The Best Leaf Peeping Autumn Foliage Drives in Southern Maine

The autumn foliage this year in southern Maine is predicted to be one of the most brilliant on record because of the unseasonably high rain the area received over the summer. And right now is the perfect time to take in what is easily one of our country's most breathtaking natural wonders.

Every year, thousands of out of state visitors (or, as we in Maine call them, "folks from away") flock to Maine to get a glimpse of the rich colors and breath in that crisp autumn air. Here are five routes that are sure to satisfy your urge to see the best of what Maine foliage has to offer every autumn. Keep in mind that many of these leaf peeping trails cross or overlap, so you could easily start on one and end up on another, getting a full foliage fix that will last you until next season.

Route 4, Berwick to Waterboro - This route is approximately 20 miles long, and takes you along a nicely wooded drive. You'll go past Shaker Pond and through Alfred, which has a charming town center with a plant nursery (great for those autumn mums or fresh Maine apples), general store, and a few quaint restaurants.

Route 5 (Sokokis Trail) - Sokokis Trail runs from Waterboro to Cornish and is another 20 mile drive through undeveloped areas that have stunning autumn foliage. Cornish is a lovely little town with several antique stores and a handful of restaurants to choose from - you'll definitely want to walk up and down the main thoroughfare to stretch your legs and see what this town has to offer.

Route 202, Waterboro to Gorham - Route 4 and Route 202 merge and route 5 splits off of route 4, so you may get confused when you hit Waterboro, but no need to fret - the 20 mile drive from Waterboro to Gorham is filled with trees and brilliant foliage. Plus, it's easy to continue on to Portland if you'd like to check out some of the trendy shops on Exchange Street after your foliage fix.

Route 114, Scarborough to Naples - Route 114 is easy to find off the Maine Turnpike, so this 35 mile foliage drive might be attractive to you for that reason alone. The first few miles might seem a bit bleak on the foliage front, but never fear - once you pass through Gorham village and crest the top of Fort Hill on 114, you will be absolutely stunned by fantastic views of the White Mountains and the gorgeous autumn colors you can see from all around. Continuing along this foliage drive will swing you around Sebago Lake (one of the most popular summer spots in southern Maine) and right into the heart of Naples where you'll find charming B&Bs and many small restaurants.

Route 25, Ossipee Trail, Westbrook to the Maine/NH border - I've saved the longest foliage route for last, since this leaf peeping 50-75 mile drive will take you from Maine into neighboring New Hampshire and could therefore tempt you to make your Maine foliage drive into a New England foliage weekend! Like route 114, the beginning of this route may seem too bland to qualify as a foliage drive, but once again, Gorham is the point at which you'll cross into some spectacular views. Follow Ossipee Trail all the way to the border, and choose to continue north the White Mountains, or head back towards home.

One thing to remember when enjoying your foliage drive is that people do live and work in Maine, so if you are taking your time to enjoy the views, remember to check your rear view mirror from time to time for a line of traffic. It will be much appreciated by the locals if you pull over to let them pass (even if it's hard to believe any one would want to rush past so much natural beauty).