Picture this: you're strolling along a pebbly beach tucked away along the most quintessential Maine…read morerocky coast scene in the world during almost-dusk without a care in the world. It's like something out of Downeast Magazine, but really it's the vibe at Birch Point State Park during the off-season (which is open all year round, and as a Mainer you should really, really check out... I mean, is there anything quite as romantic as the ocean during winter?). I came in autumn and parked along the street outside of the entrance, walked the half mile down the access road, and was greeted by a crescent shaped beach bookended by giant rocks/ledges and small green spaces with picnic tables. I know there's a fee during the height of the season, but there's something really special about being able to enjoy this kind of unadulterated nature sans people in the chilly weather - so bring a sweater, a flask, a book... I'm confused though - there was a handwritten note defacing a park sign at the entrance that said, "Screw you State of Maine for closing this park." I don't know what's going on with that, but I hope it's not the truth because this is gem of spot. It seemed closed only for the season when I came, though that didn't stop locals from walking their dogs here.

Such a relaxing place that you don't even read your book much- just watch the water…read more A Sunday in mid-July was not crowded when we arrived at 1030 but by the time we left at 1, parking was rare and most people were parked on the long gravel drive into the park. The beach is a typical Maine one with dark, packed Sand and lots of seaweed. There's a lot of bugs in the seaweed that will go everywhere if you try to move it. Rocks are on either side of the beach and can make a less comfortable but quieter site. I was disappointed to see a giant pile of poo when we walked in. I think it was from a dog. Please, please clean up after your dog or leave them at home. This is a state park for all of us to enjoy. The water is frigid cold but we saw quite a few swimmers today. There are some grill to the left as you walk in that are shaded. Dogs must be on a leash.

This was the first of three lighthouse we visited while staying in Camden and this one is probably…read moremy favorite of the three. It's unique in layout and they had a really cute gift shop off to the side. I love the short walk from the parking lot, location, and stairs. It's in the charming Owl's Head town and the drive in was beautiful. Definitely a place to visit if you are nearby and love lighthouses. Worth the effort and you can explore some of the small local towns and have lunch.

Really enjoyed this stop. Lighthouse is in very good shape and so are the grounds around it. Has a…read moresmall gift shop with a section with some history and lighthouse parts. I would definitely recommend this stop if you are in the area.

Spectacular view of Penobscot Bay, the surrounding islands, and the Town of Camden. Well…read moremaintained and clean park, we walked a few of the trails on our visit today. $6 per person for non residents of Maine. That pretty much says it all, a short review, but this is a "must visit" if you are in the area.

I always try to visit a park when I'm traveling. Camden Hills State Park is a must see while…read morevisiting Maine. There is a small $6 fee for entry. You can camp, walk, bike or drive the park. The park guides are very helpful. We went straight to Mt Battie Rd for a beautiful scenic view of Camden Harbor. Penobscot Bay and Megunticook Lake. The views are out of the world! We spent 2 days going in and out of the park to see daytime versus sunset across the bay. We actually had a small picnic while visiting. This was a very calm relaxing experience. I highly recommend especially if you like wandering and hiking in parks. There is two sides to park, so dont forget to drive across the street.

We made a short stop to view this garden finding it quiet, tranquil and less than impressive though…read moreobviously your mileage may and very likely will vary.

Really pretty, I love coming here. It's nice all year round and even has a Geocache in it.read more

I'm so glad we did this, but it was challenging with our two-year old…read more There are signs warning you that this is not suitable for those with disabilities and that there are uneven rocks and large gaps while walking so you need to be careful. My toddler had a good time playing and exploring but, we ended up carrying her for most of it and it gets pretty windy which she didn't like. It's a unique walk/trail to the light at the end of the breakwater and walking about .7 miles or so on those large slabs of uneven granite was a very cool experience with the water lapping at each side and occasionally splashing. I'm glad we did it - but, be prepared for a bit of a workout.

So glad we found this gem of an outing in our tour of the state. Walking the break wall was a…read moreunique experience. There are large gaps but it's pretty even. We wore good shoes and hoodies and were fine. The lighthouse itself was small but jam packed with that coastal vibe we came for. Plus we got to walk a mile out into the ocean!

I loved this lighthouse!…read more The road directly to it is very narrow and definitely can get backed up with cars looking to park during crowded times. Luckily - we drove past the first parking lot right up and found a spot directly in front. Friendly volunteer staff took photos for me and you are able to go up and into the lighthouse for free and walk around in the gift shop which has some nice items and jewelry and collectible pins and magnets. The grounds of this lighthouse are lovely and you can easily walk out onto the rocks to get pictures from below and on the sides. There is a small memorial off to the left for all the keepers of the light who have been lost at sea. Excellent visit and very beautiful and photogenic lighthouse.

Excellent museum with history of the area and lighthouse. This is the lighthouse Forrest Gump ran…read moreto in the movie! The volunteers were really helpful and friendly.

I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 miles of coastline, Maine has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Sort of. Loop trail? Yes. Well marked signs? Yes. Element of surprise? Yes. What. A. Find. Whenever I'm journeying around Maine (checking out state parks or Atlas Obscura recommended spots), I try and also find a few trails or hiking spots to check out (because the state is huge, and when I'm in an area I'm not usually in, I want to discover spots I wouldn't otherwise!). Reynolds Forest was the best part of my day! In fact, one of the most standout spots I've been to in a while! According to the Kennebec Land Trust website (https://www.tklt.org/reynolds), "This 35 acre parcel provides visitors excellent birding opportunities, interesting wildflowers and floodplain species, and views of the powerful brook (now called Goff Brook), with its foaming water roaring over exposed rocks into stone-lined pools. Part of the conservation property not visible from the trail has seen an increase in invasive Japanese knotweed and non-native bush honeysuckle, and has served as a field research site for Colby College students studying invasive plant control methods." There's some parking off the shoulder of the main road, and the walk into the woods alongside Goff Brook is lovely. It's not long before you can suddenly hear the roaring of the (small, but mighty) waterfalls (which was once used for saw and grist mills. We made sure to come after a couple days of rain and it was worth it! We gently navigated out to some exposed rocks and sat in the sun, near the falls, surrounded by tall trees for a long time. Perfect spot for a picnic (and... I think we also spotted some foragers too). There's also a small Old Farm Loop Trail that passes by fields and an old foundation a little further beyond the Streamside Trail. BEWARE OF TICKS. BEWARE OF POISON IVY. WEAR APPROPRIATE SHOES.

This little picnic area is nestled in the downtown area of Belgrade. A few picnic tables, benches,…read moreand plenty of spots to throw a cast. There is a few parking spots right in front and if not too busy across the street. The view is pretty amazing to take in while eating a bagged lunch or take out from one of the eateries in the area. Plenty of ducks to admire too!

Cute little Public park with benches overlooking Long Pond and just steps away from Days Store…read more Seems like a lot of people bring their lunch, kids and read books by the waters edge here. Dogs are not allowed there which I thought funny but did see people with their pets there. Many came to fish for a little while and others came to play their guitar too. Nice quaint spot to stop in and check out in Belgrade.

This is a nice little state park that we have driven but never stopped. Im so glad we stopped this…read moreday. Its on the water with a rocky beach. Lots of parking. The trail we walked went right along the ocean and had lots of picnic tables and benches to stop. Such a beautiful spot.

I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 miles of coastline, Maine has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Yes. Loop trail? Kind of. Well marked signs? Not really. Element of surprise? No. For Cumberland County folks, Moose Point feels like a combination of Fort Williams Park and Mackworth Island. It's got grassy knolls to picnic on with views of Penobscot Bay, evergreen groves to meander through via wide and well maintained trails (some of which have benches, some of which have little staircases leading down to the pebbled water's edge), a gazebo for events, and during low tide there are tidal pools to explore (during high tide it's much more difficult to navigate because it's mostly just uneven rocks and not much of a shore). I think this is a beautiful spot in midcoast Maine, and I'm glad there are locations like it throughout the state. Personally, I don't necessarily feel the need to come back (except to get my Maine State Parks Passport Stamp!!!), just because we have something soooooooooooo similar so close. But I can see how it's a draw for so many!

There was a large variety of art, sculptures and jewelry on display that surely will capture one's…read moreattention. The gallery itself, housed in a former bank building with vaults and safes, is interesting to this former bank examiner. I particularly enjoyed the contemporary sculpture on display both inside and out. .

Nestled in a row of gift shops, overpriced clothing boutiques and artisan markets, this former bank…read moreturned art gallery showcases an enticing range of styles - from bronze sculptures and pointillist paintings to prints, furniture and jewelry. The majority of the art is for sale, averaging $1K-$25K. A few pieces fall within the $100-400 range. The Muir roof deck garden is a delightful place to sit, relax and enjoy the sound of windchimes. Exploring the vault rooms on the ground and lower levels is also a great way to spend time. There is a public restroom available on the second floor, and a friendly curator on hand to answer questions. If you find yourself downtown, this gallery is well worth a visit.