8 Maine Natural Wonders You Need To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List For 2020
By Michelle|Published October 13, 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.
What a year it’s been! We may not have anticipated the year we’ve all experienced, but we’ve tried to make the best of it. Especially when it comes to exploring Maine and remembering why we love this state so much. No matter the time of year, it’s always nice to get out and appreciate Vacationland, and seeing these natural attractions is a great way to do it!
Take Route 17 to access the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. Along the way, you'll come to the Height of Land. Get out and take in that view! You'll see just about all of Mooselookmeguntic Lake.
Connecting Bar Harbor with Bar Island this trail is accessible for just 3 hours every day during low tide. Taking it is a great way to explore the coast and see just what gets left when the tide recedes. But be careful to time things right so you're not on the wrong side when the tide comes rushing back! You can learn more about it by clicking here!
Head to Baxter State Park to check out Maine's most famous mountain. Its name comes from the Penobscot Indians and means "The Greatest Mountain." It towers over the park where people come from all over to hike to the summit, including those who have hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. Typically taking at least 10-hours, this hike is definitely not for newbie hikers.
Also known as "The Bold Coast," this wildly rocky area feels totally untamed. The cliffs and shores are exactly what you'd expect of Maine and, while not terribly out of the way the 12,000 acres of preserve here feel remote. Visit by traveling Route 191 between Cutler and Lubec. You can learn more by clicking here!
This unexpected waterfall might seem like magic, but like all cool things it all comes down to science. Head to Pembroke Falls State Park to see Maine's dramatic tidal changes in action. The tide here rises an average of 20 feet every 6.5 hours sending water in and out of Dennys Bay and Whiting Bay. The rush of water through the narrow area between Mahar Point and Falls Island creates what appears to be a waterfall that runs in the opposite direction of the current.
6. Gulf Hagas, Katahdin Iron Works Park State Park
Also known as the Grand Canyon of Maine, this gorge area was carved out over time by the Western Branch of the Pleasant River. The is comprised of about three miles of natural land with vertical slate walls creating lots of waterfalls along the way.
This strange rock sits perched on the edge of a cliff. It looks like it will fall at any moment, but giving it a push won't do a thing! It's actually 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 which is about 30 miles away! Check it out by taking the hike up South Bubble. Click here to learn more about it.
Thunder Hole might be the most booming attraction in Acadia! It's so named from the thunderous noise that's made when air escapes from a sea cave after being trapped by the incoming tide. It's not uncommon to see people gathered here just waiting to witness it.
What are some of your favorite natural attractions here in Maine? Let us know and we’ll check them out! They might even end up in a future article. And once you’ve seen what nature can do, how about appreciating what humans can get done? Here are 10 pieces of architectural brilliance that could wow anyone!
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