I find it special that beyond the lighthouses and lobster shacks, Maine’s parks are full of wonder. I love how this state blends rocky shores, misty mountains, and quiet woods into outdoor adventures that feel timeless and wild. I look forward to days that begin with tidepool treasures and end with loon calls echoing across the lake.
To me, Maine parks mean climbing granite peaks and watching the waves crash at Acadia National Park, paddling through calm waters at Sebago Lake State Park, and hiking through colorful fall foliage at Camden Hills State Park. We always bring binoculars to Baxter State Park, where moose sightings, waterfalls, and backcountry trails awaken the explorer in every kid. Bradbury Mountain State Park is a favorite for short family hikes and wide-open views, while Lamoine State Park offers the salty air and stargazing of Maine’s coastal magic without the crowds. Whether we’re wandering through spruce forests, collecting shells on a rocky beach, or roasting marshmallows beneath tall pines, Maine’s parks give families space to breathe, connect, and fall in love with the great outdoors.
"Moose, mountains, and maritime magic? This is Maine with kids!"
Maine Parks for Kids
1. Acadia National Park
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Location:
Bar Harbor, MEHighlights:
If you're craving a nature escape that combines rugged coastline, mountain views, and ocean adventures, you'd love Acadia National Park. It's one of those bucket-list parks that feels both wild and welcoming, perfect for a refreshing reset.Recommended For:
Outdoor lovers, hikers, families, photographers, and anyone seeking iconic New England landscapes with a side of adventure.What I Love: ♥
The park’s mix of rocky beaches, granite peaks, and peaceful woodlands, plus a chance to spot whales, moose, and seabirds along the way.- Explore over 47,000 acres of protected land, covering much of Mount Desert Island, smaller nearby islands, and the Schoodic Peninsula.
- Discover pristine habitats like rocky beaches, lush woodlands, and the tallest granite peaks on the U.S. East Coast.
- Encounter local wildlife—keep your eyes peeled for bears, moose, seabirds, and whales offshore.
- Experience outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, sea kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and guided boat tours.
- Visit the charming town of Bar Harbor for dining, shopping, and easy access to park activities.
Distance from Portland:
About 3 hours by car, depending on traffic.How to Get to Acadia National Park:
From Portland, take I-95 North to Exit 182A for I-395 East toward Bangor. From I-395, follow Route 1A to Ellsworth, then Route 3 to Bar Harbor and the park entrance.Address:
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME 04609Phone: 207-288-3338
2. Androscoggin Riverlands
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Location:
Turner & Leeds, MEHighlights:
If you’re in the mood for a quiet adventure packed with Maine history and forest trails, definitely check out the Androscoggin Riverlands. It’s one of those under-the-radar spots where you can hike, bike, or snowshoe while uncovering old homesteads from the 1800s.Recommended For:
History buffs, hikers, cyclists, snowshoers, and anyone seeking peaceful trails with a dash of local lore.What I Love: ♥
The hauntingly beautiful Homestead Trail, the wide range of multi-use trails for all seasons, and the rich riverbank history told by the Androscoggin Land Trust.- Explore 15 miles of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing along the Androscoggin River.
- Discover the 1,909-acre section in Turner and 336-acre parcel in Leeds, offering a scenic mix of woodlands and river views.
- Walk the famous Homestead Trail, where you'll pass by the remnants of homes lost to the waters of the Gulf Island Dam in the late 1800s.
- Learn from the Androscoggin Land Trust’s detailed brochures that bring the area’s history and ecology to life.
Distance from Portland:
Around 1 hour by car.How to Get to Androscoggin Riverlands:
Take I-95 North to Auburn Exit 75, follow Route 4 North toward Turner. Turn onto Center Bridge Road; the main entrance and parking area are well marked.Address:
Center Bridge Rd, Turner, ME 04282Phone: 207-998-4104
3. Aroostook State Park
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Location:
Presque Isle, MEHighlights:
If you’re up for a Maine adventure that mixes mountain hikes, lake views, and rich history, you’ll want to put Aroostook State Park on your radar. It’s one of those parks where you can do a bit of everything—camp, hike, paddle, and even visit a historic balloon launch site!Recommended For:
Families, campers, outdoor enthusiasts, history fans, and folks who love classic Maine wilderness with a side of quirky history.What I Love: ♥
Twin peaks, peaceful Echo Lake, the nostalgic Double Eagle II Memorial, and the all-season Nordic Heritage Center with its sauna and trails.- Explore 898 acres of forests, lakeshore, and mountain trails, all within Presque Isle’s city limits.
- Adventure on the three miles of trails up Quaggy Jo Mountain for sweeping lookout points.
- Camp under the stars at one of 30 wooded sites with RV and tent options, restrooms, kitchen pavilion, and a playground for kids.
- Relax by Echo Lake, where you can canoe, paddle-boat, fish, or just enjoy a summer swim.
- Discover the Double Eagle II Memorial Park, celebrating the first successful trans-Atlantic balloon flight from here to France in 1978.
- Visit the Nordic Heritage Center for year-round mountain biking, cross-country skiing, plus showers, restrooms, and even a sauna.
Distance from Portland:
About 5 hours by car—this one’s a true Maine road trip!How to Get to Aroostook State Park:
From Portland, take I-95 North all the way to Exit 302 in Houlton. Follow Route 1 North to Presque Isle, then take State Park Road directly into the park.Address:
87 State Park Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769Phone: 207-768-8341
4. Bigelow Preserve Public Land
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Location:
Stratton, MEHighlights:
If you love the idea of hiking along a rugged ridgeline with sweeping lake views, Bigelow Mountain Preserve is a must. This is one of Maine’s wildest treasures, where you can camp, paddle, or trek up to 4,150 feet and feel like you’ve got the mountains all to yourself.Recommended For:
Serious hikers, backpackers, paddlers, and anyone craving off-the-grid adventures with epic views.What I Love: ♥
The untouched beauty of the Bigelow Range, the expansive waters of Flagstaff Lake, and the preserve’s tie to the legendary Northern Forest Canoe Trail.- Explore the entire Bigelow Range, featuring seven dramatic summits with West Peak topping out at 4,150 feet.
- Adventure in 36,000 acres of protected wilderness, originally saved from ski resort development in 1976.
- Paddle on the 20,000-acre Flagstaff Lake, a highlight of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail.
- Enjoy activities like hiking, camping, kayaking, swimming, fishing, mountain biking, wildlife watching, and pleasure boating.
Distance from Portland:
Around 2 hours and 45 minutes by car.How to Get to Bigelow Mountain Preserve:
From Portland, take I-95 North to Exit 75, then Route 4 North to Farmington. From there, follow Route 27 North toward Stratton; access points are off W Flagstaff Road.Address:
Bigelow Preserve Public Land, W Flagstaff Rd, Stratton, ME 04982Phone: 207-287-3200
5. Bradbury Mountain State Park
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Location:
Pownal, MEHighlights:
When you just want an easy, scenic escape that’s close to Portland, Bradbury Mountain State Park is perfect. It’s a low-key spot with epic summit views, fun trails, and year-round activities the whole family can enjoy.Recommended For:
Families, casual hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and anyone looking for a quick, satisfying nature fix.What I Love: ♥
The easy climb to the summit, the panoramic views, and the fact that it’s one of Maine’s original five state parks with trails for every season—including snowmobiling!- Explore 730 acres of forest, trails, and scenic overlooks near Pownal in Cumberland County.
- Climb to the top of Bradbury Mountain for stunning views across southern Maine.
- Hit the multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling in winter.
- Appreciate the park’s long history—opened in the 1940s as one of Maine’s first state parks.
Distance from Portland:
Just about 30 minutes by car.How to Get to Bradbury Mountain State Park:
Take I-295 North to Exit 22 in Freeport, then follow Route 136 and Route 9 to Hallowell Road. The park entrance is well marked in Pownal.Address:
Bradbury Mountain State Park, 528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, ME 04069Phone: 207-688-4712
Maine Parks for Couples
6. Camden Hills State Park
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Location:
Camden, MEHighlights:
If you love trails with ocean views and historic stories, Camden Hills State Park is a Maine gem you shouldn’t miss. It’s where mountains meet Penobscot Bay, offering epic hiking, cozy camping, and year-round outdoor fun.Recommended For:
Hikers, campers, history buffs, photographers, and anyone who loves a stunning bay view from a mountaintop.What I Love: ♥
The sweeping views from Mount Battie, the emotional Maiden Cliff Trail, and the year-round mix of hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.- Explore 5,710 acres of forested hills overlooking beautiful Penobscot Bay near Camden.
- Hike to Mount Battie (800 ft) or the higher Mount Megunticook (1,385 ft) for incredible summit views.
- Follow the Maiden Cliff Trail to the poignant Elenora French monument from 1864.
- Enjoy year-round activities like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
- Camp under the stars, picnic by the trails, or hunt (seasonally, with permit).
Distance from Portland:
About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.How to Get to Camden Hills State Park:
From Portland, take I-295 North to Exit 28. Follow US-1 North all the way to Camden. The park entrance is just north of town on Belfast Road (Route 1).Address:
Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd, Camden, ME 04843Phone: 207-236-3109
7. Cobscook Bay State Park
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Location:
Dennysville, MEHighlights:
If you want to experience Maine’s most dramatic tides and spot eagles right from your campsite, Cobscook Bay State Park is your spot. This wild, off-the-beaten-path park is all about big tides, quiet trails, and incredible bird watching.Recommended For:
Bird watchers, photographers, campers, and nature lovers who want to experience Maine’s remote, rugged coastal beauty.What I Love: ♥
The park’s jaw-dropping 28-foot tides, peaceful campsites right on the bay, and the chance to see over 200 bird species—including bald eagles!- Explore 888 acres of pristine shoreline, forests, and trails on the western shore of Cobscook Bay.
- Marvel at the bay’s massive 28-foot tides, which create a dynamic, ever-changing seascape.
- Enjoy activities like hiking, biking, pleasure boating, fishing, swimming, picnicking, camping, and bird watching.
- Spot over 200 bird species, from ospreys to American bald eagles.
- Camp at scenic, waterside sites that offer unbeatable sunrise and sunset views over the bay.
Distance from Portland:
Around 4.5 hours by car—worth the journey for serious nature fans!How to Get to Cobscook Bay State Park:
From Portland, take I-95 North to Exit 182A for I-395 East toward Bangor. Continue to Route 1A and then Route 1 East to Dennysville. The park entrance is on South Edmunds Road.Address:
Cobscook Bay State Park, 40 S Edmunds Rd, Dennysville, ME 04628Phone: 207-726-4412
8. Crescent Beach State Park - Only 20 minutes from Portland
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Location:
Cape Elizabeth, MEHighlights:
When you’re craving soft sand, salty air, and easy coastal trails just outside Portland, Crescent Beach State Park is your go-to. This is the kind of classic Maine beach day that locals love—simple, beautiful, and oh-so-relaxing.Recommended For:
Beach lovers, families, photographers, and anyone looking for a classic Maine coastal experience close to the city.What I Love: ♥
The mile-long crescent-shaped beach, the peaceful dunes and coves, and the chance to paddle, fish, or just stretch out on the sand.- Relax on the park’s famous mile-long, crescent-shaped beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
- Explore diverse landscapes—white sand beaches, grassy dunes, saltwater coves, rocky ledges, and wooded trails.
- Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, sea kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and winter cross-country skiing.
- Appreciate this coastal gem, established in 1966 and loved ever since for its easy access and natural beauty.
Distance from Portland:
Only 20 minutes by car—perfect for a half-day or full-day getaway.How to Get to Crescent Beach State Park:
From Portland, take Route 77 south through Cape Elizabeth. The park entrance is clearly marked on Bowery Beach Road.Address:
Crescent Beach State Park, 109 Bowery Beach Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107Phone: 207-799-5871
Best Maine Parks for a Day Trip
9. Dead River Public Land
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Location:
Somerset County, MEHighlights:
If you’re dreaming of a wild, off-the-grid camping spot right on the water, you’ll want to check out Dead River Public Land. It’s one of those hidden Maine spots where paddling, fishing, and wildlife watching feel like second nature—and you might just have The Big Eddy all to yourself.Recommended For:
Backcountry campers, paddlers, anglers, mountain bikers, and anyone looking for remote, peaceful wilderness with a side of river thrills.What I Love: ♥
The legendary camping at The Big Eddy, the connection to the epic Northern Forest Canoe Trail, and the mix of quiet trails and thrilling river action.- Camp at The Big Eddy, a favorite riverside spot below Long Falls Dam on the northern shore of Flagstaff Lake.
- Explore trails for hiking, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and cross-country skiing along the scenic shoreline.
- Paddle or boat on the historic Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which runs right through these lands as part of its 740-mile journey.
- Enjoy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife and bird watching, ATV riding, off-road biking, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Distance from Portland:
About 2.5 hours by car to Farmington, then another scenic drive into the Dead River area.How to Get to Dead River Public Land:
From Portland, take I-95 North to Exit 75, then Route 4 North to Farmington. Continue on Route 27 North to Eustis; access to The Big Eddy is via Long Falls Dam Road.Address:
Farmington, Maine 04938Phone: 207-778-8231
10. Deboullie Public Lands
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Location:
Eagle Lake, MEHighlights:
If you’re looking for serious wilderness vibes where trout ponds sparkle and trails feel truly remote, Deboullie Public Lands is your Maine hideaway. It’s deep in the North Maine Woods, perfect for anglers, hikers, and backcountry campers who want to get off the grid and into pure nature.Recommended For:
Hardcore campers, anglers, wildlife watchers, and hikers who love solitude and rugged landscapes.What I Love: ♥
The 17 trout-filled ponds, the quiet backcountry campsites, and the summit views from Deboullie Mountain that make the trek totally worth it.- Explore 21,871 acres of wild Maine backcountry dotted with 17 crystal-clear trout ponds.
- Fish on ponds ranging from 8 to 341 acres, all prime trout fishing territory.
- Hike the 12-mile trail network with loops to remote ponds and up Deboullie Mountain (1,981 ft) for sweeping regional views.
- Enjoy pond-side camping, wildlife watching, backcountry hiking, and hunting in the heart of the North Maine Woods, east of the Allagash Region.
Distance from Portland:
About 5.5 hours by car—this one’s for serious adventurers only!How to Get to Deboullie Public Lands:
From Portland, take I-95 North to Exit 286 in Houlton. Continue on Route 1 North to Fort Kent, then follow local logging roads toward Deboullie (plan ahead—this is remote country with limited signage).Address:
Eagle Lake, ME 04739Phone: 207-435-7963
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
-
What is Maine known for?
- Maine, also known as the Pine Tree State, is famous for its scenic coastal towns, rugged coastlines, and a prosperous fishing and maritime heritage.
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What outdoor opportunities does Maine offer?
- Maine is home to a wealth of state parks, recreational areas, and public lands that provide numerous recreational activities and outdoor pursuits.
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What kind of natural beauty can visitors expect in Maine?
- Visitors can enjoy scenic landscapes and breathtaking panoramic vistas throughout the state.
Best Time to Visit Maine State & National Parks
- June to September – Peak season with warm temps, ideal for hiking and camping.
- July & August – Best months for outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting, and water activities.
- May & October – Shoulder season with mild weather and fewer crowds.
- November to April – Off-season with snow, perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Late September – Prime time for vibrant fall foliage and cooler hiking conditions.
Map:
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