Adrian Berlutti
Away from the usual tourist trails, Maine has a lot of peaceful places that seem almost untouched by time. If you’re planning a trip to New England, don’t forget to explore these ten overlooked gems in Maine. The state has more surprises than you may know.
Baxter State Park’s Backcountry
While Baxter State Park is famous for Mount Katahdin, its vast backcountry remains one of Maine’s best-kept secrets. Beyond the main trails, remote ponds, untouched forests, and rugged peaks offer solitude for true wilderness seekers. With no paved roads, cell service, or modern distractions, this is Maine’s quietest escape.\
Cutler Coast Public Lands
Wind-swept cliffs and dense spruce forests define the Cutler Coast. The ten miles of coastal trails will amaze you with sweeping ocean views and rare encounters with moose and bald eagles. Seclusion seekers find bliss where land meets the endless blue horizon.
Roque Bluffs State Park
Crashing waves meet calm seclusion at Roque Bluffs. Here, a rare mix of sandy beach and rocky coastline creates a dreamy escape. Established in 1969, this 274-acre park offers breathtaking views, a freshwater pond for swimming, and immaculate hiking trails.
Deboullie Public Reserved Land
Hidden deep in Aroostook County, this distant paradise spans 21,871 acres of unspoiled terrain. You can explore the towering cliffs, crystal-clear ponds, and an extensive trail network without the crowds. Dark skies also make it a stargazer’s haven.
Swans Island
Swans Island is accessible only by ferry. It remains a little-known treasure in the Gulf of Maine. The island’s historic lighthouse, quaint fishing villages, and slow pace of life provide an authentic glimpse into the state’s maritime past. With fewer than 400 residents, it offers rare, uninterrupted peace along the coast.
Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land
You’ll love how the dense forests cradle Nahmakanta Lake here. This reserved land is a well-kept secret along the Appalachian Trail corridor. The 43,000-acre sanctuary protects distant hiking routes, pure waters, and thriving wildlife. You can enjoy the echoes of loons and rustling pines instead of human chatter.
Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Stretching 92 miles through Maine’s remote north, this clear waterway remains a haven for solitude seekers. Canoeists drift past untouched forests, moose wading in the shallows, and historic logging sites frozen in time. With strict conservation efforts limiting development, it offers one of the most peaceful escapes in New England.
Flagstaff Lake
In the 1950s, the lake was flooded to create hydroelectric power. Today, it conceals an underwater ghost town. Kayakers glide over submerged roads while the Bigelow Mountains cast their reflection on still waters. Despite its haunting history, this expansive lake has some of Maine’s most serene paddling experiences.
Mooselookmeguntic Lake
Western Maine’s Rangeley region hides the sprawling Mooselookmeguntic Lake that spans over 16,000 acres. Its name, derived from Abenaki, means “moose feeding place,” and true to its heritage, sightings are common. Fishermen and boaters share this peaceful expanse, far from the usual tourist routes.
Cranberry Isles
There are five tiny islands that float off Mount Desert Island’s coast. The Great Cranberry Island’s Historical Society preserves local history. Plus, Islesford’s art galleries showcase wonderful coastal creativity. A simple ferry ride will take you here.
