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The granite foundation that once supported a barn can be seen along the Homestead Trail at Androscoggin Riverlands State Park in Turner, Maine. Credit: Maine Office of Tourism
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The 40 properties in Maine's state park system offer ocean, lake, mountain and forest settings with activities of all kinds. Here are four parks that offer unique experiences for visitors:
Roque Bluffs State Park, Roque Bluffs - Salt water? Check. Fresh water? Check. This park on the downeast coast south of Machias keeps all swimmers happy with a beach on Englishman Bay and 60-acre Simpson Pond. A six-mile trail network leads through old orchards, fields and woods with ocean views. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and at picnic sites.
Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, Turner and Leeds - Trails for walking/hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and all-terrain vehicles draw visitors to Maine's newest state park along the Androscoggin River. Four river islands with picnic sites are popular paddling destinations on sunny days.
Mount Kineo State Park, Moosehead Lake, Rockwood - The towering chunk of rock perched on the western side of Kineo Island in Moosehead Lake became a state park in the 1990s. Three trails lead to Mount Kineo's 1,789-foot summit where a converted and climbable fire tower provides some of the best lake landscape views in Maine. Reach the island in your own boat or take the Kineo Shuttle which operates from late May to mid-October from the Rockwood public landing.
Swan Island, Kennebec River, Richmond - This 1,755-acre park property in the middle of the Kennebec River is Maine's only wildlife management area that allows overnight camping and provides programs for visitors. Swan Island is reached by a boat shuttle from downtown Richmond, or by private boat. Campsites have lean-to shelters, and the island is a popular destination for photographing resident bald eagles and white-tailed deer. The island is open daily May through Labor Day, and reservations are required for all visits.
Maine Moose Watching Tips
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Spring is the best time to spot Maine moose with their young. The state has an estimated moose population of 75,000, and May and June are the months when moose are most likely to be seen along roadsides and feeding at lakes and ponds. Credit: Maine Office of Tourism
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Maine's official moose population estimate increased significantly last June to 75,000. Does this mean it will be easier to spot a Maine moose in the wild? Possibly, but these moose watching tips can increase your chances.
- May and June are the months when Maine moose are most active in civilization. They spend more time in the forest during the warmest part of summer and during the fall mating season.
- Dawn and dusk are the best times of the day to see moose along roadsides or feeding in a lake or pond.
- Ask the locals. Learn about dependable moose-spotting sites from innkeepers, front desk staff, restaurant and store workers, or at a visitor information center.
- Go with a guide. Registered Maine Guides and outfitting services provide guided moose watching trips year-round.
What's New & Unique
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum to Open in Bethel
The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum will open in Bethel later this year with the world's most extensive collection, exhibits, and archival documents of Maine mineral and gem mining. Exhibits will tell the complete story of how minerals form and are mined; the historical and current industrial uses for minerals; and the art of cutting gems and creating jewelry. The museum will feature exhibitions of rare meteorites, fossils, and other minerals. Tours of local mineral mines will complete the visitor experience. Mines in the region have produced some of America's largest gem quality mineral deposits.
Scooter Rally and Ride Coming to Midcoast Region
Scooters and mopeds of all makes and models and their owners are invited to Ski's Shrimp Run New England Scooter Rally July 26-28. On July 27 a 16-mile ride will happen from the Sea Dog Brew Pub in Topsham to Richmond and the Old Goat Pub. There will be live music, food and scooter prizes for "Best Vintage," "Best Modified," "Highest Mileage" and other categories. Thomas Point Beach in Brunswick is the official rally campground for the weekend, and the site for after-ride activities.
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