“Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” - Amelia Earhart
I was asked to share some of my favorite places and adventures in Maine.
They won't be in any particular order, just places and experiences that have meant something to me.
Some will be destinations you've visited before and may find yourself thinking, "Oh yeah ... I haven't been there in years. I should go back." Others may be places you've never even heard of.
Maine has an incredible amount to offer. Hopefully one or two of these ideas will inspire your next adventure.
EASY
The Marginal Way – Ogunquit
I never get tired of this walk.
In fact, I love it even more in the off-season or early in the morning when I almost have it to myself. The rocky coastline is classic Maine, the views over Ogunquit Beach are beautiful, and at either end you'll find restaurants, little shops ... and yes, ice cream.
I'm always surprised by how many people who live within an hour have never walked it.
Porter Preserve – Barter Island, Boothbay
One of Maine's hidden treasures. The walk is only about three-quarters of a mile, but you can spend as much time as you'd like wandering, sitting on one of the benches overlooking the water or simply soaking it all in. It never feels crowded, and that's part of its charm. Boothbay is home to dozens of beautiful land preserves, and Porter Preserve is one of my favorites. And after the walk there is so much more to do ... the Botanical Garden, which is only 5 - 10 minutes away, downtown Boothbay Harbor for lunch ... there are so many options to make this a beautiful day or weekend.
Indian Cellar Preserve – Hollis
This is one of Southern Maine’s hidden gems and consists of a quiet walk along the Saco River with towering pines, beautiful overlooks and places to sit by the water. It has about 2.5 miles of trails. It's a place that doesn't make many Top 10 lists, which is exactly why I like it. It's one of those places that many people in southern Maine have never visited, yet it's peaceful, beautiful and, while the parking lot may look crowded in the summer, it is usually from people tubing the Saco River who are not on the trail.
The preserve gets its name from a natural rock "cellar" along the river that was historically used by Indigenous people as a cool place to store food.
And a wonderful add on before or after the stroll is a visit to Big Daddy’s North featuring brick oven pizza and home-made ice cream. It is a must-do combination, and the ice cream is only a few hundred yards up the hill.
Moderate
Foss Mountain – Eaton, New Hampshire
Okay ... this one sneaks just across the border into New Hampshire, but it's too good not to include.
With only about a quarter-mile walk, you're rewarded with one of the most beautiful picnic and sunset spots overlooking the White Mountains. I've gone back many times just to sit, relax and take it all in.
Minimal effort. Maximum reward.
The Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park
If you've never explored Acadia's carriage roads, put them on your list. With more than 45 miles of beautifully maintained carriage roads winding through forests, around lakes and over iconic stone bridges, you could spend days discovering them.
Walking them is wonderful, but if you really want to experience more of what they have to offer, rent an e-bike at Jordan Pond and spend the day exploring. It's one of the most enjoyable ways I know to experience Acadia.
Mt. Kineo – Moosehead Lake
This one begins with something memorable ... a little $10 water taxi ride from Rockwood over to the island which makes it feel like an adventure before you lace up your hikers. And the hike ... stunning views from the ledges out over Moosehead Lake on the way up and a fire tower at the top which provides 360-degree views that are among the best in the entire state. This adventure feels much bigger than the short mileage suggests. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy time on the shore before you hop back on the shuttle to return to Rockwood.
Adventure
The Bold Coast Trail – Cutler
If you've never hiked the Bold Coast, put it on your list.
There are roughly 5-mile and 10-mile options, and honestly, the shorter route still delivers an unforgettable experience. Don't expect huge climbs, but do expect plenty of roots, rocks and constant little ups and downs that keep things interesting.
The scenery is simply spectacular. It took me nearly my entire adult life to finally make it there. Don't wait as long as I did.
Spend the Night in a Maine Lighthouse
This isn't physically demanding, but it is one of the most unique adventures Maine has to offer.
Seguin Island Light Station, off Popham Beach, is a favorite. You'll find ocean breezes, scenic walking trails, spectacular sunrises and sunsets and a chance to step back into a simpler time by spending the night in a working lighthouse.
Another wonderful option is Little River Lighthouse in Cutler. If Terry is still the keeper, you're in for an extra treat. He'll pick you up at the dock for the short boat ride to the island, and before long you'll understand why I mention him. The island has a smaller network of trails than Seguin, but the experience is every bit as memorable. Terry is one of those people who makes a place even more special — a true gem of a human being.
Great Wass Island Preserve – Jonesport, ME, area
I think Great Wass Island Preserve is one of the most underrated hikes in all New England.
If someone asked me to name the ten most spectacular hikes in Maine, it would absolutely make my list. Yet it's a place that many lifelong Mainers have never even heard of. The preserve protects over 1,500 acres, with a trail system that winds through spruce-fir forest and rare coastal bogs, finally emerging onto pink granite cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Maine.
What I love about it is that it feels wild. I spent a day their last fall and didn’t see anyone all day.
It's not polished like Acadia National Park. There are no crowds lining up for a photo, no gift shop, no shuttle buses. You earn the views, and when you get there, you often have them to yourself.
The trail has many looks:
• Moss-covered forest.
• Raised bogs with pitcher plants and sundews.
• Wooden boardwalks through wetlands.
• Granite ledges.
• Boulder scrambling.
• Then those dramatic views from the rocky coast where the ocean seems to stretch forever.
It isn’t advertised. It simply waits for people willing to make the drive. While the hike is only about 4.5 miles for the entire loop, it can be a bit more challenging than it sounds and really is on the higher end of moderate.
Some of the best experiences in Maine aren't necessarily the famous ones ... they're the ones we almost drive past without knowing ... these three among them. I hope you can get out and enjoy one of them or pass them on to someone who may want to adventure out.
