Inland Maine Fall Foliage Drive

Swaths of pine, spruce, and fir trees offset the red, orange, and yellow of maples and birches along this popular foliage drive through western Maine's mountains.

Wending its way to the four-season resort town of Rangeley, near its northern terminus, the route passes stunning overlooks, forest-lined lakes, waterfalls, hiking trails, and a state park. Mountain vistas are reflected in the many (often connected) lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

Route 17 heads north past old homesteads and fields along the Swift River Valley before making a mountainous switchback ascent to Height of Land, the drive's literal pinnacle. The must-stop overlook here has off-road parking, interpretive panels, stone seating, and a short path to the Appalachian Trail. On a clear day, you can look west to mountains on the New Hampshire border. Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Upper Richardson Lake seem to float amid the forestland below. A few miles north of here is an overlook for Rangeley Lake, also with interpretive panels.

Best Time to Go

Fall color usually peaks in the first or second week of October. Get fall foliage updates at www.mainefoliage.com.

Planning Your Time

The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway and a state byway (www.exploremaine.org/byways) make up most of this 58-mile drive (1½ hours without stops), but plan for a relaxed, full day of exploring.

In tiny, welcoming Oquossoc, where Routes 17 and 4 meet, stop at the Gingerbread House Restaurant for breakfast or lunch, or for just baked goods or an ice cream. The hamlet is also home to the Outdoor Heritage Museum, where you can learn why visitors have come here to fish, hunt, and enjoy the outdoors since the mid-1800s. The trailhead for Bald Mountain, a popular hike, is just outside the village.

Rangeley, 7 miles east on Route 4, has restaurants, inns, a waterfront park, and outdoorsy shops. The countryside sweeps into view along public hiking trails at the 175-acre Wilhelm Reich Museum. There’s also hiking at Rangeley Lakes Trail Center on Saddleback Mountain.

The road to Rangeley Lake State Park is accessible from both Routes 4 and 17, as is the Appalachian Trail. Overhanging foliage frames waterfalls at the scenic rest areas at each end of the drive: at Coos Canyon on Route 17 en route to Height of Land, and at Smalls Falls on Route 4 near Madrid, the terminus. Both spots have swimming holes, several falls, and paths with views of their drops. Coos Canyon is along the Swift River, a destination for recreational gold panning. You can rent or buy panning equipment at Coos Canyon Rock and Gift, across from its namesake. It also sells sandwiches, ice cream, and snacks.

Need a Break?

Coos Canyon Rock and Gift. The gift shop offers jewelry, souvenirs, T-shirts, prospecting equipment, books, and more. 472 Swift River Rd. (Rte. 17), Byron, Maine, 04275. 207/364–4900; www.cooscanyonrockandgift.com.

Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust. The trust protects 14,000 acres of land in the Rangeley Lakes area. Both online and at its Rangeley office, the trust has maps and descriptions of its 35 miles of recreational trails and access roads, along with information about fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, picnicking, and other outdoor activities. 2424 Main St., Rangeley, Maine, 04970. 207/864–7311; www.rlht.org.

Wilhelm Reich Museum. This seasonal museum showcases the life and work of controversial physician-scientist Wilhelm Reich (1897–1957). There are magnificent views from the observatory and great trails throughout the 175-acre property, which is open year-round. 19 Orgonon Circle, off Rte. 4, Rangeley, Maine, 04970. 207/864–3443; www.wilhelmreichmuseum.org. Museum $8, grounds free. Museum: closed Oct.—June, Mon.—Tues July—Aug., Sun.—Fri. Sept. Grounds open daily 9–5.