Never ask a hiker to suggest an easy trail.

I did this recently in Rangeley. The woman who was staying in the cabin next to me suggested Bald Mountain. At one point she called it “a toddler hike.” As my wife and I sat on rocks gasping for breath halfway up, we decided the only way a toddler could make this climb was strapped to somebody’s back.

With Maine’s foliage season upon us, it’s time to get out and see brilliant colors and stunning scenery. That natural beauty should be accessible to all, not just hardened hikers. Luckily, Maine has several roadside rest stops with short paths to waterfalls or other scenic vistas, for those of us who are hiking averse.

Here then are some suggestions for easy hikes or short strolls that will let you enjoy the wonders of a Maine autumn without breaking a sweat.

Cascade Falls

Cascade Road, Saco. sacobaytrails.org

A 20-foot horsetail waterfall on Cascade Brook is the centerpiece of this wooded trail system, not far from Route 1. From the dirt parking lot it’s less than a half mile to the falls, following the Trout Pond Loop and then the Falls View Trail, with several viewing points. There are two other connected trails and a Fairy Village.

Coos Canyon

Route 17, Byron. newenglandwaterfalls.com

This popular picnic area and rest stop runs along a 500-yard gorge that was at one time famous for gold panning. In fact there’s a store across the road where you can buy gold panning kits. It’s basically a scenic spot to walk around for a few minutes, along the gorge and across a wooden bridge that spans the rushing water. It’s in the heart of the western mountains north of Rumford. Some people wade and swim here, but not this time of year.

Grindstone Falls Rest Area

Route 11, Grindstone Township. destinationkatahdin.org

This scenic stop is on the east branch of the Penobscot River, just north of East Millinocket and south of Baxter State Park. There are stunning views of the river and Grindstone Falls along a trail, with picnic tables, benches and a restroom. It’s a perfect spot for people who just want to stretch their legs but not really hike.

Height of Land

Route 17, Township D. rlht.org

This scenic turnout is just south of Rangeley, with an elevation of more than 2,000 feet. So it’s like climbing a mountain but without the actual climbing. There are spectacular views of Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson lakes, as well as the White Mountains. There are several interpretive signs with information on the history and geography of the area, so you have something to read while strolling on the paved sidewalk that stretches along the overlook. If you want real hiking too, the Appalachian Trail is steps away.

Houston Brook Falls

Pleasant Ridge Road, Pleasant Ridge Plantation. newenglandwaterfalls.com

This 32-foot waterfall is located on Houston Brook near Moscow and Bingham, just off Route 201 north of Waterville. The trail is less than half a mile and it’s fairly easy, except for exposed tree roots and slippery rocks by the falls. The nearby section of Route 201 is known as the Old Canada Scenic Byway and makes for a very pretty foliage drive, all the way to Jackman and the Canadian border.

Limington Rapids Rest Area

Route 25, Limington. lakesregionkidscalendar.com

This spot on Route 25 in northern York County is a favorite with families. From the rest area and parking lot it’s just a 0.2-mile trail through the woods to the river, rushing rapids and calm, shallow pools. There are covered picnic tables and views of the Saco River. From Portland, it’s on the way to Cornish and Fryeburg, so it can easily be part of a foliage drive.

Mother Walker Falls

Route 26, Grafton Township. maine.gov/dacf

This V-shaped gorge is in Grafton Notch State Park, near the New Hampshire border north of Bethel. It’s 40 feet deep, 980 feet long and is named for a longtime local resident. The trail is only about 0.2 miles and the elevation gain is just 3 feet. It’s wise to supervise children closely here.

Screw Auger Falls

Route 26, Grafton Township. maine.gov/dacf

Screw Auger Falls is just a few minutes down the road from Mother Walker Falls, also part of Grafton Notch State Park. The path from the parking area is less than a quarter mile, and leads to a 23-foot waterfall in a narrow gorge along the Bear River, a 200-foot gorge called Moose Cave and Spruce Meadow picnic area, which overlooks Old Speck Mountain.

Smalls Falls Rest Area

Route 4, Township E. newenglandwaterfalls.com

A short trail from this rest area near Rangeley leads to a series of falls on the Sandy River, with heights of 12, 14 and 25 feet. The water has carved slides and pools into gold, brown and black rock, making it an incredibly scenic place. It’s only a few minutes’ walk and you can see most of the area’s beauty from the level path and bridge over the water.