Maine's nature centers, wildlife refuges honor the beauty of the outdoors
Route 3
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Phone: 207-288-3338
This national park is simply put, an amazing experience. The oldest national park on the East Coast, visitors will enjoy a variety of wonders including the unusual geological formations, nature and wildlife, scheduled events, scenic drives, hiking, biking, and boat cruises. Don't forget to look for the puffins, North America's answer to the penguin. Fishing sites abound, with approximately 20 lakes and ponds from which to choose. Public camping is available at two locations, and there are fees for camping and for entering the park. In winter there is cross country skiing, snowshoeing and limited snowmobiling.
Blue Hill Falls
Route 172
Blue Hill, ME
These falls are an example of an unusual natural occurance. Their connection to a surging and retreating tidal basin makes the falls reverse during certain times of the day.
Cadillac Mountain
Acadia National Park
Bar Harbor, ME
The highest point on the Atlantic coast north of Rio de Janeiro, Cadillac Mountain offers incredible views of the ocean, islands, and inland Maine's mountains. Park Loop Road takes visitors winding to the top, 1530 feet from the service.
Cobscook Reversing Falls Park
Pembroke, ME
The falls occur due to the daily flow of the tides. A tidal surge is an unusual event of greater magnitude, usually caused by storm winds or earthquakes. The reversing falls actually are rapids which are caused by large boulders in a narrow passage of water. The boulders, in addition to the narrow passageway between the shores of the mainland and Falls Island, form a bottleneck, causing a rise in the depth of water on the neap side of the falls.
Machias Seal Island
Machias, ME
This island's inhabitants are special indeed: The Atlantic Puffin is native only to the northern Atlantic coast. The birds are large, playful and colorful, often referred to as the "penguins of New England."
Maine Forest and Logging Museum
Government Road
Bradley, ME 04411
Phone: 207-581-2871
Open: Grounds open year-round; special events held in summer
The museum is dedicated to keeping alive the forest history of long ago for the present day citizens of Maine. The centerpiece of the museum is Leonard's Mills, a reconstructed logging and mill community of the 1790s. Programs feature volunteers in period dress demonstrating traditional skills and crafts. Events include living history days and summer programs. Group tours can be scheduled. Cost: Fee charged only for special events.
National Geographic Society Monument
Perry, ME
Placed by local residents, this monument marks the exact midpoint between the North Pole and the equator.
St. Croix River
Calais, ME
This river is one of dozens in Maine, but it holds the distinction of having the highest tides in the continental United States.
Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Allagash, ME
Phone: 207-941-4014
This preserve has 92 miles of lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers that cut a swathe through Maine's northern forestland. This park is the most remote in the state, and is available for those who truly wish to "rough it." Swimming, boating, fishing, and canoeing are all part of the experience. This is also a popular seasonal hunting area. Hiking trails lead to fire towers throughout the Allagash. It is important to note that there is no public transportation, nor are there any permanent residents in the park. Any visitors who plan to camp or travel through the park will be relatively isolated, and should be experienced in dealing with a primitive outdoor environment.
The Nylander Museum
657 Main Street
Caribou, ME 04736
Phone: 207-493-4209
Open: Memorial Day- Labor Day, Tuesday – Saturday, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.; closed on legal holidays, other days and times by appointment
Special exhibits cover a variety of subjects of interest to area residents and visitors, including history, Aroostook environment and nature, and local arts. Cost: Admission is free; donations appreciated
Caratunk Falls
Caratunk, ME
These beautiful falls are home to an amazing historic find: Indian relics and petroglyphs that date back as far as 9000 years ago.
Houston Brook Falls
Pleasant Ridge, ME
Scenic water falls are a treat for the eyes and ears.
Moxie Falls
Route 201
The Forks, ME
One of the highest waterfalls in Maine, this natural wonder features an assortment of trails around the falls, and a swimming hole at the falls' bottom. Along the trails are observation areas. The trail to the swimming hole is quite steep, and good physical condition is required.
153 Hospital St.
Augusta, ME 04332
Phone: 207-621-0031
Enjoy the native trees of Maine and North America while strolling on over 25 miles of trails. Good for hiking and winter cross-country skiing.
Hours: open daily. No charge.
Scarborough Marsh Nature Center
Scarborough, ME
This wetlands wildlife refuge offers two ways for visitors to observe the surroundings: A traditional network of walking trails (including guided tours), and scheduled canoe trips.
Gulf Hagas
Brownville, ME
Shin Pond
Patten, ME
Dotted with resorts and beaches, this body of water will provide visitors with just about every type of activity, from fishing and boating, to sea plane rides.
Dodge Point
Newcastle, ME
Public area features nature walks and picnic areas.
Conway Road
Camden, ME 04849
Phone: 207-236-2239
This nature preserve offers visitors ample opportunities to observe gardens of wildflowers and wildlife, as well as hiking and cross-country ski trails.
Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk. No charge.
Moose Point State Park
310 West Main Street (U.S. Route 1)
Searsport, ME 04940
Phone: 207-548-2882 (In season)
A fabulous state park where there is snowmobiling and a rocky beach that can be walked. There is swimming and seals, picnic benches, and the entire park is beautiful--plenty of hiking places. Open Memorial Day-Sept. 30.
Moseman Park
Searsport, ME 04974
In the center of the town and at the water's edge.
375 Seguinland Road
Georgetown, ME 04548
Phone: 207-371-2303
This oceanfront park features a saltwater lagoon and Mile Beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and picnic areas. Open year-round.
Meadow Road (off Route 24)
Brunswick, ME 04011
Phone: 207-725-6009
This beach is also a nature preserve, and offers ample opportunities to observe Maine wildlife. There is a lifeguard on duty. open mid-May-mid-September.
Bald Head Cliff
Ogunquit, ME
A natural wonder that can be viewed from many of Ogunquit's beaches, Bald Head Cliff is a sheer rock wall that stands 100 feet up from sea level.
Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge
Wells National Estuarine Reserve
Wells, ME
One of the first research preserves in northern New England, visitors to the refuge can enjoy protected, native wildlife on 1,600 acres. There are many paths to walk and observe birds, small animals, and plants.
Douglas Hill Tower
Sebago, ME
A climb to the top of this tower will afford you with exquisite views: Sebago Lake, Casco Bay and the city of Portland.
Evans Notch
Gilead, ME
A beautiful view awaits visitors to this spot, which features hiking trails to allow for better views at higher altitudes. A public campsite is available.
Poland Spring
New Gloucester, ME
Yes, there is a real spring that feeds that famous bottled water company.
Snow Falls Gorge
Off Route 26
West Paris, ME
A great spot for family hiking, the centerpiece of which is Snow Falls. A bridge crosses the gorge, offering good scenic viewing. The area nearby has many mines, now abandoned, which offer mineral collectors the opportunity to collect mica, garnet, quartz, and tourmaline. Some are privately owned and require and entrance fee.
Highland Spring Road
Lewiston, ME 04240
Also known as Thorncrag, this 230-acre nature preserve is one of the largest in New England. Visitors will enjoy observing a wide variety of native birds and small animals, among thousands of wildflowers.
