The days may be getting shorter, but there’s still plenty of time to enjoy outdoor summer activities in Maine.
The state is home to many wonderful parks that showcase Vacationland’s natural beauty.
Here are 10 parks that you can check out before summer comes to a end:
In Millinocket, Baxter State Park is home to Maine’s highest peak, Mt. Katahdin.
But the park features more than just the mountain.
There are also more that 200 miles of hiking trails within Baxter State Park.
If you’re interested in camping, the park also offers a barebones campground for those who want to rough it in the great outdoors.
Located in Cape Elizabeth, Two Lights State Park features the best of Maine’s rocky coastline.
The park was named after the two lighthouses located nearby.
There are tables set up for guests who come to picnic.
The park offers both family-friendly trails and cliff walks for more experienced travelers.
Reid State Park in Georgetown is well known as one of the best surfing spots in all of New England.
Recently, however, the park was in the news for another reason.
Birders “flocked” to the park in the winter of 2021-22 to see a Steller’s sea eagle that had made a temporary home in the park.
Bradbury Mountain in Pownal is one of the five original state parks in Maine, established in 1939.
It is a perfect hiking spot for those new to the activity.
There are multiple trails that lead to a wonderful view at the summit.
The park is open year-round from 9 a.m. until sunset.
Picturesque Damariscotta Lake State Park in Jefferson is a perfect spot along the Midcoast for people looking to go to the beach and have a picnic.
The park is open from 9 a.m. to sunset daily until Labor Day.
Ferry Beach State Park offers miles of white sand beaches between the Saco River and Pine Point.
Nature lovers will notice the tupelo trees in this park, which are rare for this latitude.
Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on the beaches until after September 30.
Fort Knox in Prospect is Maine’s largest historic fort.
The fort is a magnificent example of Civil War-era military construction.
Fort Knox was strategically located on the Penobscot River to protect from naval attacks.
About 500 soldiers were stationed at the fort during the Spanish-American War.
Grafton Notch, on Route 26 between Newry and Upton, is a great spot for sightseeing, picnicking and hiking.
Highlights include Screw Auger Falls and Mother Walker Falls.
A quarter-mile trail leads guests into Moose Cave.
Adventurous hikers will notice that the Appalachian Trail passes through the park.
Located at the mouth of the Kennebec River, Popham Beach is a wonderful stretch of sand and family fun.
Beachgoers can see Fox Island and Wood Island offshore.
Careful visitors can even walk to Fox Island during low tide.
Swimmers and surfers will enjoy a day at Popham State Beach.
Maine’s most famous park features everything a nature lover could want.
Acadia was the first national park established east of the Mississippi River.
The park consists of 47,633 acres of mountains, woodlands, lakes, ponds and ocean shoreline.