular coastal areas, Bar Harbor, Acadia, Boothbay, Portland, Camden etc. This year, we are 2 couples looking for a laid back experience. Planning on renting a house more inland and was hoping for suggestions for a scenic area, maybe nearby a few interesting or quaint town. Mostly we focus on scenic drives, touring towns, wildlife/nature viewing, eating out some (but will be cooking in a lot), relaxing in general. Hopefully, someplace scenic.

Any advice on general areas or hidden gems is much appreciated.

Thanks, Barb & Tom

Answer

For a laid-back inland Maine experience in mid-October, there are several scenic regions that provide beautiful fall foliage, quiet drives, charming small towns, and opportunities for wildlife and nature viewing. Since you’re looking to rent a house inland, away from the more tourist-heavy coastal areas, here are some options and ideas to consider.

Regions and Towns to Consider:

Rangeley Lakes Region: Located in western Maine, this area is known for beautiful lakes, rolling hills, and colorful fall foliage in October. Rangeley town itself is quaint with small shops, cafes, and local dining options. You can enjoy scenic drives along Route 17 and explore the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway.
Belgrade Lakes Region: About 30–40 minutes north of Augusta, this central Maine area has a series of picturesque lakes, quiet back roads, and classic Maine landscapes. Belgrade Lakes village offers a few restaurants and local shops. This is ideal if you want a relaxing lakefront rental without the summer crowds.
Bethel / Western Maine Mountains: The Bethel area is tucked into the mountains and forests of western Maine. It has access to hiking, wildlife, and scenic drives. The town itself is charming with art galleries, cafes, and local craft shops. Sunday River and nearby trails provide options for easy walks or more active hiking.
Forks, Rumford, and Andover Area: A quieter inland area along the Swift River and near the White Mountain border. Perfect for scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and enjoying fall foliage in a peaceful, less touristy setting. Small towns offer diners and local spots for occasional meals out.

Activities and Ideas:

Take scenic drives along routes like Route 17, Route 27, or the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway for waterfalls, lake views, and fall colors.
Plan short hikes or walks on local trails to enjoy Maine’s forests and wildlife without straying far from your rental. Examples: Bald Mountain in Rangeley, Mount Philip in Belgrade Lakes.
Visit local towns for art galleries, antique shops, and small cafes. Many inland towns have hidden gems for locally made crafts, baked goods, and specialty foods.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing; inland Maine in October often has deer, moose sightings, and abundant birdwatching opportunities.
Evening relaxation: Many lakefront or forested houses have fire pits or large porches for enjoying the crisp fall evenings.

Food Considerations:

Since you’ll be cooking most meals, look for rentals near local markets or farm stands for fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
Occasional meals out can include small-town diners or casual restaurants specializing in local ingredients.
Check local cideries or breweries for a fun afternoon stop along your drives.

Overall, the western and central inland regions of Maine provide the scenic beauty, tranquility, and charming towns you’re seeking. Renting near a lake or in a forested area gives you a quiet base for your group, while nearby small towns provide options for eating out, casual shopping, and short scenic excursions. October is peak foliage season, so almost any inland area will be stunning.

Inland Maine suggestions - Oct 11-16

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