Cadillac Mountain stands at 1,530 feet and is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard. From October through March, it’s the first place in the United States to view the sunrise. Formed millions of years ago by volcanic forces and glaciers, Cadillac Mountain is one of over 20 mountains on Mount Desert Island. The top of Cadillac Mountain is exposed granite and provides an almost 360-degree panoramic views of Bar Harbor, Schoodic Peninsula, and Acadia National Park. You don’t want to miss the sunrise here!
Standing at 5,267 feet, Mount Katahdin is Maine’s highest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Named by the Penobscot Native Americans, Katahdin means “The Greatest Mountain.” There are several trails that lead up to Pamola and Baxter Peak with the famous Knife Edge trail connecting the two peaks. Due to its height, the peaks of Mount Katahdin are above tree-line and provide stunning panoramic views of Baxter State Park and northern Maine.
Mount Megunticook is the highest peak in Camden Hills State Park standing at 1,385 feet. While Mount Battie might be the most popular hike in the park due to its open ledges overlooking the bay, Mount Megunticook offers great views, too. The mountain’s true summit has no views, but Ocean Lookout and Maiden Cliff offer great views of the sea coast. You can take the Tablelands Trail from the top of Mount Megunticook down to the Mount Battie Trail where you can summit Mount Battie for even more views.
Caribou Mountain, standing at 2,828 feet, is a fun day hike in Evans Notch with stunning views of Maine and New Hampshire. It’s a perfect hike during the fall months when the leaves are at their brightest. The Mud Brook Trail and Caribou Trail creates a nice seven-mile loop that winds through the native forest. The summit is an open rocky ledge providing excellent panoramic views.
Straddling the Bridgton-Denmark town lines, Pleasant Mountain is southern Maine’s tallest mountain at 2,006 feet. Located within an hour drive from the city of Portland, it’s the perfect day hike providing excellent views of western Maine and even Mount Washington if the skies are clear enough. Pleasant Mountain has six trails of varying lengths and difficulties leading to the top with the Ledges Trail as the most popular. If you time it right, you can pick wild Maine blueberries at the top during the summer months. Alternatively, the foliage is great here during the fall months.
]]>Wells Harbor is a quiet place to enjoy ocean jet skiing. If you don’t have your own jet ski then you can rent one by the hour or for the day from Ocean Jet Ski Rentals. Wells Harbor is just a 15-minute drive from Old Orchard Beach so you can spend the day hopping from beach to beach on your jet ski. With calm waters, Wells Harbor is a great place to learn how to ride one of these fun machines.
Sebago Lake is Southern Maine’s largest lake, popular with boaters, swimmers, and fishermen for decades. The lake is over 45 square-miles with tons of small bays and inlets just waiting to be discovered. If you want a quiet ride, then head out in the early mornings. For a fun day of wave hopping, you’ll want to head out in the afternoon. Don’t have your own jet ski? You can rent one from Maine Jet Ski on the Causeway in Casco.
Rated as one of the best places to live in Maine by Downeast Magazine in 2016, the Rangeley Lakes region in western Maine is a beautiful place to explore by jet ski. Rangeley is a four-season paradise with a large lake perfect for boating, swimming, and fishing. Popular lakes in the area include Rangeley, Flagstaff, Mooselookmeguntic, Richardson, and Aziscohos. You can rent a jet ski by the hour, day or week from Dockside Sports Center & Marina.
Ogunquit Beach is a beautiful location during the summer months. From sunbathing on the beach to strolling around with a lobster roll in your hand around Perkins Cove, you don’t want to miss discovering this scenic stretch of coastline by jet ski. You can drive your jet ski rental from Wells Harbor down to Ogunquit and enjoy the thrills of flying across the incredible Maine waters. Just remember your sunscreen!
Moosehead Lake in Greenville in western Maine is the state’s largest lake covering nearly 120 square-miles. TripAdvisor recently named the Moosehead Lake region one of the top 11 places to rent a summer house. With an abundance of native wildlife, miles of shoreline, and unlimited water activities, Moosehead Lake is the perfect place to enjoy a day of jet skiing. You may even see a moose taking a dip in the lake!
]]>You’ll want a hearty breakfast before you hit the trails for the day. Stop at Chutes Family Restaurant in Windham where they serve the “best breakfast in Lakes Region.” Chutes is a longtime local favorite and you’ll know why as soon as you take the first bite of your breakfast. The breads and pastries are baked fresh daily and you’ll find plenty of traditional dishes like omelets, hash n’ eggs, and pancakes.
In 1848, Hancock Land Company purchased a 400-acre timber forest in Casco and began logging it over the decades. Since the 1800s, the forest has grown to 5,000 acres and is currently open to the public to enjoy horseback riding, ATVing, snowmobiling, and more. Come visit the Jugtown Forest today and find out why it’s one of the best places to go off-roading in Southern Maine!
After spending a day off-roading on the miles of trails through the Eastern White Pine forest, head to the Black Bear Café, an authentic Irish pub, for a pint of cold beer. Hailing from Ireland, the owners offer a warm and inviting ambiance with great food. There is live music on most weekend nights and you’ll enjoy local favorites like steaks, salads, and seafood. Along with local craft brews on tap, you’ll have your choice of Guinness and a variety of Irish whiskeys.
Established in 1783, the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is home to the only active Shaker community in the world. Located on a picturesque 1,800 acres in New Gloucestor, the village is home to a working farm, crafts center, and more. Throughout the year, the Village hosts special events and open farm days. The museum is open daily during the summer months and filled with relics from the past. And, you certainly don’t want to miss the chance to learn woodworking, basket making, or textile arts from some of the best craftspeople in America.
Rattlesnake Mountain in Raymond is a small mountain with excellent views of Panther Pond, Crescent Lake, and Sebago Lake. The Bri-Mar Trail can be accessed by Route 85 and is a popular day hike. This 2.5-mile intermediate hiking trail only gains 629 feet, but is a fun hike for the whole family and a great way to burn some calories.
For over 40 years, Point Sebago Resort has been providing award-winning camping, entertainment, and golf. Offering campsites, resort cottages, and park homes, you have a variety of accommodation options to choose from for your weekend away. Enjoy incredible waterfront views of Sebago Lake, free Wi-Fi, and tons of activities and entertainment. You certainly won’t be bored here.
]]>This gem of a park is 123 acres of woodlands and wetlands, with an expansive 10 acre pond. The trail that loops around the pond is great for you and your agile dog to go hiking, snowshoeing, and fishing. There’s even a Story Walk for the youngest hikers and eager pups.
The Presumpscot River is a beautiful 48 acre nature preserve that is perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pup. Portland Trails and the City of Portland Land Bank Commission collaborated to save this land and open it up for public use. There’s plenty of wildlife to spot, and the sights and sounds of the river will keep you and your furry friend relaxed and happy.
Spanning over 325 acres of woodlands and teeming with recreational opportunities, what more could a dog dream of. There are trails for hiking, biking, and snowshoeing, you and your pup will be spoiled for choice on what to explore. There is also plenty of beautiful wildlife to spot, as well as picnic spots to stop for a break.
The Eastern Trail is a fantastic resource for you to bring your four legged family member to conquer! This trail is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast and their pup, offering miles of enjoyable hiking. There are also plenty of wildlife, rivers, and streams for them to sniff and explore.
The steep summit trails offer stunning views of Old Speck, as well as 12 of the most challenging miles along the Appalachian Trail. With its rugged terrain, this trail is perfect for your hiker pup. Pack accordingly and test you and your dog’s agility in this Newry wonderland.
This 85-acre preserve is a great spot to take your pup for a nature walk. Home to Jewell Falls (Portland’s only natural waterfall) and the site of the former Cumberland and Oxford Canal, this network of trails is great for a leisurely stroll with plenty of wildlife to sniff out. Soak up the natural and historic beauty within Portland with your pup.
This 62-acre park is filled with plenty of scenery to discover. You can take your pup for a stroll along the stunning “pocket beach’ or let them splash around at the edge of the bay. With its pristine views, this is the perfect spot for a quiet day with your pup.
Cliff Trail is one of the most popular dog friendly trails in Harpswell and is part of a network of trails that span 194 acres. It offers a variety of terrains and sights, from steep summits to old Mill Ponds. A great spot for an invigorating hike!
This dog approved recreational oasis is filled with trails and streams. Towering trees will keep your pup cool and covered and there’s plenty of wildlife to explore. With its peaceful and tranquil setting, this is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
This two and a half mile trail is a great spot for a relaxing hike with your pup. This trail offers varied terrain, scenic overlooks, and plenty of history. Let your dog splash around in the streams and enjoy the sights along this tranquil trail.
]]>Home to the Bradbury Mountain Breaker and Bradbury Bruiser, Bradbury Mountain State Park is one of the most popular trail-running spots in Southern Maine. With miles and miles of trails on both the west and east side of the park, runners have many options depending on the terrain. Bradbury Mountain is only 485-feet tall, but it’s enough to get your heart pumping. Choose from the fast and steep Summit Trail or longer more challenging trails like Boundary and “O” Trail.
Every May, Pineland Farms hosts Maine’s largest trail running event, the Pineland Farms Trail Running Festival. Organized by the Trail Monsters Running Group, the event has a mix of 5K, 10K, 50K, and even a 50-mile race on Pineland Farm’s 30 kilometers of professionally designed and maintained trails. Most of the trails are wide and wind through the rolling hills of the historic farm. After a morning of running, refuel at the market.
Nestled on Maine’s Midcoast, Hidden Valley Nature Center comprises of 1,000 acres of woodland on Little Dyer Pond. With over 25 miles of mixed-used trails, the nature center offers an opportunity for runners to challenge themselves and get close to nature. The Bog Trail is one of the most ecologically diverse and quite beautiful. Most of the terrain is rolling hills so expect a tough workout, but at least you have beautiful surroundings as you sweat.
Founded in 2001 by residents of Grand Lake Stream, the Downeast Lakes Land Trust protects over 370,000 acres of lakeshores, watersheds, forests, and over 180 species of bird. Popular with boaters, fishermen, and hunters, the Land Trust is also a great place to hike and trail run. Many of the lakeshore trails, like the Little Mayberry Cove Trail and Pocumcus Lake Trails, are great for trail running. The terrain can be challenging in areas, but it is quiet and true Maine wilderness.
Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region protects over 10,000 acres in York County, including Mount Agamenticus. The mountain and the surrounding area is popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners. Once an old ski hill, Mount Agamenticus is home to several miles of mixed-use trails. Many of narrow with challenging terrain while others are wider and faster. Many of the trails, especially around the summit, are quite short, but combine them together and you’ll have a great day of running.
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Rocky Mountain Terrain Park is Maine’s premier off-road terrain park with over 700 acres of rocky terrain for dirt bikes, ATVs, 4x4 trucks, and more. There is even a 12 and under track for the little ones! In addition to tons of wooded trails, there is a campground, guided trail riding, and even a shooting range. The park is always changing so make sure you come back to see what’s new. And, don’t forget about the mud bogs!
The 14-mile Jay to Farmington Trail is a multi-use hard packed trail that is popular with ATVs and snowmobiles. Dirt bikes can use the trail system during the summer if they are registered as an ATV. Open year-round, except during mud season, the trail offers scenic views of rolling hills and farmlands at the foot of the western mountains.
Hemond’s MX and Off-Road Park is northern New England’s premier motocross and off-road riding facility. With over 400 feet of elevation change and 600 acres of land, the park is home to over 10 miles of off-road trails and two full-size motocross tracks. For over 15 years, this much-loved park has been hosting world-class motocross events attracting riders from all over Maine and the country.
Opened to the public during the summer months, MX 207 is home to numerous NESC, NEMA, NEMX, and MMS sanctioned events throughout the year. The large facility, close to the New Hampshire border, features a long and challenging motocross track with natural hills and fast straights to get any seasoned racers heart pumping. Check out their race schedule online and get practicing for your big race debut.
The Houlton to Phair Junction trail is a gravel multi-use 40-mile trail from Houlton to Phair Junction. Dirt bikes can use the trail during the summer as long as they are registered in the state as an ATV and abide by all the rules. The trail is largely flat as it is built on an old railroad bed making it a great trail for beginners or more timid riders. With plenty of picnic spots and shops along the way, the Houlton to Phair Junction is the perfect day trip. If you’re looking for a longer adventure, you can pick up the northern segment of the Bangor and Aroostook Trail in Mapleton and ride all the way to Presque Isle.
]]>Balsam Woods is perfectly positioned on a network of over 1,000 miles of ATV trails. Open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, Balsam Woods is located about 20 miles south of Moosehead Lake in the small town of Abbot. From the campground parking lot, you can hop on a trail and ride all the way to Greenville, Jackman, Bingham, Cambridge, and back again. The campground even has coin-operated pressure washing stations to wash the mud off your ATV after a day of roughing it in the dirt.
The Jackman-Moose River Region, home to the small town of Jackman, boasts some of the best ATV trails in northern New England. ATV off-roading has become very popular in the recent years and you’ll find over 300 miles of trails that will take you through Maine’s unspoiled wilderness and up on scenic vistas overlooking the Canadian border into Quebec. Pick up a trail map from the local Chamber of Commerce Booth or online at the Border Riders Club, the local ATV club in Jackman.
The Houlton to Phair Junction Trail is a 37-mile-long gravel, multiuse trail that extends from Houlton through the towns of Monticello, Bridgewater, Mars Hills, and Presque Isle. This spot is popular with ATV riders in northern Maine. The trail winds through forestland and pastureland, giving a glimpse of real Maine. There are several picnic areas along the trail so pack a lunch and go for an all-day adventure. Just remember that the trail is open to everyone, including cyclists, walkers, and horseback riders.
Mount Blue State Park in Weld is nestled in the western mountains near Farmington. The state park has 25 miles of designated ATV trails that wind through deep forest vegetation where you can see an abundance of native Maine wildlife like deer, moose, and black bear. You can even camp onsite in the state park at their campground near Webb Lake.
The Down East Sunrise Trail extends 87 miles from Ellsworth to Ayers Junction. This multiuse trail is designed for ATVs, horses, snowmobiles, and hikers. The route parallels the coast with many ocean views along the former Maine Central Railroad. When you’re not seeing views of the ocean, you’ll enjoy views of Schoodic Mountain, salmon streams, and dense pine and birch forests. Just remember that the trail is open to others and be considerate.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
]]>Encompassing over 3,000 acres, the Scarborough Marsh is one of the state’s largest saltwater marshes. The marsh is home to an abundance of waterfowl and wading birds, especially during migration season. You’ll see tons of great blue herons, snowy egrets, and glossy ibises. During the winter months, you can see rough-legged hawks and even a rare snowy oak. The Eastern Trail is a great way to experience the marsh by foot. For a closer view of the birds, rent a canoe at the Maine Audubon Nature Center.
Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg is a bird lover’s paradise. In the winter months, you’ll see hordes of red-throated loon, scooters, buffleheads, and long-tailed ducks. In the summer, piping plovers and least terns can be seen breeding amongst the beach grass. The nearby salt marsh is home to many great blue herons and snowy egrets. A walk along the beach and nature trails are a great way to watch for shorebirds.
Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is a massive national park with several distinct areas to bird watch. Thompson Island is one of the best places in the winter to spot eiders, goldeyes, and other waterfowl. For colorful and cheerful songbirds, visit the Sieur de Monts Spring. The Precipice Trail is the premier spot to peregrine falcons nesting in the area. Acadia National Park has numerous hiking trails to see various bird species as well as the gravel carriage trails near Jordan Pond.
Popular with thousands of hikers, Grafton Notch State Park is more than just pretty mountain tops. Between the granite peaks of Old Speck and Baldpate Mountain, the Bear River winds through the forest where Philadelphia vireos, boreal chickadees, and other songbirds can be heard signing in the bush. Peregrine falcons often nest high above on the cliffs.
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Milford encompasses over 11,000 acres just north of Bangor. Established in 1988, the wildlife refuge is a breeding ground for waterfowl, wading birds, and other species of birds. The Carter Meadow Road is a two-mile loop of hike to an observation platform with views of the entire wetlands below. The many other hiking and walking trails offer a chance to see boreal chickadees, gray jays, and black-backed woodpeckers.
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Located just 10 miles from Maine’s capital city of Augusta, the Belgrade Lakes are a series of island-dotted lakes perfect for fishing for the whole family. The lakes are popular for their large stocks of both smallmouth and largemouth bass and brook trout. Large northern pike are also known to make a go at the bait of your hook, too. Maine Wilderness Tours can help you catch your dinner and Day’s Store will supply you with your fishing license and bait needs.
Grand Lake Stream is legendary amongst the fly fishers for landlocked salmon. Fishermen come from near and far to fish this waterway as it is ranked as one of the best in North America. Grand Lake Stream is roughly three miles-long with gin-clear water that flows from West Grand Lake towards the St. Croix River on the border of New Brunswick. Due to the river’s deep pools, salmon can be found throughout the summer months.
Sebago Lake can be fished year-round, but it is one of the best-known lakes in North America during the ice fishing season. Anglers come from all over the country to sit in their huts and await a tug on their line. Maine’s deepest lake is home to a variety of fish, but most notably landlocked salmon and lake trout. Kids can easily catch sunfish and panfish off the docks during the summer months, but you’ll need a boat if you plan to catch dinner. Jordan’s Store in East Sebago is one of the best places around the lake to get bait and tackle.
Situated in Camden Hills State Park, Megunticook Lake is a more than 1,200-acre lake popular with anglers and kayakers. Its water is clear and the lake has tons of small coves, islands, and long open stretches. You’ll find plenty of small mouth and largemouth bass, and white perch. Fishing can be done by motorboat, canoe, kayak, or from shore.
Even if you can’t correctly pronounce the name of this lake, it’s one of the best in the state. In 2013, Bassmaster Magazine named it as Maine’s top bass fishing lake. Known as central Maine’s largest lake, this 5,500-acre lake is stocked with tons of largemouth bass. Its many islands, inlets, coves, and drop-offs make it a great lake for bass tournaments. Other common fish species caught in the lake include northern pike, brown trout, and white perch.
]]>Bubble Rock is perhaps the most popular boulder on the East Coast—and one of the most frequently-visited spots in Acadia National Park. The rock sits on the eastern edge of South Bubble summit and is a truly stunning sight to see, so bring those cameras! The trail offers moderate hiking, and is just under a mile in length, so it won’t be too strenuous for those little hikers in the family!
This trail is one of the less challenging routes at Camden Hills State Park. At just 1.2 miles in length and categorized as “easy” on the official state park website, this is a great pick for both avid hikers and the little ones, as well. It takes only about an hour to traverse. This trail will lead you to the Tablelands Trail intersection. Once there, you have the option of heading to the summit of Mount Battie, going to Ocean Lookout, or the summit of Mount Megunticook—the highest point in the park.
Deemed Maine’s “Best Overlooked Gem,” by Down East magazine, Saco Heath is truly a natural wonder. The formation of Saco Heath occurred when two ponds filled with peat—a decaying plant. Now, the ponds have morphed together to become a bog. The preserve covers about 1,200 acres of space and offers a woodland trail to a boardwalk. Visit during the spring, and you’ll be in awe of the sprawling expanse of lavender.
Spread across about 100 acres, Mackworth Island is an ideal hike for the whole family. The trail is a little over a mile and only takes an hour to traverse—a great pace and challenge for the kids who may tire easily. Witness seagulls, osprey, and shorebirds all around while you explore. You’ll want to come back here again and again.
The Wonderland Trail is just as whimsical as it sounds. The roundtrip distance of this trail is just 1.4 miles and is classified as “very easy,” on the official national park website. The Wonderland Trail affords magnificent ocean views once you get there. The rocky shoreline is truly a sight to behold, so make sure to bring a camera for the perfect family photo op.
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Shagg Crag is a popular rock climbing route in Western Maine. It requires an easy 40-minute hike into the rock before you can start your ascend. Shagg Crag is one of the most stacked cliffs in New England. It has steep, juggy, and granite climbing so it’s great for a variety of climbers. With 12, 5.12 routes, you’ll have plenty of options to test your strength and skills. Popular climbing routes include the Shaggin’ Wagon and Meltdown. Most of the routes are bolted for sport climbing, but trad climbing routes are also available.
Acadia National Park is one of the best places in Maine to rock climb. If you’ve never rock climbed before you can sign up for a class with Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School in Bar Harbor. Some of Acadia’s classic climbing routes like the “Great Chimney” and Otter Cliffs are easy to get to from the road. But other routes, especially on the Precipice, require a bit of a hike. Old Town is a trad climbing route on the South Wall of the Precipice. Another popular route on the South Wall is the 5.10a Chitlin’s Corner.
Thousands of people hike to the top of Maine’s highest mountain every year but few dare to climb her rocky cliffs using just a rope and some climbing gear. Popular with the ice climbers during the winter months, Mount Katahdin has a range of trad climbing routes. The Armadillo consists of six pitches. It’ll take you about three hours to get to the bottom of the Armadillo making this route best for dedicated climbers. The top of the Armadillo meets with Knife Edge Trail so you can just hike back down the mountain after you finish your rock climb. You’ll certainly have many hikers watching you ascend!
Camden Hills has over 140 different rock climbing routes from one end of Camden Hills State Park to the other. Most of the climbing routes are on metamorphosed rock that varies widely in appearance. The climbing routes are a mix of sport and trad routes and some can even be climbed during the winter months. The Glory Hole is a popular 5.8 sport climbing route great for beginners. Voluntary Madness is a challenging 5.12d sport climbing route if you’re looking to test your skills. Other favorites include the Million Muppet March, Exasperator, and Spider.
As one of the largest rock faces in New England it was just a matter of time before the rock climbers made routes on this massive 800-foot-tall, one-mile-wide piece of granite in the middle of Moosehead Lake. Mt. Kineo can only be accessed by boat, but you’ll be glad you did it. The rock has four trad climbing routes and ice climbing routes during the winter months. The most popular routes ascend the Main Face. There is a lot of lose rocks so a helmet is a must for safety reasons.
]]>Bayley’s Camping Resort is one of the best family-friendly campgrounds in southern Maine. Located near Pine Point beach in Scarborough and within an easy driving distance to Aquaboggan, Funtown Splashtown USA, and Maine Indoor Karting, Bayley’s Camping Resort is the perfect destination for any young family. The campground is home to three state-of-the-art playgrounds, a game room and arcade, three heated pools and four hot tubs. Bayley’s even has a free trolley to the beach. The activities calendar is jam packed with activities like scavenger hunts, bingo, and wiffle ball. Your kids won’t get bored here!
Papoose Pond campground is Maine’s best kept secret for family fun. Nestled on the banks of a lake in Maine’s western foothills, Papoose Pond has 180 campsites and 60 cabins, cottages and rental trailers. If you don’t fancy a dip in the lake, there is a heated swimming pool with two shallow ends perfect for young children just learning to swim. There is also an 18-hole mini golf course, volleyball court, playground, and recreation hall. From June through August, Papoose Pond runs a large variety of weekly-supervised activities for all ages. Enjoy everything from games, to arts & crafts, to hiking or canoeing. Your family will definitely have a good time here.
Located on Mount Desert Island near Acadia National Park, Somes Sound View Campground is a peaceful family-friendly campground on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by beautiful woods and the rocky coast, Somes Sound View Campground has campsites for tents, campers, RVs, and even cabins. There is even a heated in-ground swimming pool if you’re not brave enough to swim in the cold ocean. Hiking and biking trails are nearby and paddleboards are free to use for guests. Somes Sound View Campground is perfect for families looking to explore the best of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island.
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Mount Blue State Park Campground is located on the shores of Webb Lake in Maine’s largest state park. The campground has 136 wooded campsites perfect for families looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city. During the peak summer months, staff offer weekly canoe trips, nature walks, and hiking. Mount Blue is a popular day hike with numerous other hiking trails nearby. Kids will love the weekly outdoor family movie night and the campground playground is a lot of fun.
Cedar Haven Family Campground is a small, modern and family-friendly campground in Freeport. Just minutes from the ocean and LL Bean, Cedar Haven is the perfect place for a family vacation. All campsites include a fireplace and picnic table. You can upgrade to a site with water, electric, and sewer if you’re traveling with a camper. If you don’t feel like roughing it in a tent with the kids, you can opt for one of their four-person rustic cabins or a full camper. The campground has plenty of fun activities like a game room, pool table and air hockey, as well as a playground.
]]>Casco Bay extends from Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth all the way up to Bath with the city of Portland as its heart. While there are many great places to paddleboard along the coastline of Casco Bay, Portland is one of the most popular. It’s easy to take a SUP lesson and rent a board from Portland Paddle or just put in your own to paddle around Portland’s waterfront. The water can get rough so if you’re still new to the sport then stick close to the shoreline.
Sebago Lake is the largest and most popular lake in southern Maine, but the water is often rough, windy, and crowded. Instead, head north a bit and you’ll come to a quiet and more protected lake that is perfect for paddleboarding. Trickey Pond is about 311 acres and is home to some of the clearest water in the region. The lake is best accesses by Route 114 in Naples.
Acadia National Park covers most of Mount Desert Island. With beautiful freshwater lakes and quiet inlets and bays, paddleboarding is a popular way to see the national park. Acadia Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Bar Harbor offers rentals, lessons, and tours around Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, and Mount Desert Island. Paddleboarding in Acadia National Park is a great way to get up close to local wildlife like seals, porpoises, and native seabirds.
Moosehead Lake, in north-central Maine, is Maine’s largest lake. Popular with campers, fishermen, and wildlife spotters, Moosehead Lake is a great lake to explore by paddleboard. Much of its lake and surrounding ponds and rivers are scenic and remote giving you a greater chance of meeting some of Maine’s famous residents, like moose and deer. Northeast Whitewater Lodge & Guide Service offers SUP rentals, lessons, and tours. Other popular SUP spots in the region include the Kennebec River, Wilson Ponds, and Mountain View Pond.
Merrymeeting Bay is the largest freshwater estuary north of the Chesapeake Bay and is just an hour drive from the city of Portland. Besides being the largest freshwater estuary in the northeast, it’s the largest staging ground for migratory birds and it’s where six rivers, including the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers, meet the Atlantic Ocean. Popular with kayakers, Merrymeeting Bay is also great for SUP. Due to its connection with the ocean, the bay is subject to tides making paddling difficult if you’re a total newbie. But, the native wildlife and bald eagles make the sore arms worth it at the end of the day.
]]>Bayley’s Camping Resort has been “Southern Maine’s finest by the ocean” since 1970. Located just a few miles from some of Maine’s best beaches, Bayley’s is the perfect place for the whole family. The new Little River Complex is for those aged 18 and over to enjoy a children-free pool, hot tubs, and bar grille during the summer months. For those of you with kids, there are two additional heated pools, lots of playgrounds, and even a game room and arcade. RV sites have dedicated full hook-ups with cable and Wi-Fi.
Located just minutes from Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, Timberland Acres RV Park has been a family RV park since 1985 when it welcomed its first guests. This 35-acre RV park offers 200 large sites with paved roads for easy pull through. All RV campsites have full hook-ups and can accommodate large RVs. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the park, a recreation building with shuffleboard, arcade, and swimming pool, and a free shuttle bus to the Acadia Gateway Center.
Lake Pemaquid Campground is nestled on the banks of Lake Pemaquid, which is just miles from the Atlantic Ocean. You get the best of both worlds at the Lake Pemaquid Campground. The large campground has over 200 sites plus cabins and cottage rentals. There is a sandy beach for swimming and the lake is great for boating and fishing with rentals available. If swimming in the lake isn’t your cup of tea, then there is a pool and Jacuzzi. Pull-through sites are available with full hook-ups.
Katahdin Shadows Campground is the perfect RV park and campground to discover beautiful Baxter State Park and hike Mount Katahdin. The park has a total of 115 sites with full hook-ups at 42 sites. There is free Wi-Fi, a heated pool, horseshoes, and a game room. Throughout the summer months, the campground hosts fun, family-friendly events like Aloha Weekend, Christmas Weekend, and a Ben Bag Tournament.
Shore Hills Campground & RV Park is a Good Sam member RV park just 3.5 miles from downtown Boothbay Harbor. With a selection of waterfront, wooded, or open sites with full hook-ups, “no rig is too big” for this campground. The roads are paved, there is a dumping station, and there are picnic tables and fire pits in every site. The campground even offers a special shuttle service into town so you can indulge on lobster and clams.
]]>Owned and managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, the Scarborough Marsh is the largest saltwater marsh in the state at 3,100 acres. A small Maine Audubon Nature Store is located onsite where you can rent a canoe or participate in a guided or self-guided walking tour. You can also put in your own kayak nearby. The labyrinth-like waterways are quiet and calm, making it perfect for beginners. Just make sure you pay attention to the tidal currents as you don’t want to get stranded. Throughout your kayak adventure, you’ll see plenty of egrets, herons, glossy ibis, and lots of other native wildlife.
This 25-mile long river is an excellent place for kayakers to start their journey. This river is calm and, great for swimming and fishing, as well. There are no rental shops on the river so you’ll have to rent from a company elsewhere or bring your own kayak. The shorelines are heavily wooded and you’ll see native animals as you pass through the towns Windham, Gorham, and Westbrook.
Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor are great places to sea kayak for beginners. National Park Sea Kayak Tours offers four-hour tours for all levels around the “Westside” of the island. The remote “Westside” includes Western Bay, Blue Hill Bay, and sometimes Somes Sound. The water is mostly calm with little to no boat traffic. If you keep your eyes peeled you might see some seals, porpoises, bald eagles, and all sorts of other native sea life.
Moosehead Lake in Greenville is Maine’s largest lake. The lake, with a maximum length of 40 miles and width of 10 miles, is scattered with islands, coves, and peninsulas with tons of places to launch your boat. More experienced paddlers will love doing multi-day journeys where they can camp on one of the many islands, but beginner kayakers will enjoy early morning paddles amongst the calm waters and the chirping wildlife. If Moosehead Lake is just a little too big for you, head over to one of the many small lakes or ponds in the area, like Wilson Ponds, Sawyer Pond, and Brassua Lake.
Cape Porpoise Harbor is a quintessential small Maine harbor with lots to offer paddlers. The harbor is divided into two sections, with the main harbor being the busy one as it features lots of fishing, lobster boats, and the pier. Stage Harbor is the much quieter harbor that is surrounded by islands, including Goat Island Light with a working lighthouse. Paddlers might also enjoy the western side of the harbor that connects to Turbat’s Creek. It’s important to note that Turbat’s Creek and other parts of Cape Porpoise can only be accessed around high tide. You can easily rent or join a kayaking tour with Kayak Excursions in Kennebunkport.
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