There’s a lot to love about the great state of Maine! From the people to the small businesses to the huge strength and resiliency we see all around us. But, one of the things we really love about this state is all of the incredibly beautiful places to visit. No matter the season, there’s always something to explore. And, while we may not be able to get to them all right now, the most astounding spots in the state will always be waiting for us. Here are just a few.
- Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park
kim_carpenter_nj / Flickr Thunder Hole is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the state. It’s known for the thunderous sound it creates when waves roll into the small inlet that has been naturally carved out of the rocks. The pressure and power of nature can be heard by everyone in the area! To see it, plan on driving the scenic 27-mile loop that begins at Hulls Cove Visitor Center to Thunder Hole.
- The town of Port Clyde, Knox County
davehensley / Flickr So many of Maine’s towns are beautiful, that it’s hard to pick just one. So, head to any place that makes you feel happy. But this one is especially lovely! it’s actually a part of St. George and while it’s not hidden away in a forest in The County, it sure does feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. And of course, it’s home to Marshall Point Lighthouse made even more famous by Forrest Gump.
- Smalls Falls, Sandy River
grassvalleylarry / Flickr Located on the Sandy River, Smalls Falls are a lovely way to enjoy Maine’s nature. It helps that this is one of our favorite waterfalls. In addition to their immense beauty, the falls creates a series of pools that are great for swimming. You can also explore the area by taking a trip on one of the many trails nearby.
- Beautiful Rangeley Lake, Franklin County
dennisredfield / Flickr The Rangeley Lakes region is one of the most beautiful in all the state. But we especially love Rangeley Lake for it’s mystical location. Found halfway between the Equator and the North Pole the lake is said to have a high vibration. If you can’t make it to Rangeley, head to any of Maine’s great lakes. They’re all beautiful!
- Rattlesnake Pool, Evans Notch
logicalrealist / Flickr Its location might mot be obvious, but Rattlesnake Pool is a welcome relief to find after a sweaty hike in the region. Head to Evans Notch and follow the signs to the summit of Blueberry Mountain. On the way back, follow the signs to the pool! Or, you can take a shorter hike directly there. You can learn more about it here!
- York Harbor Cliff Walk, York
Jamie D / alltrails.com This leisurely walk which begins at York Harbor Beach and stretches along the cliff side of the beach, has some of the most beautiful views in southern Maine. The out-and-back trail is about a mile and offers the chance to see some lovely flowers, plants, trees and (of course!) the rocky coast that Maine is famous for.
- Angel Falls, Franklin County
binkley27 / Flickr This waterfall features a drop of about 90 feet, making it one of the tallest in Maine. If you’re in the Rangeley area, this is a simple detour. The trailhead is about 18 miles south of Oquossoc. The hike to reach the actual falls is about a mile, but it can be slipper and a bit steep in places so be careful.
- Bubble Rock, Acadia National Park
thegaffneys / Flickr What seems to be a magical rock perched on the side of a mountain in Acadia is really a “glacial erratic” left by ice age activity. Geologists say that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its current location from about 30 miles (or 48 km) away! To see it, hike to the top of South Bubble Mountain.
- The Summit of Mt. Battie, Camden
dtpancio / Flickr This beautiful view can be found in Camden Hills State Park with a simple drive to the summit of Mount Battie. The incredible view includes Penobscot Bay, the town of Camden and the Camden Hills further afield. Prefer to work up a sweat? You can hike to the top, too!
- Gulf Hagas, Katahdin Iron Works Park State Park
thomascook / Flickr Located in Katahdin Iron Works Park State Park, Gulf Hagas is a gorge carved out by the Western Branch of the Pleasant River. And it’s so incredible, many people refer to it as the Grand Canyon of the east! The area includes three miles of beauty and features incredible vertical slate walls, creating lots of waterfalls along the way.
- The Cutler Coast, Bay of Fundy
VW Beetle / Flickr The Bold Coast is one of the most aptly named places in Maine! Is beauty is unmistakably bold. Take the scenic drive and you’ll find untamed shores and cliffs that make this area feel far more remote than it really is. The Cutler Coast is a preserve made up of about 12,000 acres. To reach it, travel on Route 191 between Cutler and Lubec.
What are some of the places you’re itching to visit? Let us know your favorites! And if you’re can’t get out there now, but you’re craving some of the beauty of Vacationland, check out this drone that flew high above nature in Maine and caught the most incredible footage!
kim_carpenter_nj / Flickr
Thunder Hole is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the state. It’s known for the thunderous sound it creates when waves roll into the small inlet that has been naturally carved out of the rocks. The pressure and power of nature can be heard by everyone in the area! To see it, plan on driving the scenic 27-mile loop that begins at Hulls Cove Visitor Center to Thunder Hole.
davehensley / Flickr
So many of Maine’s towns are beautiful, that it’s hard to pick just one. So, head to any place that makes you feel happy. But this one is especially lovely! it’s actually a part of St. George and while it’s not hidden away in a forest in The County, it sure does feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. And of course, it’s home to Marshall Point Lighthouse made even more famous by Forrest Gump.
grassvalleylarry / Flickr
Located on the Sandy River, Smalls Falls are a lovely way to enjoy Maine’s nature. It helps that this is one of our favorite waterfalls. In addition to their immense beauty, the falls creates a series of pools that are great for swimming. You can also explore the area by taking a trip on one of the many trails nearby.
dennisredfield / Flickr
The Rangeley Lakes region is one of the most beautiful in all the state. But we especially love Rangeley Lake for it’s mystical location. Found halfway between the Equator and the North Pole the lake is said to have a high vibration. If you can’t make it to Rangeley, head to any of Maine’s great lakes. They’re all beautiful!
logicalrealist / Flickr
Its location might mot be obvious, but Rattlesnake Pool is a welcome relief to find after a sweaty hike in the region. Head to Evans Notch and follow the signs to the summit of Blueberry Mountain. On the way back, follow the signs to the pool! Or, you can take a shorter hike directly there. You can learn more about it here!
Jamie D / alltrails.com
This leisurely walk which begins at York Harbor Beach and stretches along the cliff side of the beach, has some of the most beautiful views in southern Maine. The out-and-back trail is about a mile and offers the chance to see some lovely flowers, plants, trees and (of course!) the rocky coast that Maine is famous for.
binkley27 / Flickr
This waterfall features a drop of about 90 feet, making it one of the tallest in Maine. If you’re in the Rangeley area, this is a simple detour. The trailhead is about 18 miles south of Oquossoc. The hike to reach the actual falls is about a mile, but it can be slipper and a bit steep in places so be careful.
thegaffneys / Flickr
What seems to be a magical rock perched on the side of a mountain in Acadia is really a “glacial erratic” left by ice age activity. Geologists say that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its current location from about 30 miles (or 48 km) away! To see it, hike to the top of South Bubble Mountain.
dtpancio / Flickr
This beautiful view can be found in Camden Hills State Park with a simple drive to the summit of Mount Battie. The incredible view includes Penobscot Bay, the town of Camden and the Camden Hills further afield. Prefer to work up a sweat? You can hike to the top, too!
thomascook / Flickr
Located in Katahdin Iron Works Park State Park, Gulf Hagas is a gorge carved out by the Western Branch of the Pleasant River. And it’s so incredible, many people refer to it as the Grand Canyon of the east! The area includes three miles of beauty and features incredible vertical slate walls, creating lots of waterfalls along the way.
VW Beetle / Flickr
The Bold Coast is one of the most aptly named places in Maine! Is beauty is unmistakably bold. Take the scenic drive and you’ll find untamed shores and cliffs that make this area feel far more remote than it really is. The Cutler Coast is a preserve made up of about 12,000 acres. To reach it, travel on Route 191 between Cutler and Lubec.
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Address: Port Clyde, St George, ME 04860, USAAddress: Smalls Falls, West Central Franklin, ME 04970, USAAddress: Rangeley Lake, Maine 04970, USAAddress: Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USAAddress: York Harbor, York, ME 03909, USAAddress: Angel Falls, West Central Franklin, ME 04275, USAAddress: Bubble Rock, Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USAAddress: Mount Battie, Mt Battie, Camden, ME 04843, USAAddress: Gulf Hagas Trailhead, Katahdin Iron Works Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USAAddress: Trailhead: Cutler Bold Coast Trail, 425 ME-191, Cutler, ME 04626, USA
