Real Maine: where to see the state’s natural beauty

where you need to go to find the real maine

Maine. The state that’s always been on your bucket list, but have never found the chance to go. Tucked away in its own little corner of the United States, Maine is a hidden gem. Most people immediately think of lobster, lighthouses, and pine trees, which is accurate! However, there is much, much more that awaits in this vast coastal state. If the Pine Tree State is on your USA bucket list, here’s where to experience the true beauty of real Maine.

what is the “real maine?”

Contrary to popular belief, Mainers don’t eat lobster for dinner every night or wear flannel daily. (Well, mostly not daily.) The state’s population is approximately 1.37 million, ranking the 42/50 in population density. In 2022 alone, Maine had 3.4 million visitors, which means the state’s economy is significantly boosted each year with tourism. Maine is loved for its four distinct seasons, friendly locals, and pristine wilderness. Additionally, crime rates are low and cost of living is relatively low when compared nationwide, which equals a high quality of life. Maine boasts one of the most picturesque national parks in the country, several state parks, and over 2,000 lakes and ponds, making it the outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.

What is the “real Maine?” Well, tourists come to Maine to check a few things off the “must do” list including eating a lobster roll, visiting Acadia National Park, wandering through the historic Portland Old Port, and a few others. While these are all quintessential Maine activities, I’m here to uncover a few lesser known but well worth it items to add to your list.

moosehead lake

Best time to visit: Summer or Fall

Moosehead Lake has a piece of my heart, and always will. It remains largely untouched by commercial tourism due to its remote location. The drive from the Portland Jetport to the “gateway to the north,” Greenville, takes about 3 hours. The Moosehead Lake region consists of the towns of Greenville, Rockwood, Lily Bay Township, Kokadjo, and several other small townships and territories on the northern side of the lake. The region is rich with both wildlife and outdoorsman heritage, with family generations dating back to the 1800s. If it’s outdoor activities you are looking for, look no further than Moosehead Lake.

Things to do

Young’s Guide Service offers a wide variety of activities including moose safaris, loon tours, and guided hunting and fishing trips. If you want to have a lazy day on the lake, check out Captain Roger’s Pontoon Rental in Rockwood. Take a short drive or ATV from Greenville to visit the B-52 crash site, where the remnants of a USAF Boeing B-52 Stratofortress still remain, along with a memorial for the airmen who died in the crash. Play a round on the 9-hole course at Kineo or climb it, a small but steep trek facing the Western shore of the lake in Rockwood. Camp at Lily Bay State Park or one of the many free first come, first serve campsites scattered throughout the region. Otherwise, there are plenty of options for accommodations in the area.

Where to eat

The Moosehead Lake region leaves little to be desired when it comes to hospitality. My favorite is the Stress Free Moose, where you can have a home cooked lunch or throw one back with the locals. Grab a slice or a whole pie from Jamo’s, a family owned convenience store and pizza shop. Seasonally, the Dairy Bar is where you should grab an ice cream before heading out on the lake!

Come for the nature, stay for the silence

I have truly never been somewhere quite like Moosehead Lake, Maine. I may be biased, but this is a place you cannot miss on your trip to Maine. The Maine woods has a way of deafening the hustle and bustle of city life. I say let it. Get acquainted with yourself here. I promise, there is magic to be found.

Bethel

Best time to visit: fall or winter

Bethel is a small ski town nestled in the mountains of Western Maine. It is best known as the home of Sunday River Resort which boasts the most skiable terrain in the state. Additionally, Mt. Abram and Carter’s Cross Country Ski Shop offer downhill and Nordic skiing, respectively.

Skiing isn’t the only reason you should come to Bethel, however. Leaf Peepers: this one’s for you. The best thing to do in Bethel is to go on a scenic drive during fall. Usually, peak foliage season in Western Maine can be anywhere between mid-September through mid-October, so be sure to check with local sources such as the Maine.gov foliage report. Regardless, Bethel is incredibly Insta-worthy any time of year. Snap photos of the iconic 1868 Lovejoy covered bridge, hike in Grafton Notch, or treat yourself to a bit of luxury at the Bethel Inn Resort. You really can’t go wrong here.
Pro Tip: You absolutely cannot miss the pork sundae from the roadside Smokin’ Good BBQ food truck!

Acadia national park

Best time to visit: summer and fall

Whether you are solo, coupled, or a family, Acadia National Park has something for every traveler. Yes, I know you have seen Acadia on every single list titled “Things to do in Maine”- but it should be on every list! Acadia is a stunning natural beauty that encapsulates every aspect of what “real Maine” is. The 4 million plus visitors it welcomes each year rank Acadia in the top 10 most visited US national parks. Encounter Maine’s iconic wildlife including eagles, bears, moose, seabirds, and more. Take in the spectacle of the rocky coast, lined with pine trees in confrontation with the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

A Photographer’s Playground

The photos in this section are in collaboration with a friend of mine, Bree from Breezy Photography. She has been shooting everything from engagements to senior photos to couple sessions in Acadia National Park for years. For a truly one of a kind experience, I highly suggest coordinating a photo session with her while you experience the park!

What to see in Acadia National Park

There are a few highlighted attractions inside Acadia National Park. Thunder Hole is a rock formation carved out by the sea and is named for the booming sound it makes when the high tide waves crash into the basin. It is truly an experience of the power of Mother Nature! Cadillac Mountain is a very popular hiking spot and known as the location which receives the first glimpse of sunlight in the United States. You can hike Cadillac to see the first rays, which is a very popular activity. Additionally, places such as Jordan Pond, Sand Beach, and Otter Cliffs are worthy stops on your Acadia trip.

Important information to know before you go

• Entrance passes are required any time of year. You can buy one online here
• Camping is by reservation only and requires planning ahead. Overnight parking and backcountry camping inside the park is not permitted. Plan your camping trip here
• You need a vehicle pass in order to drive Cadillac Summit Road. Passes are only available online here. Make sure to read the details regarding time of day you’d like to visit!
• Yes, dogs are allowed. Of course, make sure you pick up after them.

Where to stay and other activities

The most common gateway to Acadia is the town of Bar Harbor, Maine. Not only can you access the park from here, this quaint town offers a variety of lodging options and a rich food scene. During the summer season, Bar Harbor is a lively tourist destination so be sure to book accommodations well ahead of time. The Inn on Mount Desert is a highly recommended hotel in a great location. Additionally, check out Airbnb for more unique and personalized options.

Bar Harbor is a hub for tours of all types to round out your quintessential Maine trip. Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co offers diverse options like whale watching, puffin tours, and lighthouse spotting. I have lived in Maine my entire life, so trust me when I say spotting whales is never overrated!

Rattlesnake Pool

Best time to visit: Summer

It doesn’t get more “real Maine” than this. With over 2,000 lakes and ponds in Maine, there is bound to be a few off the beaten trail swimming holes. Rattlesnake Pool is an emerald gem hidden in western Maine, close to the New Hampshire border. There is adventure to be had in getting there, but that’s half the fun! The drive is beautiful and the reward is plentiful.

Once you have reached the access road, you will need to complete a short hike to reach the pool. I found the hike to be fairly easy and short, but bring sturdy shoes as there are some steep places to climb. I recommend visiting Rattlesnake Pool on a very hot day, as the plunge will be icy cold! Also, bring a picnic and have yourself a nice lunch in the clearing at the trail head.

Real Mainers forage

Maine’s wilderness will provide in all seasons

There is no better way to get acquainted with the real Maine than by foraging. You do not have to be an expert naturalist to appreciate the abundance of Maine’s wilderness. Especially in rural Maine, a popular activity for families with young children is fiddlehead foraging. What is a fiddlehead? The word “fiddlehead” refers to the coiled top of a young fern, thus, every fern is a fiddlehead at some point during its life cycle. However, not all ferns are edible. The fiddleheads we Mainers seek are specifically the Ostrich Fern, a local delicacy. Instead of purchasing fiddleheads, why not try foraging them yourself? It is easy to find a local who is educated on the subject, but it is not easy to find a local willing to give up their secret spot.

I will give you a few key hints: look for low-lying boggy areas. Search along the banks of moving water. Note the tree cover; it must be moderate- not too dark, but not too much sun. Good luck!

Though the fiddlehead season is extremely short, (a few weeks in April/May) there are always more goodies to be found as the seasons progress. I regularly find edibles such as wild raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, different types of mushrooms, and edible plants. My favorite item from nature’s grocery store is the ramp, or wild leek, or Allium Tricoccum. It is in the onion family and tastes like the offspring of pungent garlic and onion. Ramps are highly sought after by chefs and homesteaders alike and are extremely difficult to find. If you want to find ramps, try searching during or slightly after fiddlehead season.

Where to look

You can observe hundreds of species of fauna, flora, and fungi from the numerous public trail systems in southern Maine alone. My favorite (especially if you have a dog) is the Fuller Farm Preserve in Scarborough, Maine or the Saco Heath Preserve in Saco, Maine. If you are not familiar with the area, it’s best to stick to a known trail. You can also join a foraging class and learn about edible and medicinal plants and mushrooms with experts such as Forage River Outfitters. All nerdy stuff aside, going on a nature walk will give you great appreciation for what the forest can provide. I use the app Seek to help identify unknown plants, fungi, and even insects and bird species.

The Forks

Best time to visit: summer

The three largest rivers in Maine are the Penobscot River, the Dead River, and the Kennebec River. The latter two can be found the region of Maine called The Forks. This region is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, offering thrills like whitewater rafting to numerous scenic hikes. You can go hunting, fishing, canoeing, ATVing, and even brewery hopping here. Without a doubt, the most popular draw to this area is whitewater rafting.

Three reputable companies that are sure to show you a wicked good time are:
Three Rivers Whitewater– Known as “the home of serious fun,” these guides have been in the business of fun since 1997.
Magic Falls Rafting Company– If you love the challenge of battling class III-V rapids, Magic Falls now has the option to book a trip with opportunity to raft the Upper Kennebec Gorge twice in one day.
Northeast Rafting Company– You can choose your own adventure with Northeast Rafting Co offering access to all 3 major rivers.

Downeast maine

Maine has the most coastline in the lower 48

I would be remiss to leave out Maine’s stunning coastline. No trip to the Pine Tree State would be complete without visiting the unique rocky shores of the Atlantic Maine coast. However, if you wish to see what real Maine coastal living is like, you need to leave Portland behind. Over 4,000 islands belong to Maine’s coastline, adding up to more miles than even California!

The hardy people. Lobsterman, oyster farmers, cranberry harvesters, and every type of laborer you might need can be found living on the coast. These aren’t vacationers, they are real Mainers working outside no matter the weather and they will show you what hard work is. The hardworking coastal residents can be found everywhere in Maine, but the real hub of Maine’s fishing industry is an area called “downeast.” For example, the town of Stonington reports a staggering percentage of Maine’s lobster harvest each season.

To witness a working fishing port in Maine, visit Deer Isle, Isle au Haut, or Vinalhaven. Buying fresh seafood directly from the boat is the best way to get a good price and the freshest product you can find. Aside from chowing down on lobster rolls, jumping on a ferry is the perfect way to spend a summer day and see Maine from a different perspective.

Camden, Maine

Though touristy, one place I still recommend visiting is the quaint seaside town of Camden. It can be a day trip from Portland or you can spend a couple days exploring the area. If you decide to stay in Camden, be sure to book accommodations well ahead of time. The town itself is full of local artisans, cute shops and delicious restaurants such as the historic Whale’s Tooth Pub. Camden is also close to hiking trails at Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park. A short hike to the summit offers a spectacular view of the Camden harbor in Penobscot Bay.

real maine is rural

Rural life is simple

My hometown of Cambridge, Maine had a population of 443 at the 2020 census. It has zero stoplights, and only a few stop signs. It has one store that changed hands several times over the course of my upbringing and sold penny candy and ice cream. The post office, attached to the store, proudly displayed our zip code, solidifying our small place in this big state. An American flag flies proudly from a tall post in the center of town, overseeing a picturesque pond and a bridge with a dam. The sound of loons can be heard through every open window in the summer, echoing over the still water.
Mainers are generational people, proud and loyal. We help our neighbors and take care of each other. Winters are long but we persevere. Spring brings the smell of the earth and the anticipation that the reprieve of summer is close by. In Maine, summer is a time to slow down and be present. Really soak in the love of those around you and the nature that gives life. When the leaves change to every spectrum of red, orange, and yellow, the air turns crisp and the reminder of the long winter sets in once again.
Without the seasons and challenges that come with each, Maine would have a bit less magic. A bit less togetherness. A bit less value. One thing is for certain: I am proud to be a Mainer.