10 Outdoor Activities in Maine That You Shouldn't Miss

April 14, 2022 Velvet Mowry

Maine has several unique regions, each with its own distinctive culture and activities. With miles of coastline, thousands of lakes, endless rivers and deep forests, visitors can find their perfect vacation spot, whether it's on a sandy beach, at a family campground or walking along Main Street in a bustling city or town. Maine is also known for abundant outdoor recreation opportunities in all four seasons, from swimming and boating in the warmer months to excellent skiing in the winter.
Restaurants in Maine

1. Popham Beach State Park

10 Perkins Farm Ln, Phippsburg, ME 04562-4731 +1 207-389-1335 http://www.stateparks.com/popham_beach_state_park_in_maine.html
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 394 reviews

Popham Beach State Park

State park and beach area that is located on a peninsula near Bath, Maine.

Reviewed By BeachSeekers123 - Louisville, United States

We spent three days at Popham Beach and loved it. The views are spectacular, you can walk to historic forts and at low tide walk out to a rocky island. It was a little chilly here in early October, but this is definitely a place I would recommend and hope we are able to return to in warmer weather good place to watch a sunset!

2. Height of Land

Rangeley, ME +1 207-864-7311 [email protected] http://www.rlht.org
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 281 reviews

Height of Land

This 512 acre- parcel has been conserved by RLHT to forever ensure that this spectacular vista remains unspoiled. Located along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway and bordering the Maine Bureau of Public Lands, the Appalachian Trail, Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Bemis Stream, the “Height of Land” parcel is identified on virtually every map, tour guide, brochure and website that focuses on the Rangeley Lakes region. This spot provides one of the most stunning overlooks in New England. With magnificent views of Mooselookmeguntic and Richardson Lakes and the White Mountains, this forested lake landscape provides the perfect setting for artists, tourists and all who appreciate mountain air and spectacular scenery. RLHT purchased the 512-acre property in 2008 from a large timber company and is currently engaged in a campaign to complete the funding of the acquisition.

Reviewed By suehZ5112FZ - New Gloucester, United States

Wonderful views of the Rangeley Lake region. Fall is definitely time to visit and take panoramic pictures.

3. Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail

Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609-0177 +1 207-288-3338 https://www.nps.gov/acad/contacts.htm
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 564 reviews

Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail

Reviewed By 130ashleyb - Yountville, United States

Fun hike! After reading many reviews, my husband and I took this hike on our recent trip to Acadia. We knew that we needed to get there early, and so glad we did! If you get there any later than 10am you'll be less likely to find parking and the trail starts filling up- which means you'll be hanging on the side of a mountain waiting for 200 other people to scramble up the ladders. Quick warning for the fair skinned - this trail is 75% exposed to the sun, so make sure to apply sunscreen before you go.

4. Walker's Point

Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, ME
Excellent
56%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 791 reviews

Walker's Point

The oceanfront home of former President George Bush.

Reviewed By Q7081RYrichardl - Chagrin Falls, United States

Summer home of two Bush Presidents - lots of history and a place for great picture taking; it can be busy so wait patiently for a safe parking place.

5. St. Anthony's Monastery

28 Beach Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04043-7628 +1 207-967-4865 [email protected] http://www.franciscanguesthouse.com/franciscan-maine-monastery.html
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 262 reviews

St. Anthony's Monastery

St. Anthony's Monastery is situated on a 66 acre estate with lovely rolling lawns, riverside walking paths and English Gardens.

Reviewed By NJHeart2Heart

This location has lovely walking trails throughout, and takes a gentle slope down to the water where you can see the tidal flow and the boats.

6. Cobscook Bay

Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Cobscook Bay

A network of bays in eastern Maine that is ideal for kayaking.

7. Gooch's Kennebunk Beach

Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 206 reviews

Gooch's Kennebunk Beach

Reviewed By Jgifas - Montvale, United States

We were two families of 4. You can buy parking through the app so you don’t have to track down passes. It was very convenient. The beach was lovely. Bigger waves were nice but the water was Cold. There was a surf class going on. We walked down a few beaches. All beautiful. Lots of room to throw a ball. Had a great day. Would go back.

8. Sunday River Ski Resort

Sunday River Access Road Off Route 2, Bethel, ME 04217 +1 207-824-3000 http://www.sundayriver.com/Lodging/GrandSummitHotel/index.html
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 533 reviews

Sunday River Ski Resort

Large resort complex for downhill skiing.

Reviewed By NewEnglandGoodLife

Sunday River offers so much fun year round for groups, couples, and families. They are perhaps best known for their skiing in the winter. They have, perhaps, the best snow making capabilities in the East, making visits here consistently great for skiing and riding. They have an expansive network of trails -- the only challenge is navigating across the peaks. If you are not careful, you could end up far away from where you are staying or are parked at the end of the day. Good news, though, is that they run shuttles to help you get around. We've begun to enjoy their adventures in other seasons. They offer downhill mountain biking, disc golf, hiking, ziplines, rock climbing, pony rides, and trampoline adventures during the summer and fall. Additionally, Sunday River hosts weekend festivals all year long. In the fall, we've enjoyed the fall festival with the Wife Carrying Competition and Cornhole Tournament. They often host live music at the South Ridge Lodge. Additionally, they often have fireworks, including on New Years' Eve. Our favorite on-mountain place to stay is at the Sunrise Condos, though we also highly recommend the Grand Summit. The Grand Summit offers breakfast at its Camp restaurant, which is a perfect start to your day of adventure.

9. Coastal Highway U.S. 1

Route 1, ME
Excellent
61%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 345 reviews

Coastal Highway U.S. 1

Reviewed By melodyk791 - Grand Junction, United States

The drive up the Maine Coastline was awesome with breathtaking views! Don’t be in a hurry! There is so much to enjoy! We drove from Bar Harbor to Portland. We enjoyed small towns full of shops and amazing seafood all along the way. All the lobster rolls we could eat and lighthouses everywhere! We would find our way off the beaten path and find ourselves back out by the water or exploring the sidewalks of another old harbor town. So many treasures and so many great places to stop and see. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy Acadia National Park. Our visit was timed for the Fall foliage. The coastal highway did not disappoint. It’s was the trip of a lifetime!

10. Ocean Trail

Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 945 reviews

Ocean Trail

Walking trail along Frenchman Bay.

Reviewed By donnabO8015OG - Gladwyne, United States

We always do at least part of the Ocean Path Trail when visiting Acadia NP. You can park along the roadway, or in any of the parking lots, and walk as much of the trail as you like. It's an out and back, and not a loop trail. We typically bring a picnic lunch and find a quiet place on the rocks where we can eat. Our dog loves the trail, especially since it's easy after climbing those mountains! Many people just go to Sand Beach and then drive down the Park Loop Road, but to fully enjoy this part of Acadia I think you need to park your car and walk along the trail, and then find a place to explore the tidal pools or relax on the rocks in the sun or sit under a tree in the shade. Even when Acadia is very crowded, I can always find quiet places venturing off the trail.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.