Nestled on the northeastern fringes of the USA, Maine is one beautiful state to go to. With its rugged shoreline, bayside cities and exquisite nationwide parks, there’s somewhat slice of Maine that may enchantment to every customer. Actually, there are such a lot of of one of the best locations in Fundamental to go to dotted all throughout the state. You simply have to search out it!
And that is the place the more durable half is available in. It may be robust to whittle down a concise listing of locations in Maine to go to on a visit. Particularly, if you wish to discover as a lot as attainable together with your time within the state.
So, that will help you see essentially the most attractive spots in Maine, I’m sharing some gems that I do know you received’t wish to miss. This manner, you may give attention to all of the scrumptious meals (belief me, the lobster is nice right here) and really go to the state.
Have essentially the most wonderful time exploring Maine. It truly is a stupendous state.
1.) Acadia Nationwide Park
Perched on the Atlantic shoreline southwest of town of Bangor, Acadia Nationwide Park is one place you received’t wish to miss in Maine. You see, it’s one of many finest locations within the Northeast of the USA to discover the untouched rugged shoreline of the North Atlantic.
In reality, Acadia Nationwide Park is a 46,000-acre park with different mountains, cliffs, seashores, ponds, forests, and inlets that make this an ideal place to ramble, hike and discover the nice outside.
We completely liked the Cadillac North Ridge Path, the place you’ll discover, you guessed it, Cadillac Mountain. A heads up: Make certain to pack waterproof footwear with you, as the paths can get moist at sure occasions of the yr. It’ll take you round three hours to hike, and also you’ll cowl simply over 4 miles. It’s an ideal route and excellent for those who don’t need something tremendous intense.
Additionally, don’t neglect in regards to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. It’s an ideal place to observe the paths and discover the beautiful nature across the Jesup Path. It’s stunning.
E book this guided tour of Acadia Nationwide Park, which departs from close by Bar Harbor, to make your journey simpler. It’ll take you throughout to Sieur de Monts Spring, see Jordan Pond, and also you’ll actually have a lobster roll thrown in. It’s so good.
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2.) Augusta
Round a 70-minute drive from Bangor, Augusta is the capital metropolis of Maine and a very pretty place to go to for a half-day journey while visiting Maine.
Augusta can also be among the best locations in Maine to go to if you wish to discover extra of the state’s cultural historical past. As soon as right here, you may go to Previous Fort Western. It’s stated to be the oldest picket fort in all of New England and dates again to the 1700s. You’ll have the ability to discover the historic Garrison constructing and study a lot extra about life in New England again within the 18th Century.
Additionally, for those who fancy a stroll, head out on the Kennebec River Rail Path. This takes within the riverwalk alongside the Kennebec River. Plus, alongside the way in which, you may cease off at Otto’s on the River for a chew to eat. Their lamb shank is so good.
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3.) Gulf Hagas
colloquially known as Maine’s very personal Grand Canyon, Gulf Hagas is an enormous canyon-like waterway that’s unbelievable to go to. It’s among the best locations in Maine to go to if you wish to hike and are heading into the state’s heartlands.
For some beautiful views, be a part of the Gulf Hagas Path, which can take you thru the attractive landscapes of central Maine. Simply bear in mind that, like a lot of the East Coast, it might probably get moist, so plan forward and take layers with you.
Additionally, you may simply associate a visit across the Gulf Hagas area of Maine with its well-known lakes, too. Don’t neglect to go to Moosehead Lake, Rum Pond and Higher Wilson Pond.
Simply bear in mind that there’s little by way of companies round this space of Maine, so decisions could be restricted by way of lodging and eating places. For a chew by the lake, cease by Stress Free Moose Pub & Cafe. It’s an unfussy spot in Greenville serving a tasty chilli canine.
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4.) Nubble Head Lighthouse
Perched on the headland across the coast of York is Nubble Head Lighthouse. It’s a stunning cease to make, particularly for a 30-minute break to stretch your legs earlier than carrying in your Maine street journey. For one of the best views, head to dawn (for those who’re up) or sundown, the place the orange hues are stunning.
For those who’ve received extra time, keep an evening in York itself and stroll Quick Sands Seashore, and discover York’s small Historic District. Right here, you’ll get to see the Previous Schoolhouse, York Townhall and cease by Fats Tomato Grill. Their home made soups and Thanksgiving sandwiches are so good.
Alternatively, head to Solar & Surf Restaurant, which is on the coast. They serve up some tasty bacon-wrapped scallops.
5.) Portland
Portland, to not be confused with the one in Oregon, is a reasonably nice metropolis in Maine to go to. It’s the right stopping level while on a street journey exploring a few of the finest locations in Maine whereas driving the coastal routes. You possibly can simply spend two nights in Portland, and it might probably act as a gateway metropolis to remain and discover the broader space.
As soon as in Portland, be sure to go to the yummy Farmer’s Market. Serving contemporary native meals, natural dairy, juicy fruits, meat and candy treats. Although it’s small, it’s a good way to have a style of the native space.
Additionally, don’t neglect to go to Luke’s Lobster at Portland Pier. They serve a few of the metropolis’s finest lobster—all contemporary to order. Simply bear in mind that it might probably get busy on the weekends, so plan forward in case you’re quick on time.
Oh, and ensure to identify the Portland Observatory. It’s a historic sign tower—the one one left within the US made completely of wooden. It dates again to the 1800s and is an integral a part of town’s lengthy historical past. Additionally they run guided excursions, each 30-minutes.
For somewhat afternoon journey from Portland, take the boat to Peaks Island simply off Portland itself. It’s a stunning little island for a stroll, and the boats go throughout it not less than each hour in the course of the day. As soon as on Peaks Island, you may ramble to Battery Steele, stroll the coastal route from the Casco Bay Ferry cease and cease by the Cockeyed Gull for a chew to eat.
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6.) Moosehead Lake
I briefly touched on Moosehead Lake earlier, nevertheless it deserves its personal point out. It’s among the best locations in Maine to go to for those who’re heading additional inland by means of the state.
Now, Moosehead Lake is big, so don’t anticipate you’re going to cowl all of it inside one journey. Select particular spots, like Mount Kineo State Park (for those who love mountain climbing) or Lily Bay State Park. These are each beautiful. Although, as I discussed earlier than, there’s not a lot by way of eating places round right here – so plan forward.
7.) Quoddy Head State Park
Perched proper on the worldwide border between Canada and the USA, Quoddy Head State Park is a superb place to go to. You see, it’s the easternmost level of the USA and the entire space is beautiful.
For those who love mountain climbing, then the Coastal Path is a objective that it’s best to hit. Nevertheless, the fascinating characteristic that comes with this mountain climbing problem is that you simply take pleasure in some superior ocean views. You will notice a lot of the shoreline across the Quoddy Channel to the cliffs of Nice Manan Island in New Brunswick Canada.
Oh, and don’t neglect to identify West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, too.
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8.) Port Clyde
For those who’re travelling down the coast in Maine, then be sure to make a cease off at Port Clyde on the St Geroge Peninsular and discover extra of Clark Island, too. It’s solely small, however that’s its appeal, in my view.
When you’re within the space (and driving round by automobile), be sure to cease off at Marshall Level and go to the Marshall Level Lighthouse and museum that’s steeped in historical past from the 1800s. Additionally, there’s Drift Inn Seashore which is nice for ramble.
Oh, and for those who’re heading additional north up the peninsular, be sure to seize lunch at McLoons Lobster Shack. Their lobster stew and steamed Maine lobster are so good.
9.) Cape Elizabeth and Portland Mild
Simply on the outskirts of town of Portland is Portland Head Mild, one of the vital well-known lighthouses on the East Coast. It dates again to the 1700s and has been warning incoming ships of land for hundreds of years since.
It’s an absolute gem of a spot to go to and completely stunning to go to at dawn (for those who’re up early sufficient).
Additionally, you may simply embrace a go to to close by (by automobile) Kettle Cove and Crescent Seashore in Cape Elizabeth. Kettle Cove and crescent seaside are adjoining to one another and so pretty for somewhat stroll on a heat day.
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10.) Rockport
North of Manchester-by-the-Sea and close by Salem, that’s throughout the border in Massachusetts, Rockport is without doubt one of the finest locations in Maine to go to when exploring the shoreline right here (and round Gloucester itself).
As soon as right here, it’s important to head over to Roy Moore Lobster Firm that’s been serving lobster right here for over 100 years. They serve up a few of the freshest Maine lobster within the area. It’s a reasonably unfussy spot and the lobster is all the time unbelievable and completely contemporary.
Oh, and make sure you spot Motif #1. It’s a duplicate of the picket shack that when stood right here within the 1800s. It’s so cute.
11.) Allagash Wilderness Waterway
The Allagash Wilderness Waterway is without doubt one of the finest locations in Maine to go to whenever you’re exploring the northern stretches of the state. You see, it’s close to the Canadian border and is really easy to incorporate in your journey for those who’re heading additional north.
Now, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway may be very distant and, by way of amenities, it’s missing. So, if that appears like a bore to you, then possibly give Allagash Wilderness Waterway a miss.
If it doesn’t, nice! Make certain to go out kayaking (with a professional information) or take within the views on Allagash Mountain Path. It’s such an untouched and completely unspoilt space.
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12.) Baxter State Park
Proper within the coronary heart of Maine, Baxter State Park is nicely value visiting as you meander the roads taking you from the coast and up in direction of Canada. You see, it’s about midway up Maine and an ideal stopping level for a number of days journey as you discover extra of the state.
As soon as right here, be sure to identify Mount Katahdin. Actually, it’s arduous to overlook – particularly because it’s Maine’s tallest peak. Katahdin rises from Baxter State Park.
As soon as right here, there are heaps of hikes to select from. You’ve received the Helon Taylor Path that’s accessible in the summertime months and you will discover out extra info right here. Although that is for less than essentially the most expert hikers – the hike could be excessive, and it’s not for anybody that’s not in search of a critical problem and critical elevation acquire.
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