After a sun-soaked summer, the landscape is alight in shimmering foliage and just-right temperatures that aren’t too hot or too cold, making it nearly impossible to stay inside. Luckily, you can enjoy virtually every outdoor sport from September to November — especially when Snowvember surprises winter lovers with an early arrival. From camping and backpacking in the crisp air to crowd-free beaches where you can score the best surf conditions of the year, and climbing routes surrounded by breathtaking fall scenery, the biggest problem you’ll have is deciding what to do.
Maine’s nearly 6,000 lakes and ponds, and 3,500 miles of coastline equates to a lifetime of fresh and saltwater paddling opportunities across the state. Don’t know where to start? Push off from the shores of Casco Bay, where the welcoming guides at Portland Paddle offer tours, lessons, and rentals. “September is my favorite month on the coast of Maine,” says co-founder and owner, Zach Anchors. “The water has warmed up all summer and the windier and cooler weather hasn’t yet arrived. The conditions are often perfect for sea kayaking.” For Maine-made gear, the makers at Shaw & Tenney have been handcrafting beautiful wooden oars, paddles, boat hooks, and more using traditional methods for 160 years. Find more Maine paddling gear and guides
Fall might signal that fishing season’s end is near, but in September and October it’s certainly not done yet. Whether it’s wading in rivers, floating on lakes or surfcasting on the coast, take a trip to Selene’s Fly Shop in Gardiner near the Kennebec River to stock your tackle box full of local and Maine-made fishing gear, where you can also hire a Maine Registered Guide to show you the state’s fishiest spots. And since the sun is still out, cover up in protective gear from Old Maine Outfitters — a fishing apparel company that gives a percentage to striped bass conservation efforts to help preserve the state’s sport and species. Find more Maine fishing gear and guides
Fall’s hurricane season brings in what is arguably Maine’s best surfing all year thanks to offshore winds and southeast swells. Be ready for when the wind shifts and conditions change with cold water surf gear from Maine Surfers Union, Grain Surfboards, and non-toxic surf wax (plus surf-inspired apparel) from Swell Affair. New to the sport? Find a surf buddy through More Women+ Surf, and get plugged into the local surf community here in Maine…who knows, you might even hear about some secret spots. Find more Maine surfing gear and guides
Boating opportunities still abound after the summer crowds have thinned and leaves start to turn. “Late September through Mid October is absolutely stunning,” says Northern Outdoors, an adventure resort offering many year-round outdoor experiences, including river floats and whitewater rafting, at their scenic basecamp in The Forks. “Weekends are exciting, as most are filled with special high water releases on the Dead or Kennebec River.” Or, pack your things into one of Sea Bags’ roomy yet rugged recycled sailcloth totes for an on water getaway that blends right in aboard A Morning in Maine’s picturesque wooden sailboat for a scenic daycruise. Keen to captain your own boat? Sail Maine offers lessons for all ages and abilities, including adaptive sailors—anchors away! Find more Maine boating gear and guides
Comfortable temps, fewer bugs, and fall colors are all good reasons why the fall is the best time to go camping and glamping in Maine. To get kitted up and reduce your environmental impact, pick up gently-used camp gear at Brunswick-based outdoor consignment shop, Woods+Waters Gear Exchange before heading out. And although glamping is usually synonymous with canvas bell tents, the Maine Adventure Company is redefining the category with their custom adventure campervan rentals, designed for off-grid travel in wild places with all the comforts of the indoors. Find more Maine camping gear and guides
Biking in Maine can carry you over multiple types of terrain and into every corner of the state. It’s easily one of the best ways to soak up the beauty of the Maine outdoors, especially during autumn. “Fall has perfect temperatures for riding and the beauty of the changing season,” says Kyle Rancourt, founder of Pinebury, maker of American-made performance merino wool cycling apparel. The pros at non-profit bike and outdoor gear shop Portland Gear Hub insist that “you must ride your bike along some of the 81 miles of trails in Portland,which range from gravel along the bay to dirt and rock trails along the Penobscot River.” Join a group ride and get in the know with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine or get a boost on one of Durabike’s ebikes. Find more Maine biking gear and guides
Explore Maine’s many hiking paths step by step with the help of digital tools like, Maine Trail Finder, an interactive map that shares need-to-know information and photos of trails across the state, or Chimani, an app cataloging the many footpaths of Acadia National Park. Or even better yet, head out with a Registered Maine Guide to learn more about outdoor navigation from a seasoned expert. For day hikes or overnighters, Hyperlite Mountain Gear makes ultralight packs, tents, and sleeping bags for those who really want to tread lightly. Find more Maine hiking gear and guides
“While every season in Maine has its own unique charm, my personal favorite has to be the cusp between late summer and fall,” says James Merrill, founder of recyclable and plant-based outdoor eyewear brand, Opolis Optics. “This transitional period offers the best of both worlds, blending a variety of outdoor activities in a magnificent setting.” Enjoying the Maine outdoors can translate into your daily life with local products that capture its essence and are made with the environment in mind. Keep the outdoors inside of you with an Opolis product, a piece of Flowfold’s recycled everyday carry, or doing a nordic circuit at Waterstruck Wellness. Find more Maine lifestyle gear and guides
Despite year-round climbing opportunities, some of Maine’s most passionate climbers argue that fall is prime time for getting vertical on the wall. “The cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage create perfect conditions for a day on the rocks,” says Equinox Guiding Service Founder and Registered Maine Guide Noah Kleiner. The scenery during this time of year is truly spectacular, enhancing the overall climbing experience.” Head to Alpenglow Adventure Sports for everything from guidebooks to technical gear, and don’t miss Sterling’s selection of high-performance climbing ropes for your ascent. Find more Maine outdoor climbing gear and guides
Check out the full Adventure Local Maine guide for the best gear, goods, guides, and local intel to get you out there this fall.