Just being in Maine is pretty great, but the state gets extra awesome points for the trips that are seemingly around every corner. From historic houses to scenic roads to hidden hikes, put these on your list to try when you’ve got friends in town. Or, get out there and tackle them on an otherwise quiet weekend! Whether you’re looking for a way to spend the afternoon or an entire day, these are the attractions that we recommend.
- The No-Cars-Allowed Monhegan Island
George Bremer / Flickr Monhegan Island is about ten miles from the mainland and can only be traveled to by boat. One of its most defining characteristics is the lack of cars and paved roads. The year-round community of the island is around 75 people. There is one schoolhouse for students in kindergarten to 8th grade. High school students must make their way to the mainland for their education. There are no banks, public bathroom or garbage cans. So, anything you bring to the island must be carried back with you.
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- The Wobbly Androscoggin Swinging Bridge.
Doug Kerr / Flickr The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge was built in 1892 to allow workers at the Cabot Mill to cross the Androscoggin River between Topsham and Brunswick. It is the creation of John A Roebling’s Sons Company, the same firm that constructed the Brooklyn Bridge. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
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- The Teetering Rock in Acadia National Park.
Bob Gaffney / Flickr Bubble Rock is a large boulder sitting atop the South Bubble of Bubble Mountain in Acadia National Park. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill rock. It’s actually a “glacial erratic” left by ice age activity a very, very long time ago. By analyzing the type of granite within the rock, geologists have been able to discern that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its precarious perch all the way from Lucerne, Maine — 30 miles (48 km) away!
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- The Kennebec River Rail Trail.
Terry Ross / Flickr This lovely 6.5-mile trail follows the railroad tracks that once connected Portland to Augusta. While they are no longer in use, they’re still maintained today in case they are ever used in the future. Stone markers are used every quarter mile to track the distance and look just like the original markers once used in conjunction with the train.
Click here for more information.
- The Abandoned Bates Mill Being Reclaimed by Nature.
Mike Cempa / Flickr Founded in 1850 by Benjamin E. Bates, the Bates Mill was Maine’s largest employer through the 1960s. Early profits from the mill, earned in part from producing textiles for the Union Army during the Civil War, provided much of the capital used in the founding of nearby Bates College. Today it sits abandoned on the banks of the Androscoggin with machinery waiting as if the employees are simply taking a break.
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- The Most Beautiful Road to Nowhere.
D L / Flickr This beautiful road trip will take you on a 40-mile journey through Acadia National Park. Also known as the “loop road,” it provides easy access to some of the highlights of Maine’s only National Park. All together, it should take you about 3 hours.
Click here for more information.
- The Hauntingly Beautiful Remnants of Battery Steele.
Bryan Bruchman / Flickr Battery Steele is a military fort located on the oceanside area of Peaks Island in Casco Bay. The Fort was built in 1942 as part of efforts to support World War II. The 14 acres on which Battery Steele sits are formerly part of the Peaks Island Military Reservation. Its name comes from Harry Lee Steele, a Coast Artillery officer during World War I. On October 20, 2005, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The military site is a mix of two worlds. From the outside, the area appears to be completely left to nature. Overgrown trees and branches crowd what appears to be a crumbling facade. However, the real magic of Battery Steele lies underground.
Click here for more information.
- The Eclectic Willows Flea Market.
The Willows / Facebook With three floors of absolute treasures, you’ll need to dedicate at least an entire day to exploring The Willows Flea Market. There are so many individual booths, with such a wide variety of items for sale that you’ll likely leave with something. Even if you were just visiting with a friend.
Click here for more information.
- The Strange Reversing Falls.
Robert Smith / Flickr The Reversing Falls (also called “Cobscook Falls”) are formed as a result of a large rock ledge that makes it impossible for the water to move smoothly. During the incoming tide, this underwater activity creates a crazy waterfall, along with whirlpools and surprisingly high swells. But, the real phenomenon is during the outgoing tide…
Click here for more information.
- The Beautiful Ocean Path Hike in Acadia National Park.
Robin / Flickr Ocean Path is one of the best ways to explore coastal Acadia. While plenty of trails will ultimately give you a view of the waters surrounding the area, this hike will allow you plenty of opportunity to take it in as you go. If you think Acadia National Park is only for the serious hiker, think again. It’s absolutely possible to explore the classic Maine forest and coastline using your own two feet - even if you are not a seasoned hiker.
Click here for more information.
- The Beautiful and Majestic Smalls Falls.
Larry Miller / Flickr Located on the Sandy River, Smalls Falls can be accessed easily as a day trip from the Rangeley Lakes Area. It is accessible, allows swimming and can easily occupy an entire day with its hiking trail and multiple falls.
Click here for more information.
Did you see our story of the harrowing shipwreck that took place off the coast of Maine back in 1864? If not, click here to check it out!
George Bremer / Flickr
Monhegan Island is about ten miles from the mainland and can only be traveled to by boat. One of its most defining characteristics is the lack of cars and paved roads. The year-round community of the island is around 75 people. There is one schoolhouse for students in kindergarten to 8th grade. High school students must make their way to the mainland for their education. There are no banks, public bathroom or garbage cans. So, anything you bring to the island must be carried back with you.
Click here for more information.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge was built in 1892 to allow workers at the Cabot Mill to cross the Androscoggin River between Topsham and Brunswick. It is the creation of John A Roebling’s Sons Company, the same firm that constructed the Brooklyn Bridge. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
Click here for more information.
Bob Gaffney / Flickr
Bubble Rock is a large boulder sitting atop the South Bubble of Bubble Mountain in Acadia National Park. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill rock. It’s actually a “glacial erratic” left by ice age activity a very, very long time ago. By analyzing the type of granite within the rock, geologists have been able to discern that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its precarious perch all the way from Lucerne, Maine — 30 miles (48 km) away!
Click here for more information.
Terry Ross / Flickr
This lovely 6.5-mile trail follows the railroad tracks that once connected Portland to Augusta. While they are no longer in use, they’re still maintained today in case they are ever used in the future. Stone markers are used every quarter mile to track the distance and look just like the original markers once used in conjunction with the train.
Click here for more information.
Mike Cempa / Flickr
Founded in 1850 by Benjamin E. Bates, the Bates Mill was Maine’s largest employer through the 1960s. Early profits from the mill, earned in part from producing textiles for the Union Army during the Civil War, provided much of the capital used in the founding of nearby Bates College. Today it sits abandoned on the banks of the Androscoggin with machinery waiting as if the employees are simply taking a break.
Click here for more information.
D L / Flickr
This beautiful road trip will take you on a 40-mile journey through Acadia National Park. Also known as the “loop road,” it provides easy access to some of the highlights of Maine’s only National Park. All together, it should take you about 3 hours.
Click here for more information.
Bryan Bruchman / Flickr
Battery Steele is a military fort located on the oceanside area of Peaks Island in Casco Bay. The Fort was built in 1942 as part of efforts to support World War II. The 14 acres on which Battery Steele sits are formerly part of the Peaks Island Military Reservation. Its name comes from Harry Lee Steele, a Coast Artillery officer during World War I. On October 20, 2005, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The military site is a mix of two worlds. From the outside, the area appears to be completely left to nature. Overgrown trees and branches crowd what appears to be a crumbling facade. However, the real magic of Battery Steele lies underground.
Click here for more information.
The Willows / Facebook
With three floors of absolute treasures, you’ll need to dedicate at least an entire day to exploring The Willows Flea Market. There are so many individual booths, with such a wide variety of items for sale that you’ll likely leave with something. Even if you were just visiting with a friend.
Click here for more information.
Robert Smith / Flickr
The Reversing Falls (also called “Cobscook Falls”) are formed as a result of a large rock ledge that makes it impossible for the water to move smoothly. During the incoming tide, this underwater activity creates a crazy waterfall, along with whirlpools and surprisingly high swells. But, the real phenomenon is during the outgoing tide…
Click here for more information.
Robin / Flickr
Ocean Path is one of the best ways to explore coastal Acadia. While plenty of trails will ultimately give you a view of the waters surrounding the area, this hike will allow you plenty of opportunity to take it in as you go. If you think Acadia National Park is only for the serious hiker, think again. It’s absolutely possible to explore the classic Maine forest and coastline using your own two feet - even if you are not a seasoned hiker.
Click here for more information.
Larry Miller / Flickr
Located on the Sandy River, Smalls Falls can be accessed easily as a day trip from the Rangeley Lakes Area. It is accessible, allows swimming and can easily occupy an entire day with its hiking trail and multiple falls.
Click here for more information.
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