11 Staggeringly Beautiful Places In Maine That Will Always Be Waiting For You
By Michelle|Published April 24, 2020
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
There’s a lot to love about the great state of Maine! From the people to the small businesses to the huge strength and resiliency we see all around us. But, one of the things we really love about this state is all of the incredibly beautiful places to visit. No matter the season, there’s always something to explore. And, while we may not be able to get to them all right now, the most astounding spots in the state will always be waiting for us. Here are just a few.
Thunder Hole is considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the state. It's known for the thunderous sound it creates when waves roll into the small inlet that has been naturally carved out of the rocks. The pressure and power of nature can be heard by everyone in the area! To see it, plan on driving the scenic 27-mile loop that begins at Hulls Cove Visitor Center to Thunder Hole.
So many of Maine's towns are beautiful, that it's hard to pick just one. So, head to any place that makes you feel happy. But this one is especially lovely! it's actually a part of St. George and while it's not hidden away in a forest in The County, it sure does feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. And of course, it's home to Marshall Point Lighthouse made even more famous by Forrest Gump.
Located on the Sandy River, Smalls Falls are a lovely way to enjoy Maine's nature. It helps that this is one of our favorite waterfalls. In addition to their immense beauty, the falls creates a series of pools that are great for swimming. You can also explore the area by taking a trip on one of the many trails nearby.
The Rangeley Lakes region is one of the most beautiful in all the state. But we especially love Rangeley Lake for it's mystical location. Found halfway between the Equator and the North Pole the lake is said to have a high vibration. If you can't make it to Rangeley, head to any of Maine's great lakes. They're all beautiful!
Its location might mot be obvious, but Rattlesnake Pool is a welcome relief to find after a sweaty hike in the region. Head to Evans Notch and follow the signs to the summit of Blueberry Mountain. On the way back, follow the signs to the pool! Or, you can take a shorter hike directly there. You can learn more about it here!
This leisurely walk which begins at York Harbor Beach and stretches along the cliff side of the beach, has some of the most beautiful views in southern Maine. The out-and-back trail is about a mile and offers the chance to see some lovely flowers, plants, trees and (of course!) the rocky coast that Maine is famous for.
This waterfall features a drop of about 90 feet, making it one of the tallest in Maine. If you're in the Rangeley area, this is a simple detour. The trailhead is about 18 miles south of Oquossoc. The hike to reach the actual falls is about a mile, but it can be slipper and a bit steep in places so be careful.
What seems to be a magical rock perched on the side of a mountain in Acadia is really a "glacial erratic" left by ice age activity. Geologists say that glaciers carried Bubble Rock to its current location from about 30 miles (or 48 km) away! To see it, hike to the top of South Bubble Mountain.
This beautiful view can be found in Camden Hills State Park with a simple drive to the summit of Mount Battie. The incredible view includes Penobscot Bay, the town of Camden and the Camden Hills further afield. Prefer to work up a sweat? You can hike to the top, too!
10. Gulf Hagas, Katahdin Iron Works Park State Park
Located in Katahdin Iron Works Park State Park, Gulf Hagas is a gorge carved out by the Western Branch of the Pleasant River. And it's so incredible, many people refer to it as the Grand Canyon of the east! The area includes three miles of beauty and features incredible vertical slate walls, creating lots of waterfalls along the way.
The Bold Coast is one of the most aptly named places in Maine! Is beauty is unmistakably bold. Take the scenic drive and you'll find untamed shores and cliffs that make this area feel far more remote than it really is. The Cutler Coast is a preserve made up of about 12,000 acres. To reach it, travel on Route 191 between Cutler and Lubec.