As summer blends into fall, Maine’s forests trade their summer green for fall reds and yellows; a sure sign the autumn is upon us and that winter will not be far behind. Before we give way to winter, let’s take time to get outside and enjoy all autumn has to offer. From apple picking and cider doughnuts to pumpkin patches and hayrides, there are plenty of ways to spend a beautiful Maine afternoon with friends and family.  

While I do enjoy a good cider doughnut, I also enjoy gawking at the autumn leaves. I am a confirmed leaf peeper. The fall foliage report at maine.gov keeps me up to date about when and where to enjoy the best fall foliage viewing. 

Several parks located along Maine’s coastline have views of both fall colors and the rocky ocean shores. The Marginal Way trail in Ogunquit, the Francis Perkins Historical site in New Castle and Quoddy Head State Park near Lubec have easy walks with both foliage and ocean views. A hike or drive up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park leads to sweeping vistas of colorful treetops and Camden Harbor.  

Moving inland, there are many places to see fall colors. One of my favorite leaf-peeping hikes is in Bradbury State Park in Pownal. An easy hike up the mountain is rewarded with the view of the golden landscape below. Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary in Lewiston and the Palermo Preserve near Palermo are also lovely wooded walks. These parks have short, family-friendly hikes leaving time to enjoy other fall adventures like finding the perfect cider doughnut.  

Farther north are two amazing scenic drives: Grafton Notch Scenic Byway and Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway. The Grafton Notch Scenic Byway starts in Newry on Rt. 26 leading to Grafton State Park. Hikes and waterfalls in the park add to the adventure. Rangeley National Scenic Byway includes a stop at the Height of Land overlooking Mooselookmeguntic Lake. The view is stunning. The website visitmaine.com has more information about these drives.  

We all know that fresh air and exercise are good for us. Lots of experts will tell us so. Before the winter snows start, let’s put on our flannel shirts and step outside with our friends and families to enjoy picking pumpkins, eating cider doughnuts and taking in the glorious colors of the Maine fall season.  

As always, check out the AARP Maine website to find an AARP event or coffee near you.  

Joyce Bucciantini is a retired middle school educator. She currently coordinates Delta Kappa Gamma’s Read to Me program, is a tutor with Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin, and is an active AARP Maine volunteer. She enjoys her gardens, being outdoors and traveling.