The 10 Best Things to do Adventurous in Maine, United States

January 26, 2022 Kaleigh Reichenbach

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. Maine State Sea Kayak

Excellent
95%
Good
4%
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1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 650 reviews

Maine State Sea Kayak

Paddle. Nature. It’s that simple really! We paddle the most remote sections around Acadia National Park. Our guides are passionate, we have the cleanest gear (washed after each trip), offer picnic lunches, and we are the only MDI Sea Kayaking tour provider offering a wildlife guarantee! Come explore the power of Acadia with us!

2. Scenic Flights of Acadia

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 374 reviews

Scenic Flights of Acadia

Experience the Island the Best Way! See it from above. You will gain a unique perspective of Bar Harbor, Coastal Lighthouses, Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain, Somes Sound and more. Choose from our five popular flights. Reservations are not required, with the exception of our unforgettable Sunset Flights.

3. Kristin K Charters SportFishing

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
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1%
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5.0 based on 176 reviews

Kristin K Charters SportFishing

Saltwater fishing charters! Giant Bluefin Tuna, Sharks, Cod, Haddock, Bluefish, Bass, and more! We also offer sea burials and sunset/harbor cruises.

4. Mount Desert Island

Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, ME 04609 +1 207-288-5005 http://www.barharborinfo.com
Excellent
89%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
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5.0 based on 2,891 reviews

Mount Desert Island

Home to Acadia National Park, this island off the coast of Maine with its beaches, sweeping cliffs and mountains offers visitors numerous recreational activities, from hiking, biking and following nature trails to swimming, sailing and kayaking.

Reviewed By mikey605 - Sevierville, United States

So much to see and do on Mount Desert Island! Acadia National Park, Whale Watching, Scenic Charters and Tours, Beaches, Shops, Golf, Hiking, Biking, Sea Kayaking, Plane rides, glider rides, helicopter flights, mini golf, if you want to do it you will find it on MDI

5. Precipice Trail

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME http://www.nps.gov/acadia
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 251 reviews

Precipice Trail

Half-mile long trail for experienced hikers at Acadia.

Reviewed By SteelCity13 - Austin, United States

Really enjoyed the workout that I got this morning but I didnt expect to climb a mountain when I set out to do some hiking. This trail is INTENSE! Dont go if its raining or has been raining, get there early! Like 7 AM early. You dont want to do this trail when tons of people are on it. Its challenging but do able. You CANNOT be afraid of heights and do this trail. I think this trail is the craziness hike i have every done or will ever do. The one great thing about the hike is that there are metal rails everywhere to help you get up the straight up parts of the hike. If you want a challenge a big challenge then try this hike. Also remember that this hike is only one way!

6. New England EcoAdventures

Excellent
97%
Good
3%
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5.0 based on 89 reviews

New England EcoAdventures

Lighthouse Tours, Whale Watching and Thrill Rides aboard our high-performance RIB boat. We provide unrivaled, exhilarating ocean-based adventures!

7. Grafton Notch State Park

1941 Bear River Rd, Bethel, ME 04261-3640 +1 207-824-2912 http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=1
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 198 reviews

Grafton Notch State Park

Affords breathtaking views of waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails without the parking lots, tourists, gift shops and hot dog stands.

Reviewed By nicks60610 - Portland, United States

This was a true gem hidden away in the area with a nice hike, and some awesome waterfalls and areas to swim and relax - can’t wait to come back here again

8. Mount Katahdin

Millinocket, ME http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com
Excellent
88%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 229 reviews

Mount Katahdin

Located at the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, the tallest peak in Maine stands at 5,267 feet.

Reviewed By BlueHero - New Jersey, United States

Mount Katahdin, the crown jewel of Baxter State Park, is the highest mountain in Maine, also the northern terminus of Appalachian trial. Hiking to Mt Katahdin via the infamously "Knife Edge" is hard and exciting. Carrying an oversized and heavy backpacking pack makes it more challenging, and according to park brochure, is "not recommended". But we did it anyway, including 2 teenage boys. As Dudley trail is closed indefinitely, we took the loop from Roarding Brook via Helen Taylor Trail to Pamola peak, Knife Edge Trail across Chimney Peak and eventually to Katahdin (Baxter Peak, elev 5240 ft). We then took Saddle Trail down to Chimney Pond Lean-To for an overnight stay, and then Chimney Pond Trail back to Roaring Brook parking lot on the next day. Helen Taylor Trail is fairly steep and therefore breaks treeline quickly where the view opens up for mountain ranges and lakes. After further steep climb over rocks and boulders, the trail leads to Pamola Peak where one can have a clear panoramic view of Knife Edge and Baxter Peak. The sharp descent and immediate ascent between Pamola Peak and Chimney Peak at beginning of Knife Edge Trail is essentially 90-degree vertical. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. Although only 1.1 miles in length and 365 ft in elevation gain, knife edge trail is difficult particularly due to its full exposure condition. One needs to scramble and stay focused. The wind can sometimes become so strong that it seems it would blow hikers off the cliff. Nevertheless the hard work, the rewarding 360 degree view of the rocky trail and the area around and below, from trail and Baxter Peak, makes the effort worthwhile. The return hike from Chimney pond back to Roaring brook is a piece of cake comparing to the climb up. The trail passes by several mountain lakes with the most clear lake water I have ever seen. No fish, no water-weeds, no algae, just crystal water. The backpacking trip was indeed a great experience. Weather definitely help too - it rained 1 day before and 1 day after our hike, but it just didn't during our hike. I can imagine how harder it would have become and how the view would be ruined if it rained instead. Highly recommended. And we will return.

9. Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting

Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 738 reviews

Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting

Three Rivers Whitewater runs 1 and 2 day trips on the Dead, Kennebec or Penobscot Rivers Daily. We use state of the art equipment and put the most time and money into training professional guide staff of any outfitter in Maine. All of our trips include home made meals that are second to none. But most importantly, our staff is here to make your trip fun. They are exceedingly friendly and take the time to make your trip what you want it to be. No request is too difficult to accomplish. If it is possible, we will do it to show you a good time. So look at the different trips we have to offer, gather your friends or family and join us for some serious fun!

10. Atlantic Climbing School

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
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5.0 based on 327 reviews

Atlantic Climbing School

Named BEST OF MAINE by Down East Magazine! Featured in the New York Times! For 25 years Atlantic Climbing School has been the leader in rock climbing instruction and guiding in Maine. Healthy fun for the whole family! Half day and full day courses are available for individuals, couples, families and groups of all ages and ability levels. As Maine's premier rock climbing school we guarantee the best instruction, the most experienced guides and of course, the most rewarding rock climbing experience you'll ever have. All of our staff are certified AMGA Instructors and Guides and we are proud to be the ONLY guide service in Maine to have this distinction. In fun, in professional commitment, in everything we do - at Atlantic Climbing School, WE CLIMB HIGHER. All equipment provided. No experience needed! Accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association

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