Best Things To Do In Maine In November

What Maine Is Like In November

Visiting Maine in November can be fantastic. November is considered the off season both on the coast and in the mountain regions. If you are looking to visit without the summer crowds and like cooler temperatures then November might be a great time for you. The month of November can vary vastly in weather and temperature. Early November tends to be warmer and windier compared to late November. The weather will also vary greatly depending on what part of the state you are visiting. Coastal Maine is milder while Northern Maine tends to be colder and has more snowfall. No matter what part of the state you visit there are plenty of outdoor activities as well as indoor activities for you to enjoy. 

November is a time when native Mainers, like myself, take a deep breath and enjoy the slower pace of the off season. It’s a time when locals in the coastal towns get to wind down from the busy summer tourist season and when those living in the Mountain regions are gearing up for the busy winter time. 

Average Temperatures Of Maine In November

The statewide average temperature for the month of November is 39 degrees. If we take a closer look at certain areas of the state you will see how different the temperature can be. The town of Kennebunkport in southern Maine has an average temperature of 38.5 degrees. While Tenants Harbor, located in the Mid Coast region has an average temperature of 41.5 degrees. Jonesboro, located in Downeast Maine has an average temperature of 38 degrees. In the center of the state you will find Waterville coming in at 37.5 degrees and Grand Stream Lake coming in at 37 degrees. The mountain region of Rangeley which is located west of Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resorts has an average temperature of 31.5 degrees. Northern Maines Fort Kent has the coldest average at 30 degrees. 

These are the averages for the entire month of November. So the weather forecast can fluctuate greatly depending on where you are in the state and what time of the month you are there. 

Why Visit In November

A great way to visit a popular spot without the crowds of peak season if to come in the off season. The peak season along the coast is during the summer months and the peak season for the mountains and norther part of the state is during the winter months. I am all about avoiding the crowds. Late October through December can be some of the best months for doing just that. 

It is a good time to enjoy the natural beauty of the state while enjoying colder temperatures and fewer crowds. This can be a great time to visit some of the state parks. Most of the state parks are open to visitors year round. The state parks are some of the best places to enjoy a roadside picnic. 

You will be still be able to enjoy some fresh seafood in some of the best restaurants the State of Maine has to offer. If you are craving lobster rolls, no need to worry, you can still get one, or two! Any local will tell you that the sign of a good restaurant is that it is open year round. 

Things To Do Along Coastal Maine In November

A trip to New England cannot be complete without a scenic drive along Route 1. Being that I am a coastal girl, I am pretty partial to coastal Route 1. Route 1 does go all the way to Fort Kent which is one of the northern most points of the state. 

I am going to start this trip down coastal Maine in Portland Maine. Chances are if you are flying in your adventure will start here. 

Southern Maine Stops

For us Mainers, southern Maine runs from the Maine/New Hampshire border to the start of Midcoast Maine in Bath. 

The first stop will be for a cup of hot tea and a pastry or two at the European Bakery and Tea Room located in Falmouth. This is a must stop for us when we travel and we usually end up with way too many pastries! We have also driven the hour and half one way from our house just to get cupcakes. Alex and I love this place!!! 

The next stop is just up the road in Yarmouth at the World’s Largest Rotating Globe known as Eartha. This rotating globe is 41 feet in diameter. I remember going to see this when it first opened in the late 90’s. It is still just as impressive today as it was back then. 

Get your wallet ready for our next stop! Every trip to Maine must include a shopping spree at L.L. Bean in Freeport. This is a great place to pick up that sweater you forgot to pack for the cold November weather. You also need to see the giant L.L. Bean boot located outside the store. If you are lucky you might even get to see the Bean Mobile! Depending on the time of month you are there, Freeport will be just finished with it’s Halloween festival and getting ready for its’ Sparkle Celebration in December. Either way, the downtown area looks festive!

And speaking of festive, just up the road in downtown Brunswick they too will be getting ready for the holiday season. Downtown Brunswick has become a very popular place to stop and walk around to all the small shops. One of my favorite is Wilbur’s of Maine Chocolate Confections. 

Out last stop along route 1 in Southern Maine will be the Maine Maritime Museum located in Bath. We try to go once a year and it seems like there is always more to see! The museum is located on 20 acres and includes the country’s only historic wooden shipyard. My favorite exhibit is the Into the Lantern: A Lighthouse Experience. It never disappoints. 

Midcoast Maine Stops

The first stop in the Midcoast region will be Fort Edgecomb located in Edgecomb. You cannot go inside the fort but are able to walk around outside. It is not the biggest fort by any means. Built in 1809, the blockhouse is the US best preserved for that time period. This is a great roadside attraction stop along the way.

Instead of making the drive down the peninsula to Boothbay Harbor, I would rather stop and visit downtown Damariscotta. Damariscotta is home to a variety of different restaurants and shops. Each store and restaurant has it’s own unique style and offerings. They have a thriving year round community. Two of my favorite stores to visit here are Sherman’s Maine Coast Book Shop and Citizen Maine Boutique. I do a lot of my holiday shopping at these two places. 

Heading on down the road to the outskirts of downtown Rockland is the Maine Lighthouse Museum. If you like lighthouses, then this is a must stop on your scenic drive while you visit Maine. While you are in Rockland, head over toward the Samoset Resort and walk out to the Breakwater Lighthouse. Remember to check the weather forecast before you head out on the breakwater. Reminder, the weather in Maine in November can change quickly. The walk out to the lighthouse can be slippery and icy when cold and wet. Wear proper footwear and use caution! If it is stormy do not walk out on the breakwater!

Our next stop takes place in Rockport at the famous Andre the Seal Statue. Andrea was well known to the locals. While visiting the statue you can check out the old Rockport Lime Kilns in the same small park. From there you can take the footbridge across the river and walk into downtown Rockport. It is a cute little downtown area that is often overlooked for the more popular tourist spot of Camden. 

The next stop on this trip is Mosman Park in Searsport. It is a cute little park located on the ocean with a playground. From here you can walk the short distance to downtown Searsport. Searsport has been transforming it’s downtown to help revitalize the area. I must say, it does look pretty good! 

In neighboring Stockton Springs you will find Fort Point State Park. The gate for the park is closed from Mid October to early spring. You can still go in but need to park at the gate and walk. It is not far though. They have a pier and some great walking trails that will lead over to the bell tower and Fort Point Light Station. 

Last up on this section of the journey is the Bucksport Veterans Park. Located just after you enter Bucksport, take a left at the stop light and the park is on the left. From the park you can walk along the Bucksport Waterfront Walkway where you will be able to get a great view of Fort Knox. The fort itself is not open in November, so you cannot go inside. To get a good idea of the size the walkway is the best for this time of year. 

Downeast Maine Stops

 If you have made it this far, you are officially in Downeast Maine! This and Way Downeast are my favorite places. 

Our first stop Downeast is going to be at the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in East Orland. The hatchery raises Atlantic Salmon for the last natural populations remaining in the US. Atlantic salmon are brought to the facility in the summer. From then until November they are monitored for health. Come November the Salmon begin to spawn. Spawning takes place a few times each week through November. After spawning the eggs are then fertilized and moved to the incubation room. From there the spawned fish are moved to pool and then stocked out in December. If you are lucky enough to be visiting Maine in November then this is a must see! Tours of the facility are usually self guided. Here is a virtual tour guide to the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery. There are also some great walking trails at the facility. 

Next up is a second stop at L.L. Bean! In case you missed the first one you can stop at the L.L. Bean outlet store in Ellsworth. Ellsworth is another place with a great downtown you can walk around. It is full of cafe’s, restaurants and small shops. Our favorite restaurant Helen’s is located along route 1 just past L.L. Bean. They have the best pie!

From here I will say it is worth driving down to Mt Desert Island to visit Acadia National Park. The park loop road and all paved roads are open until December 1. This makes visiting the park while you are in Maine in November easy! The Hulls Cove Visitor Center does close in October but you can go to the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce to speak with a ranger. There is no better place than Acadia National Park in November! I absolutely love it there. 

I would also recommend staying the night in the area. That way you have more time to explore! The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce can help you in locating accommodations. 

Once you finish with Acadia National Park head on down the road to Hancock and check out Carter’s Beach. This is always a great place to visit when visiting coastal areas of Maine. Plus, it’s not that far off of route 1. 

From here you can head down toward Winter Harbor to Schoodic Point and see more of Acadia National Park. Be sure to head out toward Prospect Harbor and stop at Big Jim The Fisherman Statue another great roadside attraction. 

Continue on route 186 and you will connect back into route 1. You will pass through the towns of Steuben and Millbridge on your way to Columbia Falls. Once in Columbia Falls you will make your way to the National Wreaths Across America Headquarters and museum. Wreaths Across American has an 1,800 square foot museum that is free to visit! You can either call or request a tour online. A little further down the road you can stop at the Acadia National Cemetery to pay respect for those who served from Downeast Maine. 

Once you arrive in Machias make sure you stop at Bad Little Falls Park. From the park you can take in a view of the falls and then walk around the downtown area. Machias is a great place to grab yourself a cup of coffee or tea before continuing on your adventure.

Before we approach the end of this journey, it is worth it to stop at Boot Head in Lubec. This short 1.4 mile out and back hike will offer you stunning views of The Bold Coast as Downeast is called. 

The last stop going to be at Quoddy Head State Park. Here you will find West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and the Easternmost Point in the US! They do have a museum but it is only open during the summer season.

Things To Do In Central Maine

I am again starting this trip in Portland. You will start by heading North to visit one Maine’s covered bridges. Babb’s Covered bridge is located on the outskirts of Gorham. This is a functioning bridge located on Hurricane Road. After about an hour drive you will arrive in South Paris where you can stretch your legs while taking a walk along the Riverside Trail. After another drive through some cute small towns and scenic ponds, lakes and rivers you will arrive in Chosholm. Here you can stretch your legs while enjoying views of the Androscoggin River at the French Falls Recreation Area while enjoying Maine in November. 

Our next stop brings us to Java Joe’s Corner Cafe in the college town of Farmington. The downtown area offers some great little shops so you can find the perfect holiday gift!

From here you will travel along route 2 to Skowhegan where you can stop for a photo op at the Skowhegan Indian. The sculpture is 62 feet tall! 

Heading along route 2 some more we will come to the town of Palmyra and make a stop at Eureka Farms. Here you can pick up your supply and gifts of Maine Made products. The products range from maple syrup to jams to Maine grown beans! 

Hit up the Maine Forest and Logging Museum in Bradley. The museum is open to the public everyday unless they are having an event. Please check the website for events and to get your map of the property. The buildings are only open during events but you will still find lots of information. 

The next stop on this journey is another museum called Our Heroes Military Museum located in Lincoln. Be sure to check the hours and call or email them. 

Things To Do In The Mountain Region Of Maine In November

Again, starting this journey in Portland. Headed north west, the first stop will be to hike to the Fire Warden’s Tower on Pleasant Mountain. The trail is 2.3 mile with 1,500 feet elevation gain and is on a snowmobile trail. Use caution, check the weather, have appropriate clothing and gear. Remember, Maine in November can have a variety of weather. If the weather is bad, not too worry, there are other things you can do on the way. 

Stop at Hemlock Bridge in Fryburg. This covered bridge was built in 1857 and is the oldest surviving Paddleford Truss system in Maine. From here you head south on route 5 before heading north and getting on Route 113. The drive will take you along the Maine and New Hampshire border to the town of Gilead. On route you will be surrounded by the Wild River Wilderness and the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness which is part of the White Mountain National Forest. Please check for road conditions before heading up. You will find several places to pull over to take in the views. 

Bethel is the next stop. More specifically, the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum. Maine has a great history of mining and if you know where to look you can still find quarries today. 

Just up the road is the Sunday River Ski Resort. They offer a wide range of activities all year round. 

Since you are nearby, you can see your second covered bridge, the Sunday River Bridge. You cannot drive across this bridge but you can walk across it. 

You have the option of heading into Grafton Notch State Park where you can hike to Step Falls, Screw Augur Falls, or one of my favorite hikes up to Table Rock. If you do this, use caution. The parking lots are not plowed in the winter and the trails here can be icy and slippery in November. 

Trucking on down the road, you do not want to miss taking your picture with a giant Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox! They reside next to the parking lot of the Rumford Information Center. Be sure to also check out Rumford Falls while you are there. You can see both from the same parking lot. 

Height of the Land is a great roadside stop on the way to Rangeley. The view from here over the valley is fantastic! Once you are done taking in the view, stop in downtown Rangeley to get a bite to eat and walk around a bit. 

Flagstaff Lake located in Eustis is hiding an entire village. You can read about it here. And the views from here are amazing!

Our trip is almost over. If you would like to hear to another mountain I would stop by Sugarloaf Mountain & Ski Resort on your way by. They have plenty to do up on the mountain if you have time. 

The last stop on the Northern Maine in November road trip is going to be the Stanley Museum in Kingfield. Yes, I mean the same Stanley family that invented the Stanley Steamer! The Stanley family birthplace was Kingfield Maine. They have a variety steam cars as well as a large photograph collection. 

Things To Do In Northern Maine In November

When you want to go to Northern Maine it is easier to fly into Bangor but not necessary. While in Bangor be sure to stop at the Paul Bunyan Statute located near Bass Park. Yes, this is a second and different Paul Bunyan Statue than the one I mentioned earlier. 

From here you should head East on Route 2. Route 2 meanders along the Penobscot River and through some cute small towns. Once you reach the town of Greenbush, stop at the Greenbush Public Landing and take in the view of the Penobscot River. 

Another great roadside attraction is the Giant Loon located off Main Street in Lincoln. You will want to stop for a photo of this on your way by! From here you are going to head into Meadowville and hop on Route 157 North. You will pass by the Weldon Dam Viewing Area which has yet another great view of the Penobscot River. Once in Medway, you will pick up interstate 95. Yes, I know, it’s not a back country road, but it will be worth your while.

Your next stop will be the Mount Katahdin Scenic Overlook located right off the interstate. Mount Katahdin is the tallest peak in Maine at 5,268 feet. While visiting Maine in November, this snow capped peak is sure to please. 

You will get off the interstate in Sherman and head north on Route 11. Just before the town of Patten you will find another Scenic Overlook for Mount Katahdin! It’s always interesting to see it from a different angle.

On your way through Portage be sure to stop and stretch your legs at the Portage Lake Public Beach. I know, you are saying to yourself, but it’s November in Maine, why the beach? Trust me, it’s worth a stop. 

Once you arrive in Fort Kent be sure to stop at the Fort Kent State Historic Site. Before heading to America’s First Mile, stop by the Red Devil Roast Coffee for something warm to take with you. Lastly, you have arrived Route 1 and at the sign for America’s First Mile in Fort Kent, Maine! Route 1 runs from Fort Kent Maine to Key West Florida and is 2,370 miles long. 

Conclusion Of Maine In November

Whether you are looking for scenic drives along the coast or some cold weather winter sports in the mountains, you can find it while visiting Maine in November! In November you are sure to miss the crowds that the busy summer season can bring. The best way to see Maine in it’s more natural state is to visit in the off season. As a born and raised Mainer myself, the off season is the best time of year to visit.