Autumn Day Trips from the Inn

As summer's warmth gives way to the crisp embrace of autumn, Maine undergoes a breathtaking transformation. You can find some amazing fall foliage photo ops all over Maine, but we’ve picked out our favorite spots and go-to places! Embarking on day trips from the Inn at the Agora allows you to immerse yourself in the stunning fall foliage. From panoramic vistas atop the Height of Land to enchanting waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, this guide compiles an array of picturesque spots that capture the essence of fall in Maine.

1. Lewiston's Surroundings - Within 30 Minutes

For those short on time, exploring Lewiston's immediate surroundings ensures a taste of Maine's fall beauty:

• Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary: A stone's throw from the Inn at the Agora, this sanctuary's trails immerse you in a symphony of red, orange, and gold leaves. The summit offers panoramic views of Lewiston-Auburn and the Androscoggin River.
• Lewiston/Auburn Riverwalk & Mount Apatite Park: A short drive away, the Auburn Riverwalk follows the Androscoggin River, offering serene views enhanced by the reflection of colorful leaves. Mount Apatite Park, nestled within Auburn, is a hidden gem named for its hidden gems, with trails winding through forests adorned in autumn hues.
• Local Walking Trails, Bates College Campus: Explore Lewiston's immediate surroundings with leisurely walks along local trails, like the Greenway, or a stroll through the Bates College campus amid historic architecture and fall foliage. Perhaps take a short hike up Mount David, which is an outcropping off Mountain Ave on the outskirts of the Bates campus. It’s not an especially high point, but once you get to the top, the view is nice. It’s known locally for a long-standing tradition for Bates students, as many proposals have happened atop Mt David.

2. Height of Land - Approx. 1 Hour Drive

A little over an hour's drive north of Lewiston, the Height of Land emerges as a quintessential destination for fall foliage enthusiasts. Perched along Route 17, this elevated viewpoint provides sweeping vistas of Mooselookmeguntic Lake and its environs, which burst into a mesmerizing sea of warm hues during the fall. The interplay between the foliage and the glistening waters below is a sight that leaves an indelible mark on the heart.

3. Glistening Waterfalls - Approx. 1 Hour Drive

Venturing southwest from the Inn at the Agora unveils some of Maine's most enchanting waterfalls that seamlessly merge with the autumnal landscape:

• Screw Auger Falls: Concealed within Grafton Notch State Park, these falls present a striking contrast between the richly colored leaves and the cascading white waters. A short hike unravels these falls, where nature's beauty takes center stage.
• Step Falls Preserve: Further south, Step Falls Preserve enchants with a series of waterfalls amidst a serene forest. The hiking trails are especially captivating during fall, guiding you through a vivid spectrum of colors.

4. Captivating Views - Approx. 1 Hour Drive

Traveling east from the Inn at the Agora leads to several spots that offer captivating viewpoints and the chance to witness autumn's splendor:

• Mount Battie: Nestled in Camden Hills State Park, Mount Battie treats visitors to breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay draped in fall finery. Whether you choose to hike or drive to the summit, the panoramic scenes are a feast for the eyes.
• Owls Head Light: Overlooking Penobscot Bay, this lighthouse offers a postcard-perfect scene of rocky shores embraced by warm-hued trees. The fusion of maritime allure and autumnal beauty is a sight to behold.
• Bradbury Mountain State Park: Closer to Lewiston, this park rewards visitors with a stunning view of Maine's countryside from its peak. An easy hike brings you to the top, where you can revel in the splendor of the landscape below.
• Babbs Bridge: In nearby Windham, Babbs Bridge is a covered bridge that promises beautiful fall pictures. The bridge was first built in 1864 but was ruined by a fire in 1973. An exact replica was built thereafter over the Presumscot River connecting Gorham and Windham.

5. Hidden Gem Trail - Approx. 1-2 Hours' Drive

Guests often tell us that finding our inn is like finding a hidden gem. While we tend to agree, we are not alone in that category! For a more extended adventure, consider these day trips within a 1 to 2-hour drive from the Inn at the Agora:

• Grafton Notch Loop Trail: This trail encompasses Table Rock and Mother Walker Falls, offering an immersive experience through dense forests, striking rock formations, and captivating waterfall views. The loop takes you through various terrains, ensuring a rewarding journey.
• Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway: Leading you through Rangeley Lakes, this scenic drive treats you to serene lakeside vistas, rolling hills, and panoramic overlooks. The charming towns along the way are perfect for a leisurely stop.
• Acadia National Park: Around 2 hours away, Acadia National Park is a must-visit during fall. Its diverse landscapes, including Cadillac Mountain and Jordan Pond, are adorned in vibrant autumn colors, creating an unforgettable tapestry of beauty.
• Route 302 West: About an hour and a half away, Fryeburg is west of Lewiston on the way to New Hampshire. Fryeburg is home to the biggest fall fair in the state, drawing about 300,000 people. If you miss it, you will not be disappointed by the impressive landscape and foliage views. From Echo Lake to the Jockey Cap, there is no shortage of sightseeing.

6. Dog-Friendly Adventures:

There are several dog-friendly places to visit near the inn. There are 14 dog friendly hiking trails within 20 miles of Lewiston. Here are some of them:

•  **Robin's Garden & Dog Park**: This park is in Lewiston and is a great place to take your furry friend for a walk or run. It has a large open space for dogs to play and socialize with other dogs.
• **Royal River Park**: This park is in Yarmouth, Maine, and is about 30 minutes away from Lewiston. It has a beautiful riverfront view and is an ideal spot for a picnic with your dog.
• **Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park**: This park is in Freeport, Maine, and is about 40 minutes away from Lewiston. It has several trails that you can explore with your dog.
• **Range Pond State Park**: This park is in Poland, Maine, and is about 20 minutes away from Lewiston. It has a beach area where you can take your dog for a swim.

Autumn doesn’t just offer pretty leaves for pooch to play in, it also opens some beaches to dogs:

Dog-Friendly Beaches:

Maine has several dog-friendly beaches that you can visit with your furry friend.

·        Popham Beach State Park: Located in Phippsburg, this beach is open to dogs from September 16th to March 31st.

·        Willard Beach: Located in South Portland, this beach is open to dogs from October 1st to March 31st.

You can also check out the following websites for more information on dog-friendly places to visit in Maine:

- Bring Fido https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/city/lewiston_me_us

- Go Pet Friendly https://www.gopetfriendly.com/activities/me/lewiston

Embarking on fall foliage day trips from the Inn at the Agora provides an immersive experience in the splendor of the season. Whether you're marveling at the panoramic scenes at the Height of Land, discovering the allure of waterfalls like Screw Auger Falls and Step Falls, or embracing the captivating views of Mount Battie and Owls Head Light, each location offers a unique perspective on Maine's autumn charm. For those with limited time, exploring nearby spots like Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, Auburn Riverwalk, and Mount Apatite Park ensures you won't miss out on the beauty that fall brings to Lewiston's surroundings. So, grab your camera, lace up your walking shoes, and set forth on an unforgettable journey through Maine's captivating fall foliage. We invite you to stay with us and use the inn as your home base as you venture out, near or far, to take in the sights that will take your breath away.