The Small-Town State Park in Maine Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

The Maine coast is a fantastic place to visit during the summer, but it's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the northeast. So when the crowds start building, and you need to truly get away from it all, it's the perfect time to visit a unique small-town state park in Maine, located on the beautiful banks of Moosehead Lake. Welcome to Lily Bay State Park, a little slice of heaven about nine miles away from the nearest small town, in one of the most peaceful parts of the state.

Central Maine is a pretty quiet region, with no cities or major tourist attractions nearby, so many people start their journey to this park in the small town of Greenville, a charming town of just under 1,500, surrounded by forests and lakes. From there, head north to Lily Bay, a state park consisting of 924 acres and offering peaceful water recreation since it opened in 1961. One thing is for sure — when you're in this beautiful waterfront spot, it feels like the city crowds are as far away as they could be.

Why This Small-Town State Park Stands Out in Maine

Moosehead Lake is one of the most popular spots for fishing and camping in inland Maine, but it's so large that there are still plenty of hidden gems along its perimeter. Lily Bay State Park is located on the southeast shore and spans the area between Rowell Cove and Matthews Cove. No matter where you go, you'll see some of the most pristine water in all of Maine.

What You'll Experience at Lily Bay State Park

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Lily Bay State Park is simply to walk along the waterline. The uneven coastline in this area means you'll see many small land formations that make it easy to get right up to the water, especially with shifting water levels. This is a popular spot for boating and fishing — especially as the lake is a top destination for salmon and trout, two top game fish.

The park also features a 4.2-mile easy hiking trail that takes you along the shoreline, with smaller trails through the deeper forested section of the park. There are no regions of this park that should be challenging to hike, as long as you have a good pair of hiking boots, making this an ideal spot for families looking for a laid-back escape into nature.

Local Tips for Visiting

Lily Bay State Park is most popular in summer, although it's still usually fairly light on crowds. However, if you're a cold-weather lover and are in the area, you might just feel like you have the place all to yourself. The only regular winter visitors are ice fishers on Moosehead Lake, but the park remains open 9 AM to sunset year-round.

What To Know Before You Go

Like all Maine parks, a small fee is charged for access — currently $4 for an adult Maine resident, $6 for a non-resident, and $2 for a senior non-resident. Children are $1, and Maine seniors can visit for free. The park is home to plenty of wildlife, including birds and mammals, so keep a good distance, but feel free to snap pictures of the deer!

Have you gotten to explore this small-town state park in Maine before? If not, there's no wrong time to explore Lily Bay State Park and its quiet escapes, so tell a travel buddy about this article and plan a visit for yourself! You can find out more about the park's amenities on the Lily Bay State Park webpage. If you're going to be traveling around the country this summer and are looking for more beautiful retreats, check out Only in Your State's list of the best top-secret nature spots in the USA!