The 7 Secret Parks Of Maine You've Never Heard Of But Need To Visit
By Michelle|Published June 24, 2021
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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.
One of the most notable things about Maine is the plentiful opportunity to explore the great outdoors and there are tons of places to do it. Whether you prefer to explore your own backyard or enjoy visiting the largest state parks, we know Mainers relish the chance to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Unfortunately, the spots that are most popular are often crowded, making them a bit less peaceful. This year, consider of checking out some of the parks on this list. They’re each a bit underrated, but totally fantastic.
There are quite a few beaches to visit during the warmer months in Maine, but many of those are busy and crowded no matter how cold the water is! We love this state park because it offers a crescent-shaped beach offering great views of the bay and there are far fewer crowds here. You can learn more about it by checking out this article.
Located in one of the most popular (and busy!) tourist towns in the state, it's perfect when you need a little break from the hustle and bustle. This park is open to the public and it offers beautiful gardens to explore and lots of places for quiet thought.
This beauty overlooks the Penobscot Bay and offers lots of hiking, swimming and boating opportunities. The land was originally a dairy farm owned by the Carver family in 1859 and it was donated to the state by the family in 1951.
This park is a great option for those who live in the Lewiston and Auburn area as it's not too far off the beaten path from there. Visitors can enjoy the 1,000-foot sand beach on Lower Range Pond which is great for swimming. Plus there are tons of hiking trails.
This island isn't actually an island at all. It's actually a land mass that sits on the end of a strip of land. The circular path leads all the way around the park and offers great views of Casco Bay and the forested area inside. There's also a hidden fairy garden here, so be sure to check out their tiny homes! You can learn more about visiting here.
Created by the Maine Forest Service in 1981, those who love paths through nature will love exploring the six miles of trails through 23 different collections of gardens. This park also features artist sculptures and a visitor center that will tell you everything you need to know.
We wouldn't be surprised if you'd never heard of this delightful little spot, but we'd be shocked if you didn't return again and again after visiting! A popular destination for those with kids, it's easy to spend all day enjoying swimming, fishing and boating at Pleasant Pond.
What are some of your favorite under-the-radar spots to visit for outdoor time? Let us know what they are in the comments and leave some helpful tips for exploring them if you have any!
