6 Maine Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter
By Chris Dodge|Updated on December 05, 2023(Originally published January 11, 2023)
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
There is a term in New England we are all too familiar with: “Winter is coming.” No matter what time of the year it is we know that the long winter season is looming over us. Lots of people will dread the cold temperatures, piles of snow, and short days, but that is the very thing that makes us resilient. We have braved the weather and survived another year; and we would like to suggest that winter isn’t something to dread but an opportunity. It gives us a chance to try something new and make the most of our cold months So we have compiled a list of some amazing winter day trips in Maine, to take full advantage of this winter wonderland we experience every year – just be sure to bundle up with your warmest winter essentials!
1. Pineland Farms
Pineland Drive, Pineland Dr, New Gloucester, ME 04260, USA
Pineland Farms is one of the most beautiful farms in all of the state. The iconic white picket fences, the perfectly groomed property, the classic white buildings, and the rolling hills make this place a quintessential Maine, farm. As pretty as it is during the warmer months they embrace winter with open arms. Come and bring a sled and slide down the steep and groomed hill for a fun thrilling ride. Take advantage of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for miles. You can even play a round of winter disc golf, or rent a fat bike for some trail riding. Perhaps one of the cozies options is to rent a heated igloo. These geodesic domes are the perfect place to gather family and friends for a meal while warming up from your winter adventures. Few places quite embrace the colder months like Pineland Farms and it is something you just have to experience for yourself. Get a closer look by checking out this video from Adventuring in the Moment.
2. Viles Arboretum
Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330, USA
Viles Arboretum is a beautiful hidden gem sitting right in plain sight in our state capital city. This arboretum features miles of trails taking you through a diverse landscape like fields, forests, and ponds. The snow turns this Arboretum into a winter wonderland and people take full advantage of this breathtaking place. You can rent or bring your own snow shoes and cross-country skies then enjoy the amazing scenery on the trails. Their ever-popular Table Tour event has guests partaking in a warm progressive lunch where each table throughout the property offers a different course to your meal. It is a fun community event and something we highly recommend. If you want to know more then check out this video of the 2022 Winter Table Tour from Adventuring in the Moment.
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3. Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Acadia National Park year after year is in the top ten most visited parks in the country and most of those visitors are during the short summer months. The park can be very busy at that time but the cold weather tends to warn off tourists. However, the winter offers some stunning views and opportunities that just are not possible when the park is busy, and with a fresh coat of snow, our beloved park is beautiful. You will have to look ahead for any road closers and keep a close eye on the weather but if you get a chance the carriage trails are especially beautiful with snow. The trails are also treated allowing for a nice smooth and relaxing trip down these old familiar trails that take on a whole new look for winter.
Seacoast Adventure is one of the best places for tubbing in Maine. Buy a ticket online then get two glorious hours to ride down several of the lanes. The most unpleasant part of sledding is the walk back up the hill but at Seacoast they take all that work away by adding a conveyor belt that takes you right to the top again. So you can spend your time sledding over and over again. Take a look at the slopes and see the incredible ride you can have by checking out this Adventuring in the Moment video.
5. Pondicherry Park
East Pondicherry Road, E Pondicherry Rd, Bridgton, ME 04009, USA
Pondicherry Park is an amazing little town park with a lot to offer. Sitting behind the buildings on the main road through downtown Bridgeton it might just seem like a normal forest but this park is so much more than that. Check out the main entrance with a covered bridge and marvel at the spiral staircase. Take a walk and enjoy a beautiful forest with rays of sunlight peeking in through the canopy above making the snow sparkle and shine. Trekking through the snow you can find the natural obstacle courses, walk on boardwalks, and find so much more. It seems like every trip through Pondicherry Park offers something new. Check out this winter wonderland in another Adventuring in the Moment video.
6. Sugarloaf Mountain
Sugarloaf Mountain, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947, USA
No list of winter places is complete until you include the mighty Sugarloaf Mountain. Even if you are not into skiing you simply cannot live in Maine, without seeing the iconic blue and white mountain sticker posted everywhere. People love this ski resort and for good reason. The slopes offer something for every skill level, and you can not beat the view. The Carrabassett Valley is a stunning mountain range you will have in front of you as you ski down the mountain, it's pretty tough to beat honestly.
If you were to do a search for “winter day trips near me,” one of these spots would most certainly pop up at the top of the list! All of them are completely transformed in the colder months and we encourage you to bundle up and take full advantage of these great options.
What do you think of these incredible winter day trips in Maine? How many have you done? What would you add to your things to do in Maine in winter bucket list? Let us know in the comments below.
If you’d like to explore winter hikes in and around any of these areas, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.
If you’re still in the mood for more Maine adventures, take a look at this video about Acadia National Park:
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