What to do and see in Maine, United States: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

July 12, 2021 Weston Hennigan

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. Perry Creek Preserve

Vinalhaven, ME
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Located at the northern end of Vinalhaven, Maine.

2. Machias Seal Island

Jonesport, ME +1 207-259-4484 http://www.boldcoast.com
Excellent
88%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 34 reviews

Machias Seal Island

Protected habitat for many bird species.

3. Spring Point Shoreway

South Portland, ME 04106 http://www.southportlandlandtrust.org/take-a-hike/spring-point-shoreway
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 8 reviews

Spring Point Shoreway

4. Orono Bog Boardwalk

Orono, ME [email protected] http://Oronobogwalk.org
Excellent
88%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 65 reviews

Orono Bog Boardwalk

5. Barred Island Preserve

Sunset Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627 +1 207-348-2455 [email protected] http://islandheritagetrust.org/visit.html
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 95 reviews

Barred Island Preserve

Reviewed By thumper1 - Massachusetts, United States

We were visiting in Brooklin and were told what a treat it was to walk to the beach at Barred Island Preserve and to arrive for low tide. There were 3 of us -- myself, my daughter, and my 4 year old granddaughter. We arrived about two hours before low tide and were just about to pull into the last parking space in the lot when my granddaughter announced she needed the potty. We left and brought her to town. When we returned the lot was full and there were three cars parked along the road. Two were in clearly marked "No Parking" zones. The third vehicle was parked in a space that was not marked and there was room enough in front of them for our car. If this was an official "no parking" zone then it needed it better signage. You would think that the town would have a larger parking area at such a beautiful and popular place. My granddaughter has short little legs and stops often so the hike took about an hour each way. It was a wonderful adventure for a little one with the tree roots in the path, the steeper spots, the big rocks, and the "bridges" over the wetter areas. She loved getting to the beach then walking the short distance to the island that gets buried in deep water at high tide. (We own property in Southern Maine so she understands about the tides.) The walk back took a little longer as we were starting to flag. We had plans for dinner in Deer Isle before heading back to Brooklin for the night. As we approached the car, I heard my daughter say, "Oh, no." I looked up and saw that some "vandals" (not exactly the word I have in mind) had covered every glass surface of my car and each of the other 5 or 6 cars that were parked on the road. Our front, back, and side windows were covered with "no parking", "okay to tow", and the symbol for no parking. My granddaughter could see we were upset and wanted to know why those people were mean to us. We knew it was not something done by someone who represented the town or who had any sort of authority -- just some bully trying to scare us. Although we were able to clean it before leaving, it left us with a bad impression of Deer Isle residents and with the decision to head back to Brooklin for dinner where we felt more welcome.

6. Boothbay Region Land Trust

60 Samoset Rd, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538-1845 +1 207-633-4818 [email protected] http://www.bbrlt.org/
Excellent
78%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 172 reviews

Boothbay Region Land Trust

Boothbay Region Land Trust is an accredited land conservation nonprofit which seeks to conserve for the public benefit the natural habitat, scenic beauty and working land of the Boothbay region. We manage 26 public preserves with 35 miles of hiking trails, conserve over 1700 acres, and offer a minimum of 100 free educational events annually.

Reviewed By EmmaBehrens

We spent an afternoon walking around Porter Preserve and it is an absolute gift to the area. There are so many scenic views, sweet benches to rest on and wonderful tunnels through the thick trees. We loved exploring here.

7. La Verna Preserve

Route 32, Bristol, ME +1 207-563-2196 http://pemaquidwatershed.org/stewardship.html
Excellent
92%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

La Verna Preserve

Reviewed By lncclc - Saratoga Springs, United States

This is a wonderful hike. Took about 2 hours. Mostly easy trails with a few steeper sections along the rocky coast. So worth it! Just gorgeous. Well marked too.

8. Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge

Hancock, ME http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Maine_Coastal_Islands/about/petitmanan.html
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 18 reviews

Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge

9. Hacker's Hill Preserve

174-238 Quaker Ridge Rd, Casco, ME 04015-3816 +1 207-647-4352 http://www.loonecholandtrust.org/places-we-protect/preserves/hackers-hill-preserve/
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 31 reviews

Hacker's Hill Preserve

Reviewed By DemersTalent - Apex, United States

I was wanting to find a place with a great view near, Naples, Maine. After spending some time on the water, I asked a local for a great spot for views and quiet. They said, hands down, that Hacker's Hill Preserve was the spot I would be looking for. It wasnt but about 15 minutes or so from Naples to the park. I would have driven further, as once I got there and parked, I could see why this is the spot to look out and see Mt. Washington and views exist in all directions. I got out of the car, popped an altoid, and took in the breathtaking views from this spot in Maine. Snapped some pictures and just soaked up the whole experience. Next time you are anywhere in this part of Maine, take the time to visit this spot.

10. Wells Reserve at Laudholm

342 Laudholm Farm Rd Main entrance is off Skinner Mill Road, Wells, ME 04090-4703 +1 207-646-1555 http://www.wellsreserve.org
Excellent
79%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 272 reviews

Wells Reserve at Laudholm

The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is open every day from 7 am to sunset, with 7 miles of trails through field, forest, and salt marsh to an undeveloped beach. It's a favorite spot for birders and wildlife lovers, photographers and artists, walkers and runners, natural resource managers and history buffs. Each year, the Wells Reserve offers nearly 200 education programs for every audience from K to gray. Guided walks, camps for kids, workshops, and lectures are regular offerings. The reserve hosts several fundraising events annually, including the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival on the weekend after Labor Day. The site is one of 29 National Estuarine Research Reserves across the country, from Alaska to Puerto Rico and from Southern California to New England. Each reserve supports coastal research, education, and training. In Wells, support comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and members of the nonprofit Laudholm Trust. FMI Visit our website and social outlets.

Reviewed By Bbjork - Wells, United States

I’m a member, volunteer and on the Board of Directors. Wells Reserve is one of 29 National Estuarine Research Reserves in the US partially funded by NOAA. Their mission is research, education and stewardship. The 2,250 acre site is home to two estuaries, beautiful trails and a historic 300 year old farm. If you’re in our area don’t miss it.

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