Beautiful state park with great views on many trails. The trails are pretty flat and not difficult,…read moreand they are very shaded, so it's a very relaxing set of hikes. Looks like a great spot for a picnic as well.

This is a great little state park close to Portland and Freeport with trails that go along the…read moreocean, through the woods and along the Harraseeket River. Nice picnic spots and places to sit and admire the view. This is a popular park in Summer, especially in nice weather, so parking could be a challenge. If you're in the area, definitely worth a visit. Don't forget to leave your money in the box at the entrance of you don't have a Maine State Park pass so we can keep state parks like this open and maintained.

Huge parking lot and free during the off season. Looked beautiful even on a crappy day! Ventured…read more here because I was staying close by in Phippsburg. Wish I had better weather but will definitely come back when I return in October!

We came in on a perfect day, mid week. Beautiful beach and not crowded, clean bathrooms and free…read moresunscreen. There's an entrance fee, $8 for adults and $4 for children, $2 seniors, non-residents. Just beware because cell signal was spotty on the beach and you have to go to the parking lot to get a decent cell service.

How did I not know about this place?? Fabulous. Quiet. feel sorry for the neighbors if too many…read morepeople go there.

I am not the kind of mermaid who needs to drive her car right onto the beach. I'm not into…read moretailgating. I'm not into opening the back of my vehicle to blast music and create a Daytona-esque feel. That's just me. If any of those things are appealing, then come to Stover's Cove especially on the weekend. I'm not sure this place is much of a secret. When we came it was FILLED with giant trucks (many from Massachusetts) that had emptied out contents like canopy tents, beach furniture of all kinds, eight foot tables for buffets and beer pong, corn hole, SUP, kayaks, you name it. We found what we thought was a quiet area all the way at the end of the gravelly hook-shaped land (nothing here is sandy, so don't expect a traditional beach) but were almost immediately surrounded - people a few feet to our left, right, and behind. This is a cove, so remember there are no open ocean views or waves of any kind (unless they're coming from jetskiers) which is great for the ecosystems of the salt marshes. It's very still, very warm ocean water with views of homes, trees, Harpswell Sound, and the cribstone bridge. The ocean floor is more mushy then rocky or compact. Obviously this is all nitpicky and totally preferential, but Maine is filled with so many glorious swimming and sunbathing spots, that it's really all about finding what makes you happy. Is this a free place to swim? Yes. Is parking abundant (and also free)? Yes. Is it great for kiddos who maybe are a bit nervous about swimming or the ocean? Yes. Is it suitable if you have mobility issues? Yes. Also, they permit fireworks on July 3rd, 4th, 5th and December 31st and January 1st. Definitely check it out, but be careful of driving in. Your undercarriage thanks you.

This inn has a back to the past feel that is perfect for those quiet travelers who can appreciate…read morethe solitude and peace of nature. It is a block away from the Atlantic Ocean and beach. It is operational seasonally and closes the end of October. After reading recent reviews, the facts in them are true! This is not a HOTEL, there are no elevators, minibars, pools, daily maid service and plenty of stairs to climb. The place is a couple of hundred years old but pretty well maintained and my room was very clean. I booked a larger room on the first floor that was pretty quiet and very clean. The furniture was basic, had a minifridge and large bathroom. Coffee and muffins were put out for all at 7 AM and coffee and cookies at 2 PM. There is a restaurant on premises that serves breakfast starting at 8 AM and dinner from 4 to 9 PM. The bar is open during dinner hours only. So, this is a basic B&B in an out of the way beach town. DO NOT come here if you need modern furniture/wall art, minibars, pools, in room coffee or need pampering. Do not bring kids. Stay at one of the chain motels along the highway. You'll be happier!

(SIDE NOTE: I usually come to Higgins during the off season, so I can't speak to what it's like in…read morethe height of summer.) I always like walking Higgins. There's a shipwreck from 1897 there! I don't know if any other locals have noticed, but it seems like it's less and less exposed (the sands seem to be shifting a lot) these past few years. But the last time we came at low tide, it *was* there with its incredible ecosystem that exists in its adjacent tide pools! Higgins is super popular with: 1. Surfers! 2. People walking their doggos! 3. Plovers! There is an incredible amount of signage here in spring/summer educating and informing folks about where they can't bring their dogs because of the nesting area of our endangered/near-threatened shorebirds. If you're visiting: please, please pay attention to this and respect where both you and your four-legged friend can't run around in. It's tough parking here (from May 1st to September 15th if you park on the road you have to pay an hourly fee; there's also a public lot a few blocks away that's $10 a day), but it's a beautiful space with an expansive stretch of sand with a tidal river to the left.

I love taking people here because they never grasp the concept of the land literally and abruptly…read morecoming to a complete end. Which is what it does (thus the name). And yet, despite the sign that says "Land ends in 500 ft" when you get to the very end of Route 24 and there's NOTHING THERE but ocean... people are always shocked. Land's End is a great place to spend an hour or two... there's the wide and open expanse of Atlantic, picturesque views of nearby islands, jagged rocks you can explore and have a picnic on, a small but clean beach you can swim or skip rocks at, and one of the state's bronze Lobsterman Statues (that's dedicated to the fisherman of Maine who work on the dangerous waters off our coast). My family has been coming here for as long as I can remember, and now that I'm an adult I like to make the drive at least a couple times a year (usually sometime between September and April). Sights like these are rejuvenating to the soul and remind me of all the reasons why I live where I do!

It's a Maine beach. Which means rocky. Small. Cold water. Lots of seaweed. And stunning views…read more Sweet statue dedicated to the lobster fisherman. Adjacent to the Lands End Gift Shop. The views are outstanding.

Maine is full of secret nooks and crannies. Glorious, magnificent, breathtaking places untouched by…read moreman or time. It's getting increasingly difficult to find these places, but they exist and Pott's Point Preserve is proof of that. Driving to and around Harpswell in and of itself is stunning. But coming specifically here is otherworldly as far as nature scenes go. Park to the side of the road (carefully and at your discretion) at a seemingly dead-end near a bunch of lobster traps and a wharf. Walk up the private Pott's Point Road and walk for nearly a half mile through a picturesque, straight-out-of-a-movie-set seaside neighborhood. It may seem awkward to walk through (metaphorically) people's backyards, but eventually you'll reach "the end" of the road where there's a tiny, sandy path through thick greenery. Through it? The literal end of the land. A beautiful acre of rocks and rosa rugosa bushes and gravel beaches and tide pools full of marine life. You can loop around and explore (especially at low tide; you'll have to carefully navigate the rugged coastal landscape otherwise), and see a plethora of islands in the distance. It's unspoiled Maine beauty at it's finest.

"The way life should be" - Maine's famous saying and logo - this place depicts just that. We went…read moreexploring and found this wonderful place. You're lost in time filled with algae, rocks, shells and grassland. We love this beautiful and breathtaking place. Perfect for puppies, children and couples. There is nothing quite like it and it's a short hike to the most gorgeous point. This place is perfect for this time of year- autumn with the leaves changing. Please come visit and find yourself at peace.

Very underrated from the information we found online but we were in the area so decided to go. I'm…read moreso glad we did !! Beautiful walkway along the ocean, cliff top area. It's not a very long walk but we had kids with us and very easy for little legs.

If you are on Bailey Island I recommend a stop at Giant's Stairs Trail. There are directional…read moresigns to get you there once you are fairly close. I parked by the McIntosh Lot Preserve where there is a small parking area on the side of the road. Stay on the path and be respectful most of the area is private property. The rock formations are magnificent, i was in awe of what I saw. Pictures cannot do it justice.

Went for a walk because it was a beautiful day, and wanted to find a place that wasn't a hike, just…read morea walk. Lots of people there - all masked and distanced. It was a bit icy, but beautiful, and a lovely walk.

Welcome to Karenville. Population: Certainly not you!…read more I should have known how this was going to go when I went to check in with 2 friends and the ranger told me he had cancelled our 3-night reservations because of a storm coming in two days. I told him we just planned to stay the night so we would be gone long before any clouds rolled in, and that I had spoken with a very pleasant woman there the day before who suggested that very thing. He didn't want to hear it. When I asked why we weren't told about the cancellations, he said "we don't have to tell you." When I asked about a refund he snapped "we don't do refunds". He got livid when I said we weren't going to turn around and drive 3 hours home and said "we'll see" as he stormed out of the gate house. The guy at the gate house (not the ranger) was very pleasant and honestly tried to come up with a solution for everyone. He explained that we couldn't stay in the 3 sites we reserved because the ranger closed them, but he could put the 3 of us on a site near the water. It would be tight and not typically allowed, but at least we'd have a place to camp for the night. Right off the bat it was clear that this isn't the day-camper area. We were surrounded by RVs that had obviously been there all summer and people didn't smile or respond to our greetings as they walked by. They made no bones about not being happy with our presence. Before I get into our experience, let me say that we are all professionals in our 40s/50s with families. We set up tents, play a few camping games, grill up some burgers & steaks, have a few beers and call it a night. We've been camping together for 20 years and never once had management speak to us or a neighbor complain. It's about 3:30 by the time we have everything set up, so we decide to play bocce. Since we were sharing one site, space was very limited and we had to play in the walkway between the sites and the water, making sure not to interfere with anyone walking by. About a 1/2 hour in, a woman comes up and tells us we're "ruining her experience" and we need to stop playing. We tell her we're going to keep playing but we'll be aware of our volume, to which she storms off in a huff. Around 6:30 the ranger shows up with the woman and another man who complained about us cooking dinner. The ranger said that we were too loud and "being offensive". When I asked him what we did that was offensive, he kept repeating that we're "just offensive". Ironically, we were silently sitting around the fire when he came to yell at us - something he admitted. We asked what rules we were violating since it was more than 3 hours until Quiet Hours and he replied we weren't being "considerate". He said the next time he came by he'd have the police escort us out. We found out the next morning that he had already called the police before ever saying a word to us. Knowing the ranger and our neighbors were just waiting for Quiet Hours to drop the hammer, we went to bed at 9:45. Not exactly what we had planned, but we also didn't want to pack up & drive home in the middle of the night. The next day a woman came up to us near the bathrooms and stuck her finger in our faces screaming at us that we're "f*cking morons" and that we had "tortured that poor old lady". This was in front of a ranger, who evidently didn't consider that offensive.

Goose Rocks Beach is beautiful. This is the second time that we have stayed in this area…read more My family and I rented a home for a few days within walking distance of the beach. The beach was immaculately clean, and I was happy that in early June, we were allowed to bring the dogs on the beach all day (as long as they were leashed).

My absolute happy place…read more Beautiful water and sand. When it's low tide, you can walk forever! The inlet allows for some waves, but the tides allow for a family friendly experience. Very walkable beach. When tide is low you can walk to Timber Point. Limited parking so you'd have to walk or ride your bike!

The beach and campground are always pristine. There are numerous events to attend over the summer…read moreseason - I visited the Highland Games, Bluegrass Festival, to name a couple. Very kid friendly, great food, and yummy ice cream. I am not a camper, but so many people who are travel here every summer because it is so welcoming.

Detailing my arrival lacks in interesting traction - nobody was at the little mustard colored front…read moreoffice. So, I penned my arrival time, parking slot and attached the fee and slipped it through the mail slot. The second day, the spring thunder was rolling across the sky, filling all the upper and lower spaces with it's rumblings, then a moment of faded distance, followed by a final wrathful roar coming from behind the clouds. For you see, more and more - rightly or wrongly, I'm developing my desire to be alone with the sights and sounds of nature. From thunder clap to the little water crystals of mornings first dew, it all makes me feel a special way. As if nature is harmonizing within the depths of my souls mood. I'll sit for hours watching nature lay before me in a hush and there is no sense of movements, but I feel the flow of vital natural energy that no humans can disturb. It's here, below the trees sitting upon the grass which seems to offer soft words of comfort and sympathy. And now, in these moments - any human that might pierce suddenly upon my natural mood, seems to effect me greatly. Because one bad thought - problems in NYC, etc - and my souls tranquility is thrown into confusion.