With a rocky coastline and granite peaks, Maine boasts two stunning federally protected lands. Acadia National Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters offer unique experiences, while the Pine Cone State is also home to 32 incredibly beautiful state parks, from Presque Isle to Saco.
The mountains here may not reach the same heights as those in the Rockies and on the West Coast, but conquering their rough terrain will certainly earn you bragging rights and a taste of Maine’s famous lobster rolls.
Each of Maine’s parks is open during the snowy winter months, providing opportunities for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter camping without the throngs of tourists. Make sure to consider a Maine State Park Pass to save on costs.
Acadia National Park
Best park for hiking, swimming, or kayaking
Home to the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park features miles of historic carriage trails and a rich history dating back more than 10,000 years. It attracts nearly three million visitors every year.
Located primarily on Mount Desert Island, Acadia encompasses some 49,000 acres of coastline, forests, wetlands, lakes, and more. With hundreds of miles of hiking and carriage trails, outdoor activities like biking and horseback riding abound. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, sea kayaking, swimming, and sailing are also popular. Cadillac Mountain is the park’s biggest attraction.
At 1,530 feet, it’s the first place in the US to see the sunrise during certain times of the year. You can reach the summit by foot, bike, or car. Sand Beach, the island’s only sandy beach, spans around 1,000 feet and draws swimmers during the summer months.
Acadia, the first national park east of the Mississippi River and the only national park in the northeastern United States, is open year-round. Crowds can be avoided by exploring the less-trafficked areas of the park such as Schoodic Peninsula.
Baxter State Park
Best park for hiking
Baxter State Park, named after Maine’s beloved governor Percival P. Baxter, spans more than 209,000 acres. Approximately 75% of its land is a managed wildlife sanctuary hosting iconic animals like moose, black bears, and loons.
While many visitors come to hike Maine’s highest mountain, the 5,267-foot Mt. Katahdin, the park boasts over 40 peaks, 215 miles of trails, 10 campgrounds, and numerous ponds and waterways for swimming, canoeing, and wildlife spotting. Sandy Stream Pond is a favored spot for seeing moose, and several easy hiking trails wind around the ponds.
Camden Hills State Park
Best park for a day trip from Camden
Camden Hills is one of the most scenic coastal state parks in Maine. Located just minutes from downtown Camden, it is an ideal day-trip destination. Visitors can spend the morning hiking to the top of 780-foot Mt. Battie for stunning panoramic views of Camden village and Penobscot Bay, followed by dining on fresh seafood in nearby restaurants.
For those interested in camping, Camden Hills State Park offers modern amenities amidst a peaceful forest setting.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Best park to avoid the crowds
Located east of Baxter State Park, Katahdin Woods and Waters is one of the newest national monuments in the US. Donated by Burt’s Bees cofounder Roxanne Quimby in 2016, this remote park provides tranquility for those seeking peace in Maine’s wilderness.
The park features hiking trails accessible from the Katahdin Loop Road and Messer Pond Road with limited camping options. It is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy activities like canoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling, depending on the season.
Quoddy Head State Park
Best park to visit West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
Quoddy Head State Park, located at the easternmost point of the continental United States, showcases Maine’s iconic candy-striped lighthouse, built in 1808. Although the lighthouse tower is closed to visitors, the grounds and small museums are intriguing. The park offers 5 miles of marked hiking trails along picturesque cliffs, forests, and bogs.
Bradbury Mountain State Park
Best park for mountain biking
Bradbury Mountain State Park encompasses more than 730 acres in coastal Maine and is one of the original state parks established in 1939. It features various forested hiking trails groomed for winter sports like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Bradbury is recognized as one of Maine’s best mountain biking parks, with trails catering to various skill levels.
Crescent Beach State Park
Best park for swimming
A short distance from Portland in Cape Elizabeth, Crescent Beach boasts a mile-long sandy beach that’s perfect for families, especially in summer. This kid-friendly park offers opportunities for fishing, sea kayaking, sunbathing, and swimming in the cool Atlantic waters.
Aroostook State Park
Best park for cross-country skiing
Maine’s first state park, Aroostook was established in 1938. It now encompasses over 800 acres and includes Quaggy Jo Mountain and Echo Lake. Echo Lake is popular for ice skating in winter, while its hiking trails welcome cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The six-mile trek to the summit of Quaggy Jo is a heart-pumping challenge.
Aroostook has additional hiking trails, a swimming beach ideal for families, and a boat launch for fishing and boating.
Popham Beach State Park
Best park for playing in the sand
Popham Beach, nestled between the Morse and Kennebec Rivers in Phippsburg, is a cherished summer destination. Covering over 600 acres, it features an expansive sandy beach, though visitors should be cautious of strong currents.
History enthusiasts can explore remnants of one of Maine’s earliest settlements, along with Fort Popham, dating back to the Civil War.
Grafton Notch State Park
Best park for birdwatching
Grafton Notch is perfect for adventure seekers looking to escape traditional paths. It includes 12 miles of the Appalachian Trail and is part of the Maine Birding Trail, where visitors can observe a rich variety of native songbirds and peregrine falcons.
In winter, Grafton Notch is popular for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, while its scenic byway offers access to breathtaking vistas and attractions such as Screw Auger Falls and Moose Cave.
