Getting outside in Maine is easy! For a lot of people it just means walking out the back door and spending some time in the woods. For others, it might mean hopping in the car for a quick ride to the trail head. We’ve been feeling particularly grateful to be here in the Vacationland this fall. It might be the colors or maybe it’s the effort we’re making to see them, but it feels like autumn was made for this state! We’re especially loving today’s fall foliage hike in Maine. It’s hearty, but easy enough for entry-level hikers looking for an adventure. And, of course, the colors on display will knock your socks off!

Bradbury Mountain State Park is located in Pownal, just a few minutes from Freeport and about 40 minutes from Portland.

Lauren Van Orman / alltrails.com

It might be smaller than some of the other state parks in Maine, but it packs no less of a punch when it comes to beauty and multiple trails.

Dibird50 / TripAdvisor

While each route is wonderful, offering access to the woods that make this area so nice, we think the Bradbury Mountain Loop is the best for an no-fuss afternoon hike with incredible views.

billandkent / Flickr

At less than 500 feet of elevation, this mountain is little by Maine standards, but you’ll still have the chance to work up a slight sweat.

billandkent / Flickr

This time of year the surrounding forest offers tons of beauty on the way up.

samm4mrox / Flickr

And while there is a slight elevation gain, you’re likely not to notice it. The size makes this a great route for people who prefer simple walks to hikes.

Suzanne K / TripAdvisor

Once you approach the summit, you’ll notice the trees begin to open.

Michael G / TripAdvisor

And then you’ll see it!

Lauren Van Orman / alltrails.com

After about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your speed, you’ll reach the summit. The view over Pownal and Freeport looks like a blanket of colorful leaves, reminding us how vast and unpopulated Maine can be even near its biggest towns.

Dibird50 / TripAdvisor

Be sure to bring a camera, an appetite for good views (and snacks!) and then head into Freeport for some shopping.

pavdw / Flickr To get to Bradbury Mountain State Park, take I-295 towards Freeport and exit at Exit 22. From here, you’ll see clearly marked signs leading to the park. The entrance is on Hallowell Road.

This hike is best done as soon as possible. Much of Maine has already experienced peak fall foliage, but southern Maine is smack in the middle of it! Get out before October 20th when the leaves are expected to have fallen from the trees.

Lauren Van Orman / alltrails.com

Dibird50 / TripAdvisor

billandkent / Flickr

samm4mrox / Flickr

Suzanne K / TripAdvisor

Michael G / TripAdvisor

pavdw / Flickr

To get to Bradbury Mountain State Park, take I-295 towards Freeport and exit at Exit 22. From here, you’ll see clearly marked signs leading to the park. The entrance is on Hallowell Road.

For more on Bradbury Mountain State Park visit their website here.

Another wonderful fall hike is this one. It’s just about two miles and leads to some of the most peaceful nature you’ll find anywhere in New England.

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