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The high country
Bare granite, a famous ridge and the end of the Appalachian Trail. Maine's highest mountain is a long, serious day.
Open the guideIndependent guide / Maine, USA
Maine outdoor adventures, read like a survey sheet
Hiking, Baxter State Park and Katahdin, Acadia, whitewater rivers, sea kayaking, the Allagash, seasons and safety, in plain terms.
The lay of the land
A big, wooded state with a long, rough coast
Maine is mostly forest. In the north there are lakes, rivers and mountains with very few roads. In the south and east the land breaks into bays, headlands and islands, where the tide moves a long way twice a day. That mix gives hikers, paddlers and river runners a lot to choose from, and also a lot to respect: cold water, quick weather and long distances to help.
This site sticks to what is easy to check. Begin with hiking in Maine, learn when to go or read the safety basics.
Five map sheets
Five ways into the map
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The island coast
Pink granite, carriage roads and a national park where mountains drop to the Atlantic.
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The released rivers
Three dam-controlled rivers give rapids from spring into autumn.
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The north woods
About 92 miles of lakes and river protected for canoes, far from roads and signal.
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The cold sea
Islands, tides and fog: a paddler's coast that rewards skill and respect.
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Peel the layers one by one
A map is a stack of layers. Scroll to peel them: trails, water, seasons and hazards.
- 01TrailsBlazed paths from coast hills to alpine ridges, with ledges, roots and mud in between.
- 02WaterTide, current, fog and cold: the coast changes by the hour.
- 03SeasonsBlack flies, summer crowds, autumn colour and deep snow each ask for different plans.
- 04HazardsTicks, moose on roads, mountain weather and long distances to help.
Index of sheets
Nine guides to read in any order
- 01Hiking in MaineMountains, coast paths and waterfalls, by difficulty
- 02Baxter State ParkThe forever-wild park around Katahdin
- 03Mount Katahdin hikeMaine's highest mountain and its famous ridge
- 04Acadia National ParkGranite headlands, carriage roads and sunrise
- 05Maine whitewater raftingKennebec, Penobscot and Dead River explained
- 06Maine kayakingSea kayaking, islands, tides and cold water
- 07Allagash Wilderness WaterwayA 92 mile canoe route through the north woods
- 08Best time to visit MaineSpring mud, summer sea, autumn colour and snow
- 09Maine hiking safetyTicks, moose, weather, cold water and trip planning
Quick answers
Questions people ask first
- What is the highest mountain in Maine?
- Katahdin, at about 5,270 feet, in Baxter State Park. It is also the northern end of the Appalachian Trail.
- Is Acadia the only national park in Maine?
- Yes. Acadia is Maine's only national park, and it is the only one in New England.
- When is the busiest time outdoors in Maine?
- July and August are the busiest months on the coast and in the parks. Late September and October are quieter, with autumn colour.
- Can you do whitewater rafting without experience?
- Many commercial trips on the big dam-release rivers are set up for first-timers with licensed guides, but each trip has its own age and fitness rules. Ask the operator before booking.
- What are the main risks on Maine trails?
- Changeable weather, cold water, ticks, biting insects, moose on roads and the simple remoteness of much of the state. Preparation covers most of them.