Ready to play? Spice up your life by adding one or more of these 10, made-for-the-memory-books Maine summer outdoor adventures to your travel plans. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or prefer your thrills served in low doses, you’ll find at least one activity to add to your vacation plans.
Hike in the 100-Mile Wilderness
Using the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins as a base, spend a few days off-the-grid in Maine’s famed 100-Mile Wilderness region, northeast of Greenville.
Built as a private camp in 1867, the AMC completely renovated the lakefront facilities. These include a main lodge, where homestyle meals (included in the rate) are served, eight rustic cabins, a bunkhouse, and a central bathhouse with hot showers and a sauna.
Pack a trail lunch, and head out to explore more than 20 miles of trails. Don’t miss Screw Auger Falls, in Gulf Hagas, the Grand Canyon of Maine. Other good choices include Third and Fourth Mountains and West Chairback Pond Falls. Guests have free use of canoes and kayaks on Long Pond and others stashed on more remote waters, such as Trout Pond, accessible via a 6-mile hike.
Pedal the Maine Coast
Join Summer Feet on a guided bicycle trip along Maine’s Gold Coast. From Portland, guides will transport you to Mount Desert Island. Using that as a base, you’ll explore Acadia National Park, including the Carriage Roads, Park Loop, and Schoodic Peninsula.
The next base is Camden, from which you’ll spend a day kayaking and sailing before pedaling around Islesboro and also Rockport.
The five-night tour includes lodging, most meals, ferries, kayaking and sailing excursions, entrance fees for Acadia National Park, hybrid bike rental, transfers, van support, and more. Summer Feet also has shorter excursions and self-guided tours available.
Begin or add to your birding life list
Osprey or eagle? Woodpecker or warbler? Spend a few hours or days with Maine Guide Michael Good, of Down East Nature Tours. Beginning birders will gain an understanding of native East Coast species. Avid ornithologists might add a coveted bird to their life lists.
Programs range from a four-hour introductory session on Mount Desert Island to advanced searches for unique species in Down East Maine.
Good provides transportation, with pick-up at local accommodations, as well as a spotting scope.
Paddle an ancient Native American route
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail flows through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Quebec, but more than 350 of its 740 miles are in Maine.
The water-based trail enters Maine at Lake Umbagog and winds northwestward following lakes, rivers, and streams to Fort Kent.
Mapped into 13 sections, the trail’s Maine portion begins with section 8. The maps detail the waterways, portages, dams, communities, and natural sights along the route. That makes it easy to dip your paddle in waters that fit your abilities and travel preferences, creating the perfect-for-you Maine summer outdoor adventure.
Purchase a guidebook ($24.95) and maps (Maine set is $59.70) and find trip-planning information on the organization’s website.
Climb Katahdin
Mile-high Katahdin, in Baxter State Park, near Millinocket, is Maine’s tallest peak and the end point for those heading north on the Appalachian Trail. Although one single mountain, Katahdin comprises several peaks: Baxter, at 5,267 feet, is the highest.
Climbing Katahdin is a belt-notcher for serious hikers. This strenuous, full-day hike requires being prepared for any type of weather. If summiting this massif isn’t enough, traverse the aptly named Knife Edge. This treacherous 1.1-mile-long granite spine—no wider than 3 feet in places— links Baxter Peak with neighboring Pamola Peak.
Plan well in advance and see the website for details on parking, camping, hiking guidelines, nonresident fees, and especially rules for park use.
Raft a whitewater roller-coaster
Wheeee! Cool off on a hot day with a guided, whitewater rafting trip down the Kennebec, Penobscot, or Dead Rivers. The Kennebec is a fun family escape. Releases for the Dead River vary. Some appeal to thrill seekers, while others are ideal for younger families. The Penobscot, which flows in Katahdin’s shadow, combines rollicking waves with glorious views. On any of these rivers, you might see moose, deer, or other wildlife. Since all three rivers are dam-controlled, rafting trips are offered from spring well into fall. No previous experience is necessary; all equipment is supplied; age and weight limits might prevail.
If you’re heading to the Kennebec or Dead, plan a trip with Northern Outdoors. If you prefer the Penobscot, check in with New England Outdoor Center. Both companies have decades of experience, comfy base facilities with lodging and camping as well as food, and both also offer other outdoor activities.
Explore an uninhabited island
Marshall Island, in Jericho Bay, is the largest undeveloped and uninhabited island on the East Coast. The Maine Coast Heritage Trust’s Ed Woodsum Preserve comprises the entire 985-acre island. You’ll need a boat to access it; charters can be arranged. You’re on your own to explore the seven miles of mostly granite shoreline, two sand beaches, and 10 miles of trails lacing the inner forests. An island map can be downloaded from MCHT.
Cruise over a lost village
Cruise over the lost village of Flagstaff aboard a pontoon boat with Flagstaff Lake Scenic Boat Tours. Master Maine Guide Jeff Hinman will explain the lake’s history, tell tales about the village under its waters, and point out local flora and fauna. You might see moose or deer along the shoreline or eagles soaring above the mountain-cradled lake.
Hinman offers a variety of day trips, including a scenic historic cruise and a lunch cruise.
Depending upon current operations, you might arrange a cruise to Maine Huts Flagstaff Lake Hut. Ideally, you’ll spend at least two nights. That allows enough time to hike the Maine Huts Trail, swim in the lake, paddle one of the huts canoes or kayaks, hike or simply relax.
Strike it rich!
“Gold bought, sold, and lied about here” proclaims the sign outside Coos Canyon Rock and Gift Shop, in Byron. Check out the exhibits of some of the nuggets found in the Swift River and ask for a free hands-on demonstration. Now try it yourself right across the street. A rental pan and screen are eacg $2.50 with a $9 deposit; a trowel is $1; or get fancy with a sluice box, bucket, and shovel for $120, with a $150 deposit. Who knows, maybe you’ll strike it rich!
Or, dig for gems, including Maine tourmaline, with Maine Mineral Adventures, which offers Sunday morning field trips to Mt. Mica, the oldest gem mine in the country. Expect to pay about $65/adult, $35/ages 7-17
Jam with the wind
Sure, you can take an hour or half-day sail, but nothing beats casting off all ties to the real world and sailing aboard a Maine Windjammer. Even better, it’s a budget-controlled situation, because everything is included in the price: cabin, meals, and sail. Some windjammers even include beer and wine. Now don’t expect fancy accommodations, most are just a few notches above camping, but the experience of being ruled by wind and tide trumps all. The food is always rave-worthy and usually includes a lobster feast. Often, the crew bring out instruments in the evening for live entertainment. Sail from two days to a week or longer; themed cruises—wine, knitting, music, etc.—are offered. Some schooners are family-friendly.
Love windjamming! I have sailed on the Schooner Heritage 20 times and will be sailing again this September. If your idea of a great vacation is spectacular scenery, fun people, relaxation, and wonderful food, this is the vacation for you.
Exactly!
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