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Fall Foliage Preview: Best Scenic Drives Around Augusta
There's no better place than Maine to go for a scenic drive in the fall. With stunning fall foliage from the Kennebec Valley to the Rangeley Lakes, some of the best scenic driving routes in America are within an hour or two of our real estate agents' home in Augusta. Here's where to hit the road for leaf-peeping in Maine this fall.
Fall Foliage Drives in the Augusta Area
Old Canada Road Scenic Byway - Solon to Sandy Bay
Address: S Main St, Solon, ME 04979
Following U.S. Route 201 and tracing a historic path between Maine and Quebec, the Old Canada Scenic Byway offers a stunning 78-mile drive. The route begins at the intersection of Routes 43 and 201, a little under an hour north of Augusta. From there, it follows the banks of the Kennebec and Dead Rivers, passing through beautiful pine and birch forests and the rugged islands of Wyman Lake before eventually approaching mountains as it courses toward the Canadian border. Travelers can enjoy numerous scenic overlooks along the way, along with opportunities for fishing and river rafting.
Augusta Road - Belgrade Lakes to New Sharon
Address: 1375 Augusta Rd, Belgrade, ME 04917
For a quick and easy drive with charming fall scenery close to Augusta, head northwest on Route 27—also known as Augusta Road—until you reach Belgrade Lakes. Initially passing Messalonskee Lake and meandering between the Belgrade Lakes, Route 27 then continues northwestward, becoming Mile Hill Road as it passes through picturesque forests and rural communities. It's an 18-mile drive from Belgrade Lakes to New Sharon, but Route 27 continues for many more miles.
Southwest Maine Loop - Standish to Stanford and Porter
Address: Bonny Eagle Rd, Standish, ME 04084
The Southwestern Maine Loop is a 66-mile circuit through the pastoral southern corner of Maine. Known for woodlands, charming small towns, farms, and orchards, this part of the state offers serene and relaxing scenery as the autumn leaves change. Starting in the town of Standish, which is roughly an hour southwest of Augusta, the route can either be driven clockwise through Stanford or counterclockwise through Porter. Ultimately, the full loop includes both communities, along with landmarks like Dole's Orchard, a great spot for fall apple picking.
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway - Smalls Falls to Byron
Address: Main St, West Central Franklin, ME 04970
Twisting and turning through the densely forested Rangeley Lakes region of Western Maine, the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway offers 36 miles of extraordinary fall scenery. Starting just under 90 minutes from Augusta at Smalls Falls, this V-shaped drive follows Route 4 northward through scenic woodlands toward Rangeley Lake, traversing over 33,000 acres of public conservation land. Be sure to stop and spend some time at Rangeley Lake State Park before turning back southward on Route 17 toward Height of the Land.
Coastal Route - Alna to Rockport and Camden
Address: Head Tide Rd, Alna, ME 04535
A spectacular 145-mile loop through the coastal region of southeastern Maine, the Coastal Route utilizes multiple highways and backroads to complete a circuit through some of Maine's most beautiful countryside. The rugged coastline is on full display in places like Rockport and Camden, and the Pemaquid Point and Lighthouse in Bristol is also a highlight of this route. Though there are many places to begin the loop, the most convenient from Augusta is at Head Tide Road in Alma, just 30 minutes from the city.
Maine is a beautiful place to call home in any season Get in touch with our real estate agents today to learn more about life in Augusta and the Kennebec River Valley.