Maine Rt. 113 Fall Foliage Traffic Restrictions 2025

Question

Planning to include Rt 113 along the Maine-New Hampshire border in your fall foliage itinerary? Better think again!

Route 113 runs from Gilead, ME to Fryeburg, ME, crossing the border to connect to Chatham, NH along the way.

A late-August news release from the Maine Department of Transportation says:

“FROM SEPTEMBER 8 TO NOVEMBER 14, THE MAINE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WILL CLOSE ROUTE 113 TO ALL VEHICLES FROM 7 A.M. TO 5 P.M. (emphasis added)

for a cable guardrail replacement project.

The project area begins just south of the Spruce Hill Trail parking area and extends south to the Brickett Place. Bicyclists and pedestrians may continue to use the entirety of Route 113. Bikers and pedestrians will need to use caution when approaching a work zone and follow the flagger's instructions. Onsite signage will be updated regularly to show which sections of Route 113 are closed to vehicles.

All through traffic intending to use Route 113 should seek an alternate route between the hours of 7 A.M. to 5 P.M."

Route 113 is a popular route for "leaf-peepers" and is often included in suggestions for day-trip loop drives... but not this year.

Answer

If you are planning a fall foliage trip along the Maine-New Hampshire border in 2025, it’s important to note that Route 113 will have significant vehicle restrictions this year due to a cable guardrail replacement project.

According to the Maine Department of Transportation, Route 113 will be closed to all vehicles from 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. between September 8 and November 14. The closure affects the section from just south of the Spruce Hill Trail parking area down to the Brickett Place. This means that all through traffic, including cars and motorcycles, will not be able to traverse this segment during those hours.

However, bicyclists and pedestrians are still allowed to use the road, though caution is advised near work zones, and they must follow flagger instructions. Onsite signage will be updated regularly to indicate which sections are closed to vehicles.

For travelers looking to enjoy fall foliage, this means that the usual “leaf-peeper” route along Route 113 cannot be driven during daytime hours, so planning an alternate route is necessary. Here are some suggestions and considerations:

Use Route 26 or Route 302 as alternate north-south connectors in the area to bypass the closed section.
Consider creating a loop that uses local roads and smaller scenic byways, which may be less crowded and still offer beautiful foliage views.
Plan early morning or late afternoon drives if you are trying to incorporate Route 113 by vehicle, although closures are strictly enforced during the listed hours.
For those on bicycles or hiking, this is actually a great opportunity to enjoy a quieter stretch of Route 113 without vehicle traffic.

In summary, Route 113 will not be available for vehicle traffic during peak daytime hours this fall. Adjust your itinerary to include alternate routes, and consider walking or biking sections if you want the full experience of this scenic area.

Maine Rt. 113 Fall Foliage Traffic Restrictions 2025

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