Top Things to do in Maine
Top Hotels in Maine
- 1. Gorges Grant Hotel
- 2. The Admiral's Inn
- 3. The Country Inn at the Mall
- 4. Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
- 5. Best Western Acadia Park Inn
- 6. Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine
- 7. Meadowmere Resort
- 8. Union Bluff Hotel
- 9. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor
- 10. Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
Things to do in Maine, United States: The Best Mountains
Maine has several unique regions, each with its own distinctive culture and activities. With miles of coastline, thousands of lakes, endless rivers and deep forests, visitors can find their perfect vacation spot, whether it's on a sandy beach, at a family campground or walking along Main Street in a bustling city or town. Maine is also known for abundant outdoor recreation opportunities in all four seasons, from swimming and boating in the warmer months to excellent skiing in the winter.
Restaurants in Maine
1. Mount Kineo
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 124 reviews
A tip of a small peninsula rising almost 800 feet and located on the eastern side of Moosehead Lake.
Reviewed By wppfeifer48 - Waterville, United States
From the little boat ride across to Mount Kineo until the ride back, this was a fun experience. We took the bridal trail since we are moving on in years but we made it after a few rests. Once we got to the top of the tower, though, this was the million dollar experience. Of course it helped that it was a picture perfect day. Food at the pro shop at the bottom was an added plus.
2. Mount Battie
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,704 reviews
A one-hour-up/one-hour-back hiking trip is the best way to see this mountain.
Reviewed By amasland - Topsham, United States
Although it was a bit gray, foggy, and wanting to rain, it was well worth the short drive to the top of Mount Mattie. What a great view of the exquisite coast of Maine.
3. Duck Harbor Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
A good hiking mountain in the lovely Isle Au Haut.
Reviewed By 31eliseg - Hudson River Valley, United States
Given the times of the mail-ferry's departure and return, we had four hours to pack in our adventure. Yes, the Duck Harbor Mountain hike was rated as "difficult". We are avid hikers normally, so we were up for the challenge. There are times that we chuckle when we read, "difficult" because everyone's view is so subjective. In this case, the trail was indeed difficult, as there were sections with exposed cliff faces that one needed to climb using all fours, and sometimes on very narrow ledges. This actually was quite fun! Being on the top of the mountain offered incredible views. We could have turned back once reaching the summit, but decided it was worth it to do a loop. To that end, we continued on Goat Trail, Cliff Trail, and Western Head Trail. We stopped for a quick dip in the waters of Deep Cove. That was sensational! The views from Cliff Trail were outstanding. Okay, now for my "well, almost" comment in the title of this review. The black flies were impossible on the Western Head Trail. Though we had bug spray which we applied numerous times, the bugs were just horrific. At times, there were dozens on any exposed skin. It was really difficult to take in the beauty during this stint of our day, but aside from this drawback, it was an ideal day. Regarding the ferry ride there and back, the staff were gracious and informative. And yes, as you'll see in the photos, it really is a mail boat after all!
4. Cadillac Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,467 reviews
The East Coast's highest mountain at 1,530 feet and Acadia's best known sight.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on Maine's Mount Desert Island is, at 1, 532 feet, the highest point along the North Atlantic Seaboard and the first place in the United States to be touched by the light of a rising sun from October 7 through March 6 of each year. How's that for a notable piece of trivia? It also is the only mountain on Mount Desert Island--there are more than 20 of them--that has a road that travels all the way to the summit. The 3.5-mile road to the top opened in 1931. Cadillac Mountain is composed largely of pink granite, giving it a strong reddish appearance at sunrise or sunset. Spruce and pitch pine are the dominant trees on the mountain combined with tiny subalpine plants and wild blueberries. Views? Look in every direction. To the East, there is the Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland. There are several islands off the coast of Mount Desert Island, including Sheep Porcupine and Bald Porcupine. To the Northeast is the business district of Bar Harbor. To the North is Trenton. To the South is Islesford. To the Southwest is Southwest Harbor. To the West is Eagle Lake and Blue Hill Mountain. Yes, it is more scenic than a trip to the top of Pike's Peak in Colorado.
5. Mount Katahdin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 229 reviews
Located at the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, the tallest peak in Maine stands at 5,267 feet.
Reviewed By BlueHero - New Jersey, United States
Mount Katahdin, the crown jewel of Baxter State Park, is the highest mountain in Maine, also the northern terminus of Appalachian trial. Hiking to Mt Katahdin via the infamously "Knife Edge" is hard and exciting. Carrying an oversized and heavy backpacking pack makes it more challenging, and according to park brochure, is "not recommended". But we did it anyway, including 2 teenage boys. As Dudley trail is closed indefinitely, we took the loop from Roarding Brook via Helen Taylor Trail to Pamola peak, Knife Edge Trail across Chimney Peak and eventually to Katahdin (Baxter Peak, elev 5240 ft). We then took Saddle Trail down to Chimney Pond Lean-To for an overnight stay, and then Chimney Pond Trail back to Roaring Brook parking lot on the next day. Helen Taylor Trail is fairly steep and therefore breaks treeline quickly where the view opens up for mountain ranges and lakes. After further steep climb over rocks and boulders, the trail leads to Pamola Peak where one can have a clear panoramic view of Knife Edge and Baxter Peak. The sharp descent and immediate ascent between Pamola Peak and Chimney Peak at beginning of Knife Edge Trail is essentially 90-degree vertical. And it is the most difficult section of the whole hiking trail. Although only 1.1 miles in length and 365 ft in elevation gain, knife edge trail is difficult particularly due to its full exposure condition. One needs to scramble and stay focused. The wind can sometimes become so strong that it seems it would blow hikers off the cliff. Nevertheless the hard work, the rewarding 360 degree view of the rocky trail and the area around and below, from trail and Baxter Peak, makes the effort worthwhile. The return hike from Chimney pond back to Roaring brook is a piece of cake comparing to the climb up. The trail passes by several mountain lakes with the most clear lake water I have ever seen. No fish, no water-weeds, no algae, just crystal water. The backpacking trip was indeed a great experience. Weather definitely help too - it rained 1 day before and 1 day after our hike, but it just didn't during our hike. I can imagine how harder it would have become and how the view would be ruined if it rained instead. Highly recommended. And we will return.
6. Penobscot Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By JCWillow
We took Spring Trail from Jordan Pond House to Penobscot Mountain Trail and returned via Sargent South Ridge and Amphitheater Trails. It was a beautiful, moderately strenuous hike with some steps, scrambles, and a few brook crossings. Beautiful views from the summit and all along the walk up. We are in our 50s and hike regularly, recommend poles especially for tricky knees.
7. Schoodic Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By wanderingpaynes - Bar Harbor, United States
If you want to go hiking away from the crowds in Bar Harbor and Acadia, come to the Schoodic Peninsula and enjoy the peace and solitude on this trail. It has amazing views from the top and is worth the trip.
8. Mansell Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By mynameispaulie - Shelton, United States
First off I have never been to the main Acadia island, my wife and I stayed on the quiet side during our first visit as the Island shuttle bus was not running which hindered our plans. However, we covered pretty much all the trails on the quiet side during our 3 day stay (with the exception of Bernard Mountain). For this hike we started at the long pond parking area. We started along the Long Pond Trail before ascending up the Perpendicular Trail to Mansell Mountain, then came down the Mansell Mountain Trail. Next, we went along the Gilley Trail and up the Razorback Trail before a slight descent to Great Notch. Then we took a detour up to Knight Nubble and back to Great Notch before returning on the Great Notch Trail and the Gilley Trail. All the trails were great and had their own distinct features, the only one I didn't really enjoy was coming down the Great Notch Trail, perhaps I was just tired at this point but it was mostly rocks and roots and felt like being in a river bed with nothing really exciting to see, I just wanted it to be over. I think if I were to do it again I would continue from Knight Nubble to Little Notch and try coming down the Sluiceway Trail instead. The whole trip took about 5 hours. Anyway, the Mansell Mountain peak had some okay views to the east, and the Mansell Mountain Trail itself was a pretty steep decent over a string of domes. It was enjoyable without being too difficult. I was surprised by how steep some of the descent was. I also have a crippling fear of heights but I survived. Throughout the whole hike the only part that I struggled was some sections of the Razorback Trail (where you climb over a slippery dome), and going up to Knight Nubble and back has some hairy sections where you need to use roots and careful stepping and maneuvers, so I would say maybe skip that part (another reason to push on to Little Notch so not having to climb back down). Overall the Mansell Mountain Trail was an enjoyable section in order to connect going to the Perpendicular Trail and the Razorback Trail and it was different from anything else we had done.
9. Tumbledown Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Debly - Windsor, United States
If you are not a regular climber, this mountain will be challenging, but it's well worth it. I climbed with my kids who are 15, 11, and 5. We followed the Brook Trail as others had suggested here. One of the great things about this mountain is the lake at the top. If you are struggling or the kids can't make it all the way you can stop there and feel as if you've still accomplished something. We took the additional 15 minutes climbing up the rocks to the summit. My five-year-old was the youngest up there but didn't have too much trouble. She has climbed several other (smaller) mountains, though. Please plan accordingly -- it's a long hike, particularly with kids. Including time at the top and rest stops, we were there for approx. 7 hours total. I highly recommend if you are looking for a challenge and nice reward!
10. Pemetic Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By jamieleigh84 - London, Canada
There are 4 routes up to the summit, and we chose the most difficult, the Northwest route, up from the Bubbles parking lot. This was a very challenging hike/climb, with a lot of scrambling over rocks. We took the ravine path going up (which was very cool), and came down the ledge route (which I slid down on my butt). This was quite a hard hike, but we were rewarded by the amazing views at the top.
