MAINE

With 5,000 miles of coastline, 6,000 lakes and ponds, 32,000 miles of rivers and spectacular mountain landscapes, Maine has more than enough room for your grandest outdoor adventures. From windjammer cruises to some of the best whitewater rafting in the East, from world-class fishing to spectacular hiking, biking and paddling, Maine offers a huge variety of outdoor recreational opportunities in every season. Including winter, when alpine skiing and boarding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling attract adventurers to Maine.

For hiking and biking trails, outdoor outfitters, adventure guides, green-certified lodging, a listing of Maine Guide services, and everything you need to plan your Maine adventure, go to VisitMaine.com and request your FREE Vacation Guide.

Hiking
There are wilderness hiking, backpacking and rock climbing opportunities throughout the state’s vast network of trails, parks and public lands. The Appalachian Trail winds 276 miles through Maine, terminating at the summit of mile-high Mount Katahdin. Acadia National Park offers 120 miles of hiking, with terrain that varies from rugged shoreline and deep woods, to open mountain summits with views of the ocean and outer islands. Hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over Frenchman’s Bay.

Biking
From mountain trails to coastal byways, Maine offers spectacular and varied routes for biking. Take a week-long guided bicycle tour of rural Maine or rent a bike and explore Acadia National Park with its 57 miles of carriage trails and the less-traveled roads of the Schoodic Peninsula. Mountain bikers flock to Maine’s ski trails during the summer and fall months. You can also get off the beaten path on a secluded logging trail or a quiet coastal village lane. Board a ferry and spend the day riding around one of Maine's many islands in Casco or Penobscot Bays.

Canoeing
Canoe trippers can spend several days paddling and camping on the Allagash, Penobscot, St. John, Moose, St. Croix and Machias rivers without encountering towns and public roads. All these routes travel through pristine woodland rich in wildlife and history, with beautiful primitive campsites along the way. Canoe outfitting, rentals, shuttle services, instruction, and guided trips are available throughout the state.

Sea Kayaking
Our rugged coastline and 3,000 islands serve up endless exploration opportunities and unmatched coastal scenery. From Kittery to Machias, Maine outfitters offer half-day, full-day and overnight adventures. Kayak rentals are available by the hour or by the day and many outfitters offer informative clinics that will help prepare you for an exciting coastal adventure.

Fishing
Maine is an angler’s paradise with more wild brook trout waters than all the other states in the eastern range of the Appalachians combined. Discover the last truly wild open spaces left in the East: the only state outside Alaska with landlocked Arctic Char and thousands of miles of rugged coastline. From fly fishing to deep sea excursions, Maine has it all.

Maine Birding Trail
Maine's wide diversity of coastal and inland habitats offers birders a variety of unique bird watching opportunities. Home of the only Atlantic Puffin nesting colonies on the East Coast, Maine is the nesting and breeding ground for numerous migrant species of coastal and inland birds. We are also fortunate to still have loons on many of our lakes and ponds. Check out the Maine Birding Trail for your guide to Maine’s best bird watching spots.

Skiing & Boarding
Majestic mountains. Deep snow. Short lines. Fast lifts. Impeccably groomed trails. Maine’s legendary mountains offer everything from 2,000-foot verticals, snowboard parks, state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming, to trailside lodging and magnificent inns just a snowball’s throw from some of the most challenging ski terrain in New England.

Snowmobiling
With 12,000 miles of snowmobile trails maintained by more than 280 local snowmobile clubs, you’ll always find new and exciting places to ride. Our extensive trail system offers up incredible scenery as you wind through fragrant pine forests, along crisp mountain streams and across wide-open plains. Trailside outfitters can provide everything from helmets and sleds to parts and fuel.

Cross-country Skiing
Maine’s cross country ski centers and winter guide services offer gear and access to miles of trails, where you can discover the majesty of a snow-blanketed forest, the wonder of a bright-white expanse of meadow, and the awesome beauty of the crashing blue Atlantic surf. If you’d like to break trail on your own, visit one of Maine’s State Parks or our public reserve lands where the land is open to public access.