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Scenic Autumn Routes in Western Maine & the White Mountains
Each autumn, travelers from across New England visit the Western Maine Lakes and Mountains region to experience one of nature’s most spectacular displays — New England fall foliage.
The towns of Fryeburg, Lovell, Bridgton, and Bethel sit at the edge of the White Mountains and are surrounded by forests that explode with color every September and October.
Visitors staying in the region can explore several scenic drives that showcase brilliant foliage, mountain views, and quiet country roads.
Here are some of the best fall foliage drives near Fryeburg Maine.
Evans Notch Scenic Byway
One of the most beautiful foliage drives in the region is the Evans Notch Scenic Byway, located just minutes from Lovell.
The Evans Notch Scenic Byway, primarily following Maine Route 113, is a narrow and winding mountain road that stretches roughly 60 miles from Baldwin to Gilead, Maine. Known as a “hidden gem” of the White Mountain National Forest, it offers a quieter alternative to the more heavily trafficked Kancamagus Highway.
🍁The route winds through forested mountain valleys with sweeping views of the White Mountains.
Route Details & Seasonal Status
- The Route: The most scenic section begins in Fryeburg/Stow and travels north through the White Mountain National Forest to Gilead. From Lovell Maine, it is only a 15-mile (30-minute) drive to reach the Evans Notch Overlook.
- Seasonal Closure: Route 113 through the notch is a seasonal road. It typically opens in early May (averaging May 8th) and closes for the winter in mid-November (averaging November 19th).
Key Highlights & Stops
- Evans Notch Overlook: Located at the height of the land, this stop provides expansive views of the watershed divide between the Androscoggin and Saco Rivers.
- The Basin: A picturesque pond and picnic area on the south side of the notch, popular for paddling and short walks.
- Brickett Place: A historic 19th-century brick farmhouse, restored in 2011, which serves as an interpretive site and trailhead.
- Emerald Pool: A popular crystal-clear swimming hole located near the base of the Baldface mountains, accessible via the Baldface Circle Trail.
- Rattlesnake Pool: A scenic, deep blue swimming hole located behind the Stone House on the Blueberry Mountain trail.
Top Hiking Trails
| Trail Name | Difficulty | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Blueberry Mountain | Moderate | Panoramic views and access to Rattlesnake Pool. |
| The Roost | Easy/Mod | A family-friendly climb with a great view of the Wild River valley. |
| Baldface Circle | Hard | Challenging 9-11 mile loop with steep granite ledges and alpine views. |
| Mount Speckled | Moderate | Excellent 360-degree views from an open rocky summit. |
🍁This drive is often less crowded than other popular foliage routes in New England.
The Kezar Lake Scenic Loop
The countryside surrounding Kezar Lake in Lovell offers one of the most picturesque fall drives in Maine.
The Kezar Lake Scenic Loop is a stunning drive that circles one of Maine’s most beautiful and pristine lakes, nestled in the foothills of the White Mountains. While not an official state-designated byway, the combination of Route 5, West Lovell Road, and Slab City Road creates a complete circuit around Kezar Lake with frequent mountain views and water access.
Route Details & Status
- The Route: The loop typically starts and ends in Lovell. From the center of town, you can head north on Route 5 (Main St), turn left onto West Lovell Road to cross the “Narrows” bridge, and follow the western shore before looping back via Slab City Road.
- Driving Status: Unlike the high-altitude pass of Evans Notch, the roads around Kezar Lake are primarily year-round maintained town and state roads.
- Access: If staying in Lovell, you are essentially on the loop. The “Upper Bay” area to the north is widely considered the most breathtaking section for scenic photography.
🍁This peaceful drive is especially beautiful during peak foliage season.
→ Hike Sabattus Mountain — Lovell’s Highest Point
Fryeburg to Bethel Scenic Route
The drive from Fryeburg to Bethel offers a mix of mountain scenery and classic New England small towns.
Bethel Scenic Route primarily follows Maine Route 5, a 35-mile stretch that connects the Saco River valley to the mountain village of Bethel. This drive is characterized by rolling farmlands, historic covered bridges, and increasingly dramatic mountain views as you head north toward the White Mountains.
Route Details & Status
- The Route: Start in Fryeburg and head north on Route 5. The road passes through Lovell and Stoneham before descending into the Androscoggin River valley in Bethel.
- Driving Status: Route 5 is a major state road and is maintained year-round.
- Travel Time: Expect a roughly 50–60 minute drive without stops.
Key Highlights & Stops
- Jockey Cap (Fryeburg): A massive granite outcrop just off Route 5. A quick 15-minute hike leads to a monument dedicated to explorer Robert Peary and offers a 360-degree view of the Saco River valley and White Mountains.
- Hemlock Bridge (Fryeburg/Lovell): Located slightly off the main road, this is one of Maine’s historic covered bridges, built in 1857.
- Kezar River Reserve: A scenic stop in Lovell for a quiet walk along the river or a hand-carry boat launch.
- White Mountain National Forest (North End): As you approach Bethel, the route clips the edge of the national forest, providing access to more rugged wilderness and high-altitude overlooks.
- Bethel Village: The northern terminus is a classic New England mountain town. Notable stops include the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum and the riverside Bethel Pathway.
- The Sunday River Bridge: also known as the Artist’s Bridge, is a historic covered bridge located in Newry, Maine, approximately 15 minutes northwest of Bethel. Built in 1872, it is one of the most photographed and painted covered bridges in the state.
Top Hiking Trails
| Trail Name | Difficulty | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Jockey Cap | Easy/Mod | Short 0.6-mile hike to a massive granite dome with mountain views. |
| Fryeburg Town Forest | Easy | A 1.1-mile loop through rare silver maple floodplain forests along the Saco River. |
| Mount Tom Preserve | Moderate | A 3.3-mile trail in Fryeburg offering views of Kezar Pond and the White Mountains. |
| Bethel Pathway | Easy | A flat, 1.7-mile paved trail along the Androscoggin River in Bethel. |
→ Fall foliage in Bethel Region Maine
The Kancamagus Highway
Just across the New Hampshire border lies one of the most famous scenic drives in New England: the Kancamagus Highway.
The Kancamagus Highway (Route 112), affectionately known as “The Kanc,” is a 34.5-mile National Scenic Byway that cuts through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. Famous globally for its world-class autumn foliage, it offers a wilderness experience with no gas stations, restaurants, or hotels along its entire length.
Route Details & Status
- The Route: The highway connects Lincoln (to the west) and Conway (to the east). From Lovell, Maine, it is a roughly 15-mile (25-minute) drive to reach the eastern entrance in Conway.
- Seasonal Status: Unlike Evans Notch, the Kancamagus Highway is open year-round. However, secondary connector roads like Bear Notch Road (linking the Kanc to Bartlett) are currently closed for the winter.
Key Highlights & Stops
- Sabbaday Falls: One of the most popular stops, featuring a three-tiered waterfall that drops into a narrow flume.
- Albany Covered Bridge: A historic 19th-century wooden bridge that still allows vehicle traffic (height restrictions apply).
- Kancamagus Pass: The highest point of the byway at 2,855 feet, offering dramatic views of the surrounding peaks.
- Rocky Gorge Scenic Area: A 15-foot waterfall and gorge where the Swift River passes through narrow rock channels.
- Scenic Overlooks: Notable viewpoints include the Hancock, Sugar Hill, and Pemigewasset (Pemi) Overlooks.
Top Hiking Trails
| Trail Name | Difficulty | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sabbaday Falls | Easy | A very popular, relatively flat 0.4-mile loop to the falls. |
| Lincoln Woods | Easy | A flat, scenic walk along an old railroad bed with a suspension bridge. |
| Boulder Loop | Moderate | A 2.8-mile trail near the Albany bridge with ledges overlooking the valley. |
| Champney Falls | Moderate | Access to several cascades and the popular Pitcher Falls. |
| Mount Hedgehog | Hard | A 4.8-mile loop offering rocky ledge views of the Swift River Valley. |
🍁Many visitors combine this drive with a stay in the Western Maine Lakes region.
Where to Stay for Fall Foliage in Western Maine
Visitors exploring fall foliage in Western Maine often choose lodging in nearby towns such as Lovell, Fryeburg, Bridgton, and Bethel.
The Center Lovell Inn offers charming accommodations overlooking the mountains surrounding Kezar Lake.
Guests staying at the inn enjoy easy access to:
- Evans Notch scenic drives
- Kezar Lake fall foliage
- Fryeburg Fair
- White Mountain hiking trails
- Scenic routes throughout Western Maine
🍁 With only nine guest rooms, the inn provides a peaceful retreat during the busy autumn travel season.
Plan Your Fall Foliage Getaway
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the Western Maine Lakes and Mountains region.
Whether you’re exploring scenic mountain drives, visiting the Fryeburg Fair, or simply enjoying the brilliant autumn colors, the Center Lovell Inn offers a relaxing home base for your fall getaway.
Contact us to plan your stay and experience fall foliage in Western Maine.
🍽️ Check-out our Curated – Food & Beverage Guide for Lovell, Fryeburg & Bridgton, Maine
🍁Visit our Best Fall Foliage in Maine & Best Fall Foliage Drives Near Fryeburg Maine for more fall fun things to do.