Posted in Maine Hiking, Nature May 29, 2018 by Michelle

The Secret Garden Hike In Maine Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairytale

Maine has no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for something challenging to build up a sweat (head to Katahdin!) or something much more leisurely, allowing you to enjoy a day outside there’s something for just about everyone looking for a dose of nature. This beautiful garden walk in Maine is one of our favorite ways to get outside without working up a sweat. The best part? It’s been built to attract the most beautiful butterflies in the state – and they come by the hundreds every year!

The next time you have some free time, we recommend you head to Downest Maine for a visit to The Charlotte Rhoades Park.

This organic coastal butterfly habitat offers paths and trails to meander through the grounds which are full of organically grown gardens.

It's named for Charlotte Rhoades, Southwest Harbor resident and owner of the property in the 1950s.

In 1978 her estate gifted the grounds to the town of Southwest Harbor in her memory, with the request that it be used as a place for families to visit and enjoy together.

While the meandering paths do not require much effort, there are plenty of spots to rest along the way - and you'll want to take a break if only for the impressively calming views.

While this garden is certainly worth the grip for the flowers and plants, there's an even better reason to visit!

The carefully curated gardens have been planted to attract the most beautiful butterflies...

...attracting many species to the carefully planted flowers and plants.

Scientists believe there are approximately 15,000 to 20,000 different species of butterflies in the world, including this - the Mourning Cloak butterfly - which overwinters in Maine as an adult butterfly.

The garden was opened in 1998, with the mission to promote conservation education.

This includes gardening lessons for both beginner and experienced gardeners that take place weekly for a nominal fee.

The maintenance and upkeep of the garden is done by volunteers working throughout the spring, summer and fall to educate visitors.

This year is the garden's 20th anniversary and a number of renovations are planned.

Our favorite event is the annual butterfly release, which will take place this year on Thursday, July 26th at 3:30 PM.

Whether you visit for a special event or if it's just a lovely sunny day and you've got some free time, The Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden is a wonderful way to spend the day.

The Charlotte Rhoades Park and Butterfly Garden is located at 191 Main Street in Southwest Harbor, on Mount Desert Island. You can call them on 207-244-9264. They are open every day from mid-May to mid-October, from sunrise to sunset. Learn more about the garden, including the schedule for special events on their website. Check them out on Facebook, too.

Another wonderful and easy way to explore the outdoors is on one of Maine’s educational boardwalk trails. Try this one in Wells for a full day outside.