Oh, Maine, beautiful Maine: one of the northernmost states in the contiguous United States -despite how it appears on most maps, we actually rank sixth based on latitude... but don't worry, the easternmost point is all ours! The Pine Tree State is full of surprises (like that fun geography fact we just shared with you!). When compared to other states, Maine is not only one of the happiest in the U.S., but it's also one of the most beautiful and filled from top to bottom with must-see attractions (both natural and man-made). Some of our favorite hidden gems in Maine are ones that you might have never heard of - though locals are sure to know about at least a few of 'em. Here are 11 amazing hidden gems in Maine you'll want to add to your bucket list for the next year:

The legendary Norumbega is a pretty literal castle in Maine that, for the right price, you can spend the night in! It's nestled right along the way on one of Maine's most scenic drives - the gorgeous Route 1 - and it's impossible to miss. Allow yourself to be whisked back in time in this gorgeous, old Victorian mansion-turned-castle hotel.

When it comes to bridges in Maine, Deer Isle Bridge has an impressive main span of over 1,000 feet, complete with an 80-foot drop below. This bridge is the only way to access Little Deer Isle, which makes it all the more magical. Today, it supports two lanes of State Route 15, and its ridiculously photogenic appearance definitely lends it to some awesome photos and memories.

Hidden away in Downeast Maine is the surreally beautiful Cutler Coast Public Lands, an incredibly gorgeous stretch of coastline that's like something out of a fantasy film instead of simply Maine. Open year-round, there is plenty of hiking to be done, and the campsites you'll find interspersed around the region are top-notch. Lovers of the great outdoors will adore this one.

Seawall Beach is a much-beloved open secret, if you ask us. This beach is a delightful gem that typically remains somewhat hidden thanks to the hike it requires to reach it. It's never terribly crowded, so it makes for an awesome escape. It's a four-mile out-and-back adventure that leads to, well, one of the most jaw-dropping beaches in Maine.

There are a number of places to go swimming in this gorgeous little state, and this particular swimming hole in Maine is a must for anyone who has yet to experience it. It's small - visitors sometimes have to take turns soaking when the water levels are low - but that's part of its charm. The water is emerald-tinted and perfectly clear, and the hike to reach it is short and easy. Add this one to your summer to-do list... or your winter one. You do you!

With 32 state parks in Maine to consider, it's no surprise that a few of them fall through the cracks. Take, for example, Mount Blue State Park. Despite the fact that it's the largest state park in Maine, it still somehow manages to fly under the radar in favor of more popular destinations. It's no slouch, though, coming in at 8,000 amazing acres of awe-inspiring wonder. This one's a must!

Shopping in Maine has never been so very unique. Sure, you get shops and boutiques run by artists, but then you have this one. The Maine State Prison Showroom is full of remarkably impressive furniture, art, and home decor with a very unique story: all of it was made by currently incarcerated people in the state of Maine. This project helps them give back, and it helps us help them - and we love it.

The legendary Blueberry Barrens in Maine are endemic to the region and consist of a lot of open, low shrubbery spread out across beautiful, rolling hills (but nothing overly crazy). While the name makes it sound like the place is devoid of color and life, this couldn't be further from the truth: there are so, so many things that grow here, and visiting the area is a treat in and of itself. It's 60,000 acres of the best blueberries in the world - so you'd definitely regret missing this one.

This segment of wilderness is part of the Appalachian Trail, and it's truly one of the most beautiful places in Maine. It lends itself beautifully to hiking, camping, scenic drives, photography, and so much more. It's wild to think there are somehow so many people out there with no idea it even exists until they stumble upon it themselves. Best camping in Maine? Maybe!

Hidden in the town of Gray, Maine, is the wonderfully fun and ultra-necessary Maine Wildlife Park, where you can come face-to-face with some of the most beautiful, exotic critters you'll ever meet. The park features more than 30 species of Maine wildlife that, for whatever reason, cannot be reintroduced into the wild. But don't worry: they're wonderfully cared for here, and it's a joy to visit.

This awesome 14-acre island in Maine isn't just pretty, it's also a wonderful place to camp or stay, and it's made even more amazing by the project and labor of love that maintains it. This little island has been occupied in some way for hundreds (if not thousands) of years, and today, it's proof that humanity is good at things when we put our heart and soul into it. Visit this amazing testament to the love of the human soul... all in the beautiful outdoor church that is Maine's wilderness.

So, there you have them: 11 perfectly amazing hidden gems in Maine just waiting to be your new favorite places. If you're planning on turning this into a road trip, be sure to check out our handy road trip essentials packing list. What would you say are your favorite Maine hidden gems? Let me know!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/hidden-gems-2024/