12 Off-The-Grid Destinations In Maine That Will Take You Away From It All
By Michelle|Published March 03, 2018
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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.
Maine offers some of the best nature and outdoor activities in the country. From skiing to snowshoeing in the winter to lush, green hikes and beach trips in the summer, there are plenty of spots that Mainers have flocked to for a dose of the outdoors. But, what about when you want to be alone? As the state begins to thaw (hopefully for the year!) you might be looking to escape cabin fever by getting outside. If a simple hike in your backyard isn’t enough, check out these off the grid destinations in Maine that will truly take you away from it all!
Before you dig in, think about joining our new Maine Nature Lovers Facebook group! Members share photos of their favorite Maine sights and have fun discussions about things to do!
Despite being located in Acadia National Park, this beach is one of the most hidden in Maine. The beach is located off the Park Loop Road, about three miles past Otter Point. But, it's not visible from the road, so you'll need to keep your eyes peeled! You'll know you've arrived when you see the small pullout along the road for parking. Cross the street and head down the wooden stairs to access the beach. You're likely to have the views all to yourself until summer!
While you'll be connected while you're on the island, there's something about Monhegan that feels like you're a world away. The island is about one square mile and has a thriving art community.
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3. The Bold Coast Scenic Byway, Millbridge to Easport
Certainly one of the most gorgeous drives in Maine, exploring the Bold Coast Scenic Byway also means spending some time out of touch. In addition to hugging the coast, this road will also take you through Maine's rural backroads. The drive will take you from Millbridge, all the way up the coast to Eastport.
This lovely tiny house is (as the name might imply!) a little slice of heaven. Located along the Crooked River in Waterford (near Norway) the completely off-the-grid home has no running water and just one solar powered light bulb. This is truly the place to go if you're looking for a way to recharge. It's up for grabs on Airbnb. Click here to learn more and book it!
The hike to reach these beautiful falls starts in Andover and follows the Appalachian Trail. The path is fairly narrow and runs through the forest following a stream. You'll first come to Lower Dunn Falls and then make your way to Upper Dunn Falls.
Though this emerald green pool is found within a larger hiking area, the water itself is a little harder to find. You'll find it as part of the hike up Blueberry Mountain in Evans Notch. And, take pictures while you're there, but don't bank on being able to put them on Instagram immediately. Our phones didn't work much of the time we were hiking!
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Located on the US border with Canada, Quoddy Head is located in Lubec, about four miles from State Route 189. This beautiful state park is made up of 541 acres, and includes the Quoddy Head Light, coastline and even a plateau bog.
One of the best things about Maine is that even its most popular state park includes places where you can be completely remote. While the place is buzzing in the summer with Katahdin summiting hopefuls, there are areas where you'll find yourself completely immersed in the raw beauty of the landscape.
This spot hidden within Acadia National Park is about 20 miles east of Ellsworth and directly south of Winter Harbor, the Schoodic area is the only portion of Acadia National Park that is located on the mainland. While the Schoodic Peninsula is just about five miles from Mount Desert Island as the crow flies, driving there takes about an hour and will have you meandering around the rocky coast of the island.
While one of the most visited waterfalls in Maine, it tends to be overshadowed by others like Moxie Gore. You'll reach it after a mile-long hike and while it's not a huge trek it WILL take you off the beaten path! The falls are nearly 90 feet and are considered to be the tallest in Maine. Don't miss the trip if you're in the Rangeley area. You can find the trailhead about 18 miles south of Oquossoc.
These caves, located within the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area were created during the ice age when huge glaciers pushed boulders together.
While the area is a bit out of the way, the actual hike to find them is fairly straight forward. Click here for more directions!
Known as one of the more remote areas in Maine, The County is also one of the most beautiful! You'll find plenty to do here while you're hiding out off the grid, from hiking to running to snowshoeing to skiing.