8 Lesser-Known State Parks In Maine That Will Absolutely Amaze You
There’s no shortage of outdoor fun to be had in Maine. While it’s easy to revisit the same places over and over again, this spring we recommend trying something new. Travel further than the towns nearby to discover what Maine has to offer. Heading out to visit these lesser-known state parks in Maine also means fewer crowds, but lots of fun!
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1. Moose Point State Park - Searsport
Moose Point State Park, 310 W Main St, Searsport, ME 04974, USA
Moose Point was first developed as a dairy farm by the Carver family in 1859. Most of the leftover buildings burned down in 1927, but Clifford Carver and his relatives offered the land to the State of Maine as a park in 1951. It opened in 1963 and offers wooded hiking as well as waterfront views.
2. Range Pond State Park, Poland Springs
Range Pond State Park, 26 State Park Rd, Poland Spring, ME 04274, USA
This state park in Maine is close to those of you who live near Lewiston and Auburn. It features a 1,000-foot sand beach for summer swimming in Lower Range Pond. This is a great choice for families. Get away from the water and enjoy the 750 acres for hiking and walking.
3. Lamoine State Park - Lamoine, Maine
Lamoine State Park - Park, 23 State Park Rd, Lamoine, ME 04605, USA
Want to be near Bar Harbor, but not looking to be surrounded by other people? Check out Lamoine State Park, which is near Acadia National Park, but doesn't have nearly as many annual visitors. A trip here means access to Frenchman's Bay, campground facilities, and boat launching ramps.
4. Fort McClary State Park, Kittery Point
Fort McClary State Historic Site, Pepperrell Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905, USA
This is the park for people who love Maine history. Fort McClary was used to protect the harbor of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Today, the Fort and the surrounding structures are owned and operated by the State of Maine as Fort McClary State Historic Site.
5. Aroostook State Park, Presque Isle
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769, USA
Aroostook State Park is up in The County, but worth the drive for those of you that make southern Maine home. This park is the very first in state park in Maine, lending it some fun historical cred. It's a great place to start your explorations of the North Woods. The park is nearly 800 acres and offers access to lakes, streams, and hiking trails.
6. Peaks-Kenny State Park, Dover-Foxcroft
Peaks-Kenny State Park, 401 State Park Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, USA
Peaks-Kenny State Park is wonderfully underappreciated, making it a place where you won't be packed in by crowds compared to other parks in the Maine system. You'll find it on the shores of Sebec Lake. Campers enjoy the peaceful, family-oriented campground with 56 sites that are tucked away in wooded areas to promote privacy.
Birch Point State Park is a more secluded spot in Owls Head. If you're in search a park where you're likely to be without other visitors, this is the one for you! Views over Penobscot Bay make it perfectly picturesque and there are lots of activities. Swimming, fishing, and hiking are all popular past times here.
A popular destination for families, Peacock Beach State Park is great for those who love to swim AND explore during one fun day out. The location right on the banks of Pleasant Pond in Richmond offers boating, fishing and general splish-splashing around!
One of our favorite state parks to visit in Maine is Rangeley Lake State Park, which is located over in Franklin Country. Learn more about it, including how to get there, but clicking here.
Which of the places listed above are your favorite state parks to visit in Maine? Did we miss any of your must-visit sites? Share them with us in the comments below! And for more underrated state park gems in the Pine Tree State, check out this list of under-appreciated state parks.
Address: Birch Point State Park, Owls Head, ME 04854, USA
Address: Peaks-Kenny State Park, 401 State Park Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, USA
Address: Fort McClary State Historic Site, Pepperrell Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905, USA
Address: Moose Point State Park, 310 W Main St, Searsport, ME 04974, USA
Address: Lamoine State Park - Park, 23 State Park Rd, Lamoine, ME 04605, USA
Address: 3. Lamoine State Park - Lamoine, Maine
Address: Range Pond State Park, 26 State Park Rd, Poland Spring, ME 04274, USA
Address: State Park Road, State Park Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769, USA
Address: Peacock Beach, US-201, Richmond, ME 04357, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
State parks to visit in Maine
January 16, 2022
Sarah M.
What is the most beautiful state park to visit in Maine?
One beautiful state park in Maine that truly stands out above the rest is Mt. Blue State Park. At 8,000 acres, it’s the actually the largest state park in Maine. The park is named from the blue spruce trees that cover the slopes of Mount Blue, and has some of the best hiking trails around. Visitors can also take advantage of the park’s sandy beaches, camping sites, and many scenic picnic areas. Learn more about Mt. Blue State Park in Maine in this article.
What are some under-the-radar state parks to visit in Maine?
Most tourists come to Maine headed straight for Acadia National Park. While it’s beautiful, it’s certainly not the only park in Maine that offers access to trees, streams, lakes and camping. State parks offer something for just about everyone in every single season and Maine is home to 36 of them along with an amazing state forest and a national monument. Whether you prefer to wait until summer for a lake dip or you’re the type that loves a good snowstorm for cross-country skiing, you’ll love these beautiful state parks! Some notable state parks to visit on the list include: Fort McClary State Park, Fort Knox State Park, Aroostook State Park, Moose Point State Park, Bradbury Mountain State Park, and Reid State Park.
What’s the oldest state park in Maine?
The honor of the “oldest state park in Maine” goes to Aroostook State Park, located near Presque Isle. Aroostook got its start in 1938 when local citizens came together to donate 100 acres of land to Maine for the creation of a new state park. At over 80 years old, this is Maine’s oldest state park! Over the years additional donations have allowed the park to grow to its current size of more than 800 acres. Two of the most notable features of Aroostook State Park are Quaggy Jo Mountain and Echo Lake. The park offers tons to do year-round, from amazing hiking trails (complete with lots of scenic overlooks) to kayaking, canoeing, and fishing on Echo Lake. The camping here is also particularly noteworthy; there are 30 campsites and each comes with a table and fire pit, too! Read all about this amazing Maine state park here.
Address: Birch Point State Park, Owls Head, ME 04854, USA
Address: Peaks-Kenny State Park, 401 State Park Rd, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426, USA
Address: Fort McClary State Historic Site, Pepperrell Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905, USA
Address: Moose Point State Park, 310 W Main St, Searsport, ME 04974, USA
Address: Lamoine State Park - Park, 23 State Park Rd, Lamoine, ME 04605, USA
Address: 3. Lamoine State Park - Lamoine, Maine
Address: Range Pond State Park, 26 State Park Rd, Poland Spring, ME 04274, USA
Address: State Park Road, State Park Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769, USA
Address: Peacock Beach, US-201, Richmond, ME 04357, USA
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Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
