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.
- Birch Point Beach State Park, Owls Head
Rebecca Larson / Google 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.
- St. Anthony Friary, Kennebunk
Management / TripAdvisor 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.
- Moose Point State Park, Searsport
jennd / Flickr 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.
- Range Ponds State Park, Poland Springs
Debbie A / TripAdvisor 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.
- Mackworth Island, Falmouth
rezendi / Flickr 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.
- Viles Arboretum, Augusta
Kennengarrett / TripAdvisor 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.
- Peach Beach State Park, Richmond
visibone / Flickr 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!
Rebecca Larson / Google
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.
Management / TripAdvisor
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.
jennd / Flickr
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.
Debbie A / TripAdvisor
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.
rezendi / Flickr
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.
Kennengarrett / TripAdvisor
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.
visibone / Flickr
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.
As we explore some of the lesser-known spots in the state, we’re especially loving the more remote places. Maine’s most remote lodge has been sitting in the north woods since 1827!
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Address: Birch Point Beach State Park, 459 S Shore Dr, Owls Head, ME 04854, USAAddress: Kennebunk, ME 04043, USAAddress: Moose Point State Park, 310 W Main St, Searsport, ME 04974, USAAddress: Range Pond State Park, 26 State Park Rd, Poland Spring, ME 04274, USAAddress: Mackworth Island, Falmouth, ME 04105, USAAddress: Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330, USAAddress: Pleasant Pond, Maine, USA
