Here in Maine, it’s easy to enjoy the nature that surrounds us. It’s all around us, after all. From the sea to the forests, there’s tons of beauty just about everywhere. And so much of it is unique that we can’t help but think there’s no better place to explore than right here. If you’re looking for incredible natural wonders in Maine, check out our list of favorites. Beautiful in any season and with no cost associated, these are the best natural areas in Maine that you just can’t pass up.

1. Giant's Stairs, Bailey Island
natural wonders in Maine
Giant's Stairs Trail, Harpswell, ME 04003, USA
TJForrest / TripAdvisor
This beautiful coastal area can be found by crossing the Cribstone Bridge over to Bailey Island. Once there you'll find the path leading along the water. Here you'll see what ages of erosion have done to the land. Rocks that look like stairs have been formed and they're so large they could only be fit for a giant! Here's an article to learn more about how to reach this beautiful natural wonder in Maine.

Take a look at this incredible video of Giant's Stairs shot by YouTuber Mainely Hikes.

2. Height of Land, near Rangeley
Height of Land, ME-17, Roxbury, ME 04275, USA
alan48 / Flickr
The Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway follows Routes 17 and 4 in western Maine leading directly to an overlook to see this beautiful part of the state. The term "height of land" refers to a place where two watersheds come together and while that's cool, the view is what's truly captivating. From here you'll be able to see Mooselookmeguntic Lake and even the White Mountains on a clear day. Be sure to check out this previous article to learn more about how to find this gorgeous natural area in Maine!
3. Coos Canyon, Oxford County
Coos Canyon, Byron, ME 04275, USA
binkley27 / Flickr
One of the reasons we love this beauty so much is that you can see it just by parking and taking a step out of your car. You'll find it just off of Route 17 scenic highway, The waterfall is beautiful year-round. In the winter it's often covered in ice and snow, for a truly magical appearance. In the summer it's a great place to cool down by jumping in the water. There's a park connected which is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch. Learn more about this breathtaking waterfall in Maine!

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4. The Dramatic Tidal Changes
Calais, ME, USA
​Bulgarian Wikipedia user Пакко, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This one is a bit more general than the others on this list, but we think the tidal changes here in Maine are worth mentioning. They're the most dramatic of anywhere else in America and can change as much as 20 feet between low and high tides! To see that, head to Calais where that exact number has been reported. But just about anywhere on the coast you're bound to see a big change.
5. Reversing Falls, Mahar's Point
Reversing Falls Park, Reversing Falls Rd, Pembroke, ME 04666, USA
wolfsavard / Flickr
Caused by water rushing in and out of Dennys and Whiting Bay, the reversing falls are truly unique. If you visit, you'll notice the narrow area sitting between Mahar Point and Falls Island. When the high tide comes in, the water swirls around creating whirlpools. When it goes out over a rocky ledge just beneath the surface the water appears to move in the opposite direction as the tide creating what can only be called a reversing waterfall. Check out this mind-blowing natural wonder in Maine!
6. Gulf Hagas, near Brownville Junction
Gulf Hagas Trailhead, Katahdin Iron Works Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USA
Tcpx36, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, this impressive network of falls is truly a sight to behold. Created by the Western Branch of the Pleasant River you'll find impressively large granite walls on either side of the river. You can learn more about the falls and how to find them (spoiler alert: it's a bit of a hike!) by checking out this previous article about these natural phenomena in Maine.
7. Old Sow Whirlpool, Eastport
Old Sow Whirlpool, Eastport Maine
Karin Lewis / Google
This is one of the most unique natural wonders in all of Maine! To see it head to Eastport where tidal currents come together between that town and Deer Island to create one of the largest and most dangerous whirlpools anywhere in the world!

Here’s a cool video of Old Sow filmed by YouTuber Bob Duchesne that will blow your mind.

Have you been to any of these natural wonders in Maine? If so, share any tips you have for the visit. And if we’ve left anyone off this list that deserves to be there add that to the comments, too!

For more access to the natural beauty of the state, head for one of our incredible trails. Here are 10 incredible hikes in Maine under 5 miles that everyone should take!

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More to Explore

NATURAL WONDERS IN MAINE & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | April 24, 2023

What are the best natural wonders in Maine?

There are so many natural wonders in Maine that are worth a visit. Here are some of the best natural wonders in Maine: 

  • Daggett Rock, Phillips
  • Debsconeag Ice Caves, Millinocket
  • Bubble Rock, Acadia National Park, Mt Desert,
  • Old Sow Whirlpool, Eastport
  • Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor
  • The Desert of Maine, Freeport
  • The Kenduskeag Stream Trail, Bangor
  • Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park, Piscataquis County
  • Moxie Falls, West Forks
  • Moosehead Lake, Piscataquis County


Be sure to check out this previous article about more incredible natural wonders in Maine.

What are some more things to do for free in Maine?

Here in Maine, there is no need to break the bank to enjoy the attractions in the state. Here are 10 fun things to do for free in Maine:

  • Jasper Beach, Machiasport
  • The Libby Hill Forest, Gray
  • L.L. Bean Free Summer Concerts, Freeport
  • Picnic at Fort Williams, Cape Elizabeth
  • Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland
  • Big and Little Niagara Falls in Baxter State Park, Millinocket
  • Marginal Way, Ogunquit
  • Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth
  • Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, Wells
  • Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville, Maine


Libby Hill Forest makes a great day trip destination, and it’s one of the best things to do for free in Maine. 

What are the best state parks in Maine?

With 32 state parks in Maine, it’s hard to choose the best ones. But here are 10 state parks in Maine that are worthy of a visit:

  • Reid State Park, Georgetown
  • Moose Point State Park, Searsport
  • Sebago Lake State Park, Casco
  • Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec
  • Peaks-Kenny State Park, Dover-Foxcroft
  • Fort Knox State Park, Prospect
  • Lamoine State Park, Lamoine
  • Camden Hills State Park, Camden
  • Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal
  • Roque Bluffs State Park, Roque Bluffs


Here’s an article with more information about the best state parks in Maine.

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