What to do and see in Maine, United States: The Best Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers

January 7, 2022 Jasper Kershner

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. Moosehead Lake

Greenville, ME +1 207-695-2701 http://destinationmooseheadlake.com
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
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1%
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5.0 based on 276 reviews

Moosehead Lake

Maine's premier lake region offers great outdoor recreation and sports, including fishing, hunting, mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, and "flightseeing" by seaplane.

Reviewed By julesparasailing

I grew up in Mid-Coast Maine and have traveled to Moosehead since I was five. This area of Maine holds a sweet spot in my heart, and it truly is one of the places you must see and experience!

2. Cadillac Mountain

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME +1 207-288-3338 http://www.acadiamagic.com
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
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5.0 based on 3,467 reviews

Cadillac Mountain

The East Coast's highest mountain at 1,530 feet and Acadia's best known sight.

Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States

Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on Maine's Mount Desert Island is, at 1, 532 feet, the highest point along the North Atlantic Seaboard and the first place in the United States to be touched by the light of a rising sun from October 7 through March 6 of each year. How's that for a notable piece of trivia? It also is the only mountain on Mount Desert Island--there are more than 20 of them--that has a road that travels all the way to the summit. The 3.5-mile road to the top opened in 1931. Cadillac Mountain is composed largely of pink granite, giving it a strong reddish appearance at sunrise or sunset. Spruce and pitch pine are the dominant trees on the mountain combined with tiny subalpine plants and wild blueberries. Views? Look in every direction. To the East, there is the Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland. There are several islands off the coast of Mount Desert Island, including Sheep Porcupine and Bald Porcupine. To the Northeast is the business district of Bar Harbor. To the North is Trenton. To the South is Islesford. To the Southwest is Southwest Harbor. To the West is Eagle Lake and Blue Hill Mountain. Yes, it is more scenic than a trip to the top of Pike's Peak in Colorado.

3. Precipice Trail

Acadia National Park, Mount Desert Island, ME http://www.nps.gov/acadia
Excellent
89%
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7%
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4%
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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!

4. Maine State Sea Kayak

Excellent
95%
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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!

5. Scenic Flights of Acadia

Excellent
97%
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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.

6. Acadia Lobster Cruise

Excellent
99%
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5.0 based on 101 reviews

Acadia Lobster Cruise

Create a truly memorable vacation with this Lobster Dinner Cruise on a vintage 1967 wooden lobster boat built right here on Mount Desert Island. Learn how lobsters are harvested and enjoy the fresh salt air with views of MDI while Captain Jason Clark prepares your downeast lobster bake and shares his personal knowledge of the area with views of lighthouses and abundant wildlife.

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%
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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. Sail Camden

Excellent
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5.0 based on 166 reviews

Sail Camden

Offering private charters , sunset sails, and customized events (with a maximum of up to six passengers) on the schedule of your choice; we sail regularly from historic Camden Harbor. Whether you seek a romantic engagement or a relaxing outing with friends, every trip aboard Heritage is catered to your group, with a maximum of up to six passengers.

9. Mount Katahdin

Millinocket, ME http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com
Excellent
88%
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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.

10. Three Rivers Whitewater Rafting

Excellent
94%
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5%
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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!

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