10 Best Small Towns in Maine for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Maine is known for its beautiful coastline and rugged landscape filled with dramatic mountain views and vast forest areas, all combined to make it an adventure-packed destination. These fantastic natural attractions are spread across the numerous towns in the state, which also reflect New England charm and hospitality, with a smaller populace and a conducive environment for exploring. Whether visitors seek to spend time relaxing outdoors or engaging in some of the most rigorous outdoor adventures, these towns are the perfect destinations.
Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach is a seaside resort town in Saco Bay where visitors are guaranteed a satisfying outdoor experience. This town is home to a 7-mile-long beach which is a haven for sun and beach lovers and a perfect destination for picnics, boating, swimming, fishing, and socializing. The town's famous Wooden Pier is also a top tourist attraction that stretches 500 feet into the Atlantic Ocean and features souvenir shops and restaurants. Before leaving Old Orchard Beach, visit Palace Playland - an amusement park on a four-acre beachfront property home to the first carousel in the United States and a magnificent Ferris wheel!
Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport is an idyllic resort town for outdoor lovers, including the likes of former President George W. Bush. Yes, this town was the summer home of the Bush Family, and if they found it naturally alluring and serene, it sure ticks many boxes. This coastal gem is a fascinating destination for fishing expeditions, boating adventures, swimming, and whale-watching tours on the Kennebunk River and the Atlantic Ocean. Furthermore, Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport offers sandy shores for sunbathing, and the barrier island protects it from waves, making swimming safer. Head to Goat Island Light on Cape Porpoise Harbor for more adventures and admire a 19th-century lighthouse. While the lighthouse is inaccessible, Cape Porpoise Harbor is free for everyone to stroll around, dine in its restaurants, visit an art gallery and library, shop, and create memories outside.
Bethel
Bethel is a picturesque mountain town in Oxford County, surrounded by Oxford Hills and the jagged Mahoosuc Range. It also borders the Androscoggin River, which means impressive natural views welcome visitors here, however, that is just the tip of the iceberg in this town! Visitors here are invited to begin an adventure by walking across the Sunday River Bridge, four miles north of Bethel. This bridge was built in 1872 but retains its elegance and structural integrity, making it a scenic point for nature photography. Heighten the experience with a 20 minutes drive to Grafton Notch State Park to behold the spectacular Screw Auger and Mother Walker waterfalls and a cave. For more adventures, gear up and hike the 12-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail within the Park.
Swan's Island
Swan's Island is a serene natural gem in Hancock County, accessed by a state ferry from Bass Harbor. This simple island is home to only one store, an inn, and a lighthouse, while housing just below 400 residents. As a result, visitors are guaranteed to enjoy exciting outdoor experiences without crowds. This town boasts four public beaches where people can gaze at the ocean, play in the sand, swim in the waters, fish lobsters, and hike along nearby trails. For nature and wildlife lovers, Swan's Island is a haven for waterfowls, shorebirds, bald eagles, and other birds. In addition, there are 7 miles of hiking trails to explore and a trout pond for fishing with the kids!
Kingfield
Kingfield is an irresistible mountain town that is especially exciting in winter as it serves as the gateway to Sugarloaf - the largest ski resort in Maine. This resort features 1,360 skiable acres, 15 lift systems, and approximately 300 groomed trails, making it a haven for a winter adventure. Kingfield is also positioned at the foothills of Longfellow Mountain range in the Carrabasett River Valley, so it offers a natural collage of valleys, rivers, and mountains for hikers.
For hikers, one of the first things to do here is to hike the six-mile Narrow Gauge Pathway trail, which runs along the Carrabasett River and has a south entrance from Kingfield. This non-motorized trail is perfect for nature walks or biking to the river, where fly fishing is a highlight activity. In addition, Kingfield is the headquarters of the Maine Huts and Trails, which features more than 80 miles of accessible multi-use trails.
Casco
Casco is a charming little town on the shores of Sebago Lake - one of the most visited lakes in Maine. The town itself is home to a part of the Sebago Lake State Park, which offers up to 250 campsites, Naples Beach, and the Witch Cove beach. With so many water bodies around, it is no wonder the town is a haven for water activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing which can all be done on the lake. Beyond the lake, Casco is home to a 27-acre woody pine forest and preserve known as Hackers Hill Preserve, where visitors can hike and see unobstructed views of the White Mountains and Sebago Lake.
Greenville
Greenville is one of the finest towns in Maine for adventure lovers or anyone with a love and passion for nature and the outdoors. Here, visitors will be met with the beautiful Moosehead Lake, the town's highlight attraction and the largest freshwater body in Maine. This lake offers thrilling activities like boating, watching the sunset, and promenading. Visitors can also take a seaplane ride to see breathtaking lake views from above. In addition, Greenville is just nine miles from Lily Bay State Park, home to campsites, a beautiful shoreline, and exciting walking trails.
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is a charming coastal town on Mount Desert Island that serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park. Before even engaging in any adventure, visitors to this town will marvel at its coastal scenery and colorful colonial architecture. After drooling over the scenery, outdoor enthusiasts can lace up their adventure boots and proceed to enjoy exciting adventures, from cruising on the Atlantic Ocean to hiking, kayaking, or biking in Acadia National Park. Strolling through downtown Bar Harbor is also a great thing to do here, if only to see the colorful architecture and patronize one of two local restaurants and shops. For those visiting from mid-April to September, taking a whale-watching cruise is a must, as it is an opportunity to see humpback whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, and many other sea creatures.
Camden
Camden is a small town on the coast between Camden Hills and Penobscot Bay with incredible natural scenery and plenty of activities to keep visitors outdoors. One of the most exciting things to do here is hiking on Maiden's Cliff, which offers charming views of Menguticook Lake. This trail is within Camden Hills State Park, which features so many other trails and a road and offers opportunities for hunting and rock climbing. For visitors seeking simple relaxation, head to Barrett's Cove on Menguticook Lake to enjoy picnics, relax, and admire views of Mount Battie. Next, stroll around the town's harbor to admire scenic views of sailing ships that belong to the Maine Windjammer Fleet.
Ogunquit
In Abenaki Language, Ogunquit means "Beautiful Place by the Sea," and this small town lives up to its name. The town is famous for its stunning beaches, vibrant art scene, delicious seafood, and streets lined with colorful houses. There are plenty of attractions to keep visitors outdoors, such as Perkins Cove - a small inlet lined up with shops, restaurants, and fishing boats. This cove is beautiful and is a great place to enjoy seafood or take boat rides. Ogunquit also features plenty of exciting attractions, including Ogunquit Beach, Ogunquit Trolley, and Nubble Lighthouse, which all promise to keep people outdoors. For more experiences, visitors can also check out other Ogunquit attractions that are indoor-based, like - Ogunquit Playhouse and Ogunquit Museum of American Art.
The Pine Tree State has everything that makes the outdoors exciting, and most can be found in its small towns. In these towns, outdoor enthusiasts will find rugged mountains, large lakes, white sand beaches, lush forests full of trails, and downtown areas full of history and colorful architecture. And that is just the beginning, as these towns also have exciting wildlife, fantastic seafood, and stunning lighthouses, which promise to keep people outdoors as long as possible. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to visit these towns, be sure to tag someone special along and come with a camera, as these towns deserve to be seen by as many people as possible.
