Maine is a remote and ruggedly beautiful land that’s perfect for exploring the great outdoors. There’s one big national park here, as well as many state parks and other natural areas that have a lot to offer for travelers looking to connect with nature. So, get outside and experience all of the coastal views, beaches, hiking and biking trails, and lakeside locations this amazing state has to offer!
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor
The iconic Acadia National Park is a true highlight of any trip to Maine. Top sights to see here are the Bass Harbor Head Light lighthouse on Mount Desert Island, Cadillac Mountain, Isle au Haut, Park Loop Road, the Schoodic Peninsula, and the Wild Gardens of Acadia. Camping is offered at the Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic Woods, Duck Harbor, and Wildwood Stables campgrounds. The National Park Service recommends having backup plans for your day, especially if you want to visit Cadillac Mountain at sunrise or sunset because popular destinations in this park can reach capacity and cause rangers to restrict public access. Unlike many national parks in the U.S., this one is pretty pet-friendly, and there are 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads that allow dogs.
Camden Hills State Park, Camden
Take in views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and the nearby islands when you hike to the top of Mount Battie at Camden Hills State Park. You’ll only have to travel a few minutes north of Camden to get here, making it an easy day trip from town. Depending on the season, look into taking a harbor cruise to see the resident whales and puffins. This park has around 30 miles of hiking trails, well-equipped campgrounds, and large picnic areas. One of the best routes here is the Maiden’s Cliff Trail, which offers stunning views of the Megunticook Lake and surrounding forests.
Baxter State Park, Millinocket
Baxter State Park is where the tallest mountain in Maine is located, Mt. Katahdin. It’s also the famous end destination of the iconic Appalachian trail and the place where so many hikers begin or end their epic backpacking journeys. Even if you’re not up for that hardcore of an excursion, there are a couple of hundred miles of trails here that range from easy to very challenging. Moose, bear, and deer have been known to inhabit the wooded areas in this park. Expect to find a real back-to-nature experience here without paved roads or electricity.
Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Near Orono
Another wonderful outdoor destination to visit here is the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. Not only is Maine along the Atlantic Ocean, but it’s also home to many lakes. This waterway connects many of these lakes, including the Allagash, Chamberlain, and Churchill. It’s a corridor that extends nearly 100 miles and is perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Other popular activities here are fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, camping, and watching wildlife. The Allagash Wilderness has few permanent residents, making it a true back-to-nature experience with small rapids, quiet lakes, and dense forests.
Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal
Bradbury Mountain State Park was one of Maine’s first state parks, and it has around 800 acres of forests to explore. Hikers can head up to the mountain, and there are some popular trails for mountain biking here as well. Migrating eagles and hawks typically pass through this park in the fall. There are about 35 campsites here that can accommodate tents and campers up to 35 feet in length. Campers can use the restrooms, showers, drinking water, picnic area, and dishwashing station here.
Scarborough Beach State Park, Scarborough
Many people don’t think of Maine’s beaches as an ideal place for swimming, but Scarborough Beach State Park defies that stereotype. This is a wonderful place to take a dip because the temperatures remain pretty warm throughout the summer. Families like this park because of the conveniences of beachside chairs, umbrellas, and boogie board rentals.
Popham Beach State Park, Phippsburg
Another great beach park in Maine is at Popham Beach, which is a very popular place among the locals. It borders the south side of the mouth of the Kennebec River and has a lovely and long stretch of sand. It’s easy to see Wood and Fox Islands from the shore. This is a good place to come for swimming, sunbathing, birdwatching, and looking for seashells. There are shallow tide pools that are great for families with small children here too.
Rangeley Lake State Park, Rangeley
If you haven’t gotten enough stunning Maine scenery by the end of your visit to the Northeast, head over to Rangeley Lake State Park. This is a beautiful park with views of the mountains and lake, and it’s a year-round destination worth visiting at any time. In the summer, trout and salmon fishermen flock here. Campsites and boat ramps make Rangeley perfect for a weekend getaway. And then in the winter, snowshoers and snowmobilers love coming here to play and seek adventure.
