As Mainers, we’ve come to appreciate everything we have at our fingertips. Great restaurants, friendly people, and scenery that makes us swoon are just a few of the things that make us feel lucky to be here. But, it’s access to incredible nature that truly has us pinching ourselves day-after-day. If you agree, you’ll want to check out the spots we’ve included here. Sure, you may have visited them before. But they only get better with time!
Exploring our state is always an adventure, but there’s so much to see beyond its borders! Sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter to see must-visit destinations throughout the nation and inspire your travels, both near and far.
- Megunticook Lake, Camden Area
Fyn Kynd / Flickr This beautiful Maine lake is comprised of over 1,300 acres, making it the largest in Knox county by both volume and area. For an easy way to enjoy it, plan for a day at the beach in Barrett’s Cove Park.
- The Asticou Azalea Garden, Northeast Harbor
ugardener / Flickr This relaxing tea garden is an escape for anyone who visits. Built in 1956 by Northeast Harbor resident, Charles K. Savage, the gardens were modeled after a Japanese stroll garden. You’ll find lots of little paths meandering through each garden, making this feel like a real escape from reality.
- The Cascade Falls Trail, Saco
Darryl Gagne / alltrails.com Head to Saco to find this simple and well-groomed path. The half-mile trail is made up of stone dust, making it a nice, level trip. And, of course, the best part is that it leads to the gorgeous Cascade Falls.
- The Bar Island Trail, Bar Harbor
jstephenconn / Flickr For those who are punctual and on time, this is a great place to visit! The trail is only accessible during low tide, which means you’ll need to plan your day precisely! And if you do, you’ll be rewarded with a fun walk from Bar Harbor to Bar Island.
- The Reversing Falls, Mahar’s Point, West Pembroke
wolfsavard / Flickr In West Pembroke, you’ll find a changing tide that fluctuates by 20 feet every 6 hours. This is interesting all on its own. But this action also creates a tidal flow that alternately fills and drains Whiting and Dennys Bays. The salt water flows incredibly fast into the bays over rocks causing the appearance of “falls.”
- Indian’s Last Leap, Sanford
Maine Trail Finder On a warm summer day, there’s nothing like jumping into your favorite swimming hole. You’ll find this one on the Mousam River. You’ll have your pick of rocky places from which to jump. And you can find it easily off of the Mousam Way Trail near Sanford. To access it, head to the trails with “M” blazes at the Sanford Springvale Recreation area on Route 109.
- Gulf Hagas, Monson
Jerry White / alltrails.com Maine’s very own “Grand Canyon” is a sight to see! But you’ll have to work for it. Head to Katahdin Iron Works State Park to find the Gulf Rim Trail, an 8.5 mile route that’s challenging and beautiful all at the same time.
- Houston Brook Falls, Pleasant Ridge
athrasher / Flickr The ten minute hike to reach this waterfall passes through a lush forest canopy. Be sure to look out for the fun footbridge along the way! You can head to the top and look down for a great view, but be sure to head to the bottom for some swimming and a picnic.
- Big and Little Niagara Falls, Baxter State Park
John Hayes / Flickr Maine’s waterfalls are a sight to see! Some might even say you don’t need to leave the state to see the best of what the country has to offer. And, the fact that we have our very own Niagara Falls should prove that. Head to Baxter State Park and you’ll find a few different trails leading to the falls.
In addition to nature, Maine has a ton of wonderful attractions to visit. And, it’s not just us that feels that way! Did you know that the most photographed lighthouse in the country is right here on the Maine coast?
Fyn Kynd / Flickr
This beautiful Maine lake is comprised of over 1,300 acres, making it the largest in Knox county by both volume and area. For an easy way to enjoy it, plan for a day at the beach in Barrett’s Cove Park.
ugardener / Flickr
This relaxing tea garden is an escape for anyone who visits. Built in 1956 by Northeast Harbor resident, Charles K. Savage, the gardens were modeled after a Japanese stroll garden. You’ll find lots of little paths meandering through each garden, making this feel like a real escape from reality.
Darryl Gagne / alltrails.com
Head to Saco to find this simple and well-groomed path. The half-mile trail is made up of stone dust, making it a nice, level trip. And, of course, the best part is that it leads to the gorgeous Cascade Falls.
jstephenconn / Flickr
For those who are punctual and on time, this is a great place to visit! The trail is only accessible during low tide, which means you’ll need to plan your day precisely! And if you do, you’ll be rewarded with a fun walk from Bar Harbor to Bar Island.
wolfsavard / Flickr
In West Pembroke, you’ll find a changing tide that fluctuates by 20 feet every 6 hours. This is interesting all on its own. But this action also creates a tidal flow that alternately fills and drains Whiting and Dennys Bays. The salt water flows incredibly fast into the bays over rocks causing the appearance of “falls.”
Maine Trail Finder
On a warm summer day, there’s nothing like jumping into your favorite swimming hole. You’ll find this one on the Mousam River. You’ll have your pick of rocky places from which to jump. And you can find it easily off of the Mousam Way Trail near Sanford. To access it, head to the trails with “M” blazes at the Sanford Springvale Recreation area on Route 109.
Jerry White / alltrails.com
Maine’s very own “Grand Canyon” is a sight to see! But you’ll have to work for it. Head to Katahdin Iron Works State Park to find the Gulf Rim Trail, an 8.5 mile route that’s challenging and beautiful all at the same time.
athrasher / Flickr
The ten minute hike to reach this waterfall passes through a lush forest canopy. Be sure to look out for the fun footbridge along the way! You can head to the top and look down for a great view, but be sure to head to the bottom for some swimming and a picnic.
John Hayes / Flickr
Maine’s waterfalls are a sight to see! Some might even say you don’t need to leave the state to see the best of what the country has to offer. And, the fact that we have our very own Niagara Falls should prove that. Head to Baxter State Park and you’ll find a few different trails leading to the falls.
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Address: Megunticook Lake, Maine, USAAddress: Asticou Azalea Garden Parking, Northeast Harbor, ME 04662, USAAddress: Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USAAddress: Bar Island Trail, Sorrento, ME, USAAddress: Reversing Falls Park, Reversing Falls Rd, Pembroke, ME 04666, USAAddress: Sanford, ME, USAAddress: Gulf Hagas Trailhead, Katahdin Iron Works Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USAAddress: Houston Brook Falls, Pleasant Ridge Plantation, ME 04920, USAAddress: Baxter State Park, Millinocket, ME 04462, USA
