Nature in Maine is stunning, so we’ve been getting outdoors as much as possible. Some days “getting outdoors” just means sitting in the backyard for an hour. But other days, it means hopping in the car or on a bike and exploring whatever piece of nature is on the other end. This weekend, as we hiked our hearts out in the lakes region, we realized that the best attractions in Maine are the natural ones. While Funtown Splashtown might be fun for a little while, it doesn’t come close to the exhilaration that comes with seeing a new part of Maine nature. In today’s article, we’ve compiled a few of our favorites along with links to more details.

1. The Cutler Coast, Bay of Fundy
Maine 191, ME-191, Cutler, ME, USA
VW Beetle / Flickr
Its incredible beauty might be the reason for its name — The Bold Coast. Once you visit the area, you'll understand. Between the untamed shores and cliffs, this area feels more remote than it actually is. The Cutler Coast is a preserve made up of about 12,000 acres. It can be found by traveling on Route 191 between Cutler and Lubec.

Read more on this Maine natural beauty, and then plan your next scenic tour of the coast!
2. Ocean Path, Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Robin / Flickr
This trail is one of our favorites in Acadia and leads to some of the best views in the park. AND, it's the best way to see some of the park's highlights. Hiking Ocean Path will give you views of what many believe to be "classic Maine" — from coast to forest. There are many stopping points that make it a relaxing hike for those who don't want to constantly scramble uphill and over rock. The trail will take you past Thunder Hole and will end at Otter Point with views of the Cadillac and Dorr Mountains.

Learn more about this Maine nature trail, and then plan your next hike there!
3. Vaughan Woods, Hallowell
Vaughan Woods, Hallowell, ME 04347, USA
stephen_malinowski / Flickr
Vaughan Woods in Hallowell is also known as "Hobbit Land." It was likely created based on how much the woods look like the "Shire," where J.R.R. Tolkien’s imaginary "Hobbits" live. In actuality, Vaughan Woods is a lovely nature preserve with a fun system of historic trails for walking and hiking.

Check out more on this Maine Nature Preserve, and then go visit the hobbits!
4. Smalls Falls, Sandy River
Smalls Falls, West Central Franklin, ME 04970, USA
grassvalleylarry / Flickr
Located on the Sandy River, these falls are one of our favorites! Not only are they impressive to see, but the pools created by the falls are great for swimming and a number of trails surround the area making for a full summer day!

Read more about one of the loveliest Maine natural landmarks, and then grab your camera and go visit!
5. Bubble Rock, Acadia National Park
Bubble Rock, Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
thegaffneys / Flickr
This rock is a "glacial erratic" left by ice age activity a very, very long time ago. Geologists say that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its precarious perch all the way from Lucerne, Maine — 30 miles (48 km) away! Today, you can hike to the top of South Bubble and try your very best to push it off the ledge. But, don't hold your breath. It's yet to fall off!

There is so much amazing nature in Maine, so be sure to read more about this unique natural landmark!

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6. Megunticook Lake, Camden Area
Megunticook River, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Fyn Kynd / Flickr
Megunticook encompasses more than 1,300 acres, making it the largest in Knox County by both volume and overall area. If you're planning on visiting the lake for a day, we recommend heading straight for the beach at Barrett's Cove Park.

Check out more on this Maine lake, and then pencil in your next visit!
7. The Reversing Falls, Pembroke
Reversing Falls Road, Reversing Falls Rd, Pembroke, ME 04666, USA
maineforestcafe / Flickr
It's magic! Well, actually, it's just science. Maine has one of the most dramatic tidal changes in the country, and Pembroke Falls State Park might be the best place to see this in action. Rising an average of 20 feet every 6.5 hours, the tide here sends water rushing in and out of Dennys Bay and Whiting Bay. This rush of water travels through the narrow area between Mahar Point and Falls Island to create what appears to be a waterfall that runs opposite the current.

Learn more about this unique Maine natural beauty, and then check it out yourself!
8. The Bar Island Trail, Bar Harbor
Bar Island Trail, Maine, USA
jstephenconn / Flickr
This trail is only accessible for about 3 hours when the tide is low. The easy walk connects Bar Harbor with Bar Island and makes for a fun and relaxing way to spend the day. But, time yourself properly or you might end up stuck for a few hours until the tide goes out again!

Learn more about this amazing Maine beach trail, and then plan your next visit!
9. Rattlesnake Pool, Evans Notch
Evans Notch, South Oxford, ME 04217, USA
logicalrealist / Flickr
Rattlesnake Pool is hidden, but if you know what you're looking for it's simple to make your way. A short (but sweaty!) hike will lead you directly to the emerald waters. Alternatively, you can choose to take the long way and build up an even sweatier sweat! Either way, put this on your summer bucket list.

Learn more about one of the coolest Maine natural landmarks, and then see if you can find it!
10. The Grand Canyon of Maine, AKA Gulf Hagas, Katahdin Iron Works Park State Park
Katahdin Iron Works State Historic Site, Ki Rd, Brownville, ME 04414, USA
thomascook / Flickr
Located in Katahdin Iron Works Park State Park, Gulf Hagas is a gorge carved out by the Western Branch of the Pleasant River. The area spans three miles and features incredible vertical slate walls, creating lots of waterfalls along the way.

Learn more about this cool feature found in the nature in Maine, and then visit!

There is so much amazing nature in Maine. Which spot will you visit first? For some man-made beauty, check out this lighthouse road trip through Maine!

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More to Explore

nature in Maine

Jessica Bohl | June 16, 2022

What are some great nature centers in Maine?

With so much amazing nature in Maine, there are some really fantastic Maine nature centers that are perfect for family day trip destinations. A family favorite is the Fields Pond Audubon Center, just outside of Bangor. Here, you will find a 191-acre pond and a 229-acre sanctuary where you can wander through forests, fields, wetlands, and lakeshore.

Acadia National Park is an amazing park for families to visit. The Sieur de Monts Nature Center, located within the park, is a great opportunity to learn about the important work of the park’s biologists and researchers who are working hard to maintain and protect the surrounding nature.

Are there any natural wonders in Maine that you can visit for free?

You can explore natural wonders in Maine without having to pay a significant amount of money. For example, the Giant’s Stairs on Bailey Island will take your breath away. Ages of erosion have worn rocks into giant stairs down to the sea. Bring your camera and admire this beautiful natural wonder.

For another unique natural wonder, head to Old Sow Whirlpool in Eastport. Here, tidal currents come together between Eastport and Deer Island to create one of the largest and most dangerous whirlpools in the world! Pretty amazing!

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