Maine is a total natural beauty. From lush forests to rushing waterfalls, and picturesque coastlines to majestic mountains, The Pine Tree State is about as gorgeous (and Insta-worthy) as it gets! Case in point: these are the 18 most beautiful places in Maine, and will render you speechless. Get ready to fall head-over-heels for our favorite spots at Only In Your State Maine!
1. Coos Canyon
Coos Canyon is famous in Maine, most notable as being one of the best swimming holes in the state. The canyon has smooth curving rocks, and green water flowing over multiple falls, setting up a pretty dreamy experience. Coos Canyon also has a campground, so you can make a trip out of it!
2. Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is one of Maine's greatest treasures; it's Baxter State Park is over 200,000 acres of rugged wilderness and lush forest, generously donated to the people of the Maine by Percival Baxter. Baxter dedicated his life to the protection of Maine's beautiful land, and this park is a beautiful testament to his efforts.
3. Bug Light Park and Portland Breakwater Lighthouse
The main attraction at Bug Light Park is the Portland Breakwater Light, sometimes referred to as Bug Light Park Lighthouse. No matter what you call it, it's a piece of living history; this lighthouse was once a marker of the end of the rocky breakwater shielding Portland Harbor. In 1875, it was replaced, and at only 26 feet tall, it is known for its diminutive size and sublime elegance.
4. Cranberry Isles
Located near Maine's Acadia National Park, Cranberry Isles are an archipelago of five smaller islands lying just south of Mount Desert Island. The tiny islands -- known as Great Cranberry, Little Cranberry, Sutton, Bear, and, Baker Islands -- each house charming villages.
5. Monhegan Island
Monhegan Island is rugged and romantic -- in other words, peak Maine. This remote island has some gorgeous hiking trails, as well as spectacular views of the coast.
6. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens have been named one of Maine's top attractions - and it's easy to see why. Its gardens and landscape include enchanting flowers and foliage, and nearly a mile of tidewater shoreline.
7. Moxie Falls
With a vertical drop of nearly 90 feet, Moxie Falls is one of Maine's highest waterfalls. It's also incredible accessible; the hike to the falls clocks in at under a mile.
8. Portland Head Light
Maine is full of iconic lighthouses, and Portland Head Light is one of the state's most iconic. The Museum at Portland Head Light is located within the former Keepers' Quarters, and includes a number of lighthouse lenses and displays. The adjacent, 90-acre Fort Williams Park is a great place to hike, picnic, and relax.
9. Kettle Cove
Kettle Cove is located by Crescent Beach, and is the smaller of the two parks. But it's a total hidden gem. Kettle Cove offers spectacular ocean scenery and, if you decide to hike, you'll be rewarded with a smaller, "secret" cove within this park.
10. Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is a deep, coldwater lake in Northern Maine. If it's rugged Maine beauty you're seeking, you'll find it here.
11. Gulf Hagas
Gulf Hagas, AKA The Grand Canyon in Maine, is a bucket list item, for sure. This series of rugged trails will take you to one of the state's most stunning natural wonders.
12. Pemaquid Point Light
Pemaquid Point Light is a historic lighthouse located at the tip of the Pemaquid Neck. It's postcard-perfect, and about as iconic Maine as it gets.
13. Mt. Battie Trail
This trail is absolutely divine; it's renowned for the panoramic view of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay from the top of Mt. Battie. Fun fact: this area was the inspiration for Edna St. Vincent Millay's famous poem "Renascence."
14. Screw Auger Falls
Screw Auger Falls is a 23-foot waterfall lying in a narrow gorge along the Bear River. The hike there is just .4 miles, making this a popular waterfall hike in Maine.
15. Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Allagash Wilderness Waterway is a 92.5-mile-long nature preserve located in Northern Maine. Its gorgeous forests and waters make this preserve a popular place for camping.
16. Otter Cliff
Otter Cliff is truly one of the most beautiful places in all of Maine; you'll enjoy stunning coastal views and the most divine sunsets from this spot.
17. Smalls Falls
Smalls Falls is not just one, but several waterfalls, creating some of the most perfect cascades you'll ever see.
18. Fore River Sanctuary
Last but certainly not least, Fore River Sanctuary is an accessible park that's home to Jewell Falls, Portland's only waterfall, as well as a charming wooden footbridge.
What other beautiful places in Maine would you add to this list? If you’re looking for more scenic places in Maine, here are 10 of our favorite must-visit spots in Maine.
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