enlarge BJ Bangs/For the Maine Sunday Telegram

The Artist’s Bridge in Newry is called the most photographed bridge in Maine. It is convenient to Route 2.

enlarge BJ Bangs/For the Maine Sunday Telegram

The Lynchville sign giving directions to Maine towns with the names of countries is a well-recognized landmark.

enlarge BJ Bangs/For the Maine Sunday Telegram

Keewaydin Lake Dam provides some good color and a pleasant place to stop on a trip from Sanford to Newry.

enlarge BJ Bangs/For the Maine Sunday Telegram

Farms and fields contribute to the scenic splendor of a fall foliage drive.

FOR MORE on what to see and do in Maine visit MaineOutdoorJournal.com and ExpoloringMaine.com

There's no doubt autumn is absolutely awesome with cool crisp nights, bright blue skies and dazzling colors lining Maine's countryside. When driving along Maine's winding back roads, we let our minds wander, and wonder what makes nature turn into this spectacular medley of red, orange, yellow, purple and green each fall.

Even though we have to pay more at the pump this year, a foliage ride to enjoy fall's finest is a must-do. Whether you choose to cut the route short, or take a road trip for a day or two, fall showcases Maine's best scenery.

One such trip starts as far south as Sanford. Stay on Route 109 north (look for all the sunflowers in Springvale) and take a right onto Route 11 toward Shapleigh at the bottom of Mousam Lake, a narrow 900-acre water body with great fishing, boating, kayaking and swimming. If you're interested in history, a few miles up the road you'll see the signs to Willowbrook Museum in Newfield, a historical replica of an old country village, complete with a carousel and old Concord Coach. For more information, call 207-793-2784 or go to http://willowbrookmuseum.org.

Now that you're back on the road, continue north on Route 11 through Limerick, an old village which, believe or not, the town's Web site calls the "Beginning of Maine's Western Mountains!"

TAKING THE PEQUAWKET TRAIL

Stay north until you reach Cornish, a typical New England community with several churches with high steeples, a town park, and huge colorful trees all through the community center. Turn left onto Route 11/113.

You've just intersected the Pequawket Trail, a scenic byway which goes for 60 miles from Standish to Gilead. It obtained its name from the Sokokis Indian tribe that once inhabited the Saco River Valley.

There's plenty to see and do, with artisans and craftsmen shops, sustainable working farms, historic villages, and abundant wildlife in pristine habitats. Along the journey, the Saco River and the Mountain Division Rail meander parallel to the byway offering swimming, fishing and kayaking,

As you continue north, skirting the very edge of Maine's Sebago Lake Region, you can take detours to Standish, Sebago or Kezar Falls. This itinerary keeps us on Route 113 north through Hiram, Baldwin, West Baldwin and into Fryeburg,

Once in Fryeburg, take another break at one of the town's eateries or shops. For a detour, go about five miles into New Hampshire, and you'll have a close up-view of Pleasant Mountain which has been looming ahead of you while driving up Route 113.

Turn around and go straight through town, and continue on Route 5 north. Lovell, Center Lovell, Stoneham, and distant views of Kezar Lake offer lots of picturesque beauty, and the Keewaydin Lake Dam provides some impressive color as a backdrop to whitecaps lapping the shore.

A SIGN OF MAINE

When Route 5 intersects with Route 35 in Lynchville, you'll be treated to the nine-country signpost said to have been erected about 1930 to "attract attention." It certainly has, as it has been the subject of postcards and endless photos. Continue north and you'll see Proctor Pond on your right, with camps and homes nestled within its colorful panoramic beauty. Look for the foliage reflecting in the water.

Keep going north on Route 5 until you reach Route 2 west, less than a mile outside Bethel, a four-season resort town adjacent to one of Maine's premier ski areas, Sunday River. Once you've checked out the downtown area, continue on Route 2 east to the intersection with Sunday River Road, and follow the signs to the Artist's Covered Bridge. An absolute must stop, its name came from being the most photographed and painted covered bridges in Maine. Closed to traffic, it is an ideal photographic spot with the bridge and bright fall colors in the background.

Nine historic covered bridges still...