The 5 Best Outdoorsy Towns to Explore in Maine

Famous for hikes that cross over mountains and alongside cliffs, as well as boats that bob in harbors catching seafood and viewing sea life, Maine is a gorgeous place to visit. But when it comes to things to do, these five outdoorsy towns in Maine prove to be the best jumping-off point for all manner of fun activities. 

Bar Harbor

Widely known as the beautiful gateway town to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is the place to go in Maine if you want the best of the mountains as well as the sea. Set on the coast in south-central Maine, the town borders sea cliffs, beaches, and mountains. In Acadia, views reign supreme, and hiking is king; therefore, it is the main activity in Bar Harbor. 

Then, there’s the coast. Visitors can take their pick from boating, beachcombing, swimming, tide pool exploring, and whale watching. During low tide, there’s even a chance to walk over the sandbar to Bar Island.

Greenville 

Sitting squarely in the center of Maine, Greenville is one of the most perfect mountain towns in Maine. This is because it has some of the best hiking in the state outside of the coast, while also offering water sports and fishing options due to its proximity to Moosehead Lake. 

A true four-season destination in every sense, the town is a haven for wildlife viewing enthusiasts in the spring, especially when it comes to moose. In the summer, hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking are top priorities. In the autumn, fall foliage blazes through the town and draws one of the biggest crowds, with winter a close second due to the wide variety of winter sports (including dog sledding). 

Boothbay Harbor

As is the case with many coastal towns in south-central Maine, Boothbay Harbor is a fantastic destination for the big three: hiking, biking, and watersports (which can be swapped for winter sports in mountain towns in Maine). But this town is also well-known for a more unique outdoor destination: the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens.

With over 250 acres of plants, flowers, trees, and wooden trolls peeking out from behind forest canopies, the gardens are meant to show off the natural beauty of Maine and all the plants within, all with spectacular views and well-maintained trails, of course. For those who want to get a bit of both of Maine’s most famous landscapes — the coast and the forests/mountains — these trails are the perfect place to visit. 

Lubec

This unique adventure town in Maine is the easternmost settlement in the United States. As such, it’s renowned for sunrises and, like most towns in Maine, has a plethora of stunning natural landscapes to accompany the sunrise. One of the most famous views is from the lighthouse in West Quoddy State Park, but many also choose to go across the border into Canada and visit the historic home of the Roosevelt family on Campobello Island instead. 

For those looking for something a bit more active, there’s hiking and biking throughout the Bold Coast, plus all manner of ocean-related activities (although the water can be a bit choppier here than in other parts of Maine). But the most unique activity to do in Lubec is to visit the “Old Sow,” which is the largest whirlpool in the United States. However, it’s important to note that motorized boats are safe near it, but smaller boats and certainly kayaks would be in danger. 

Ogunquit

Maine is a state famous for its charming coastal towns, but Ogunquit takes this a step further when regarding the ocean activities. Ogunquit Beach is one of the most visited spots (and is often ranked among the best beaches in the United States), with a river that parallels the ocean, allowing for slightly warmer water. Then, the space between the river and the ocean gains more traction with surfing and is a kick-off point for many fishing boats. 

For those wanting an ocean activity that isn’t in the water itself, trails wrap around the craggy cliffs, and if a hike isn’t enough, then visitors might be lucky enough to spot some wildlife along the way. But when it comes to wildlife, there’s also the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, which has become a hotspot for birders in particular. 

Maine is widely known as one of the most naturally gorgeous states in the United States. It seems only logical that locals have taken advantage of what the state gives them, creating hiking and biking trails, boat docks, ski runs, manicured gardens, and more. The best thing about Maine is that there’s always more to explore, and these five towns prove that.