Really enjoyed this stop. Lighthouse is in very good shape and so are the grounds around it. Has a…read moresmall gift shop with a section with some history and lighthouse parts. I would definitely recommend this stop if you are in the area.

I did not see any owls at this state park, and I would think that the windy bluffs are not the spot…read morewhere you'd find one as they seem to prefer quiet areas. However, the views are majestic and entrance is free. There are ways to walk down to the beach, which is rocky as is typical in the region. The lighthouse itself is not regularly open for visitation, but there is a visitor center below it. The amount of trails and things to do is not enormous, but it is a great place to have open to the public to take as a sightseeing endeavor.

Picture this: you're strolling along a pebbly beach tucked away along the most quintessential Maine…read morerocky coast scene in the world during almost-dusk without a care in the world. It's like something out of Downeast Magazine, but really it's the vibe at Birch Point State Park during the off-season (which is open all year round, and as a Mainer you should really, really check out... I mean, is there anything quite as romantic as the ocean during winter?). I came in autumn and parked along the street outside of the entrance, walked the half mile down the access road, and was greeted by a crescent shaped beach bookended by giant rocks/ledges and small green spaces with picnic tables. I know there's a fee during the height of the season, but there's something really special about being able to enjoy this kind of unadulterated nature sans people in the chilly weather - so bring a sweater, a flask, a book... I'm confused though - there was a handwritten note defacing a park sign at the entrance that said, "Screw you State of Maine for closing this park." I don't know what's going on with that, but I hope it's not the truth because this is gem of spot. It seemed closed only for the season when I came, though that didn't stop locals from walking their dogs here.

Such a relaxing place that you don't even read your book much- just watch the water…read more A Sunday in mid-July was not crowded when we arrived at 1030 but by the time we left at 1, parking was rare and most people were parked on the long gravel drive into the park. The beach is a typical Maine one with dark, packed Sand and lots of seaweed. There's a lot of bugs in the seaweed that will go everywhere if you try to move it. Rocks are on either side of the beach and can make a less comfortable but quieter site. I was disappointed to see a giant pile of poo when we walked in. I think it was from a dog. Please, please clean up after your dog or leave them at home. This is a state park for all of us to enjoy. The water is frigid cold but we saw quite a few swimmers today. There are some grill to the left as you walk in that are shaded. Dogs must be on a leash.

So glad we found this gem of an outing in our tour of the state. Walking the break wall was a…read moreunique experience. There are large gaps but it's pretty even. We wore good shoes and hoodies and were fine. The lighthouse itself was small but jam packed with that coastal vibe we came for. Plus we got to walk a mile out into the ocean!

The Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse is located in the park and to get there, you have to walk about…read morea mile or more on the uneven granite slabs. There's some parts that have gaps, so you have to pay attention. But over all it was an easy walk to the light house. The walk itself was quite relaxing and beautiful. On each side of the pathway, the water on each side are quite different, which makes it beautiful. Once you reach the end, you'll find a lighthouse at the end. You can walk up the stairs of the lighthouse to get a better view. Overall, I really enjoyed this lighthouse and would come back.

We visited this preserve on our way back from Rockland, and it was worth the detour. What seems to…read morebe another trail in the middle of nowhere is actually filled with over a dozen large-scale wooden sculptures by Maine-born artist Bernard Langlais. The pieces are beautiful and all found around the preserve's entrance, so you don't have to walk much to see them all. There's a cute visitor center with postcards and other things for sale, exhibits, and even a short film to learn more about the artist's life. The young woman working the exhibit was so kind and welcoming--she gave us a quick history lesson about the space and the art. We learned that many of the sculptures will eventually become one with the Earth due to the elements and Langlais's wish not to repair them. The art preserve is free, but there is a $10 suggested donation.

DO NOT GO ON THE WOODLAND TRAIL! My husband and I are outside people. We hike, camp, take our dog…read moreto the woods every day. The sculpture path was lovely, but the woodland trail was the most miserable walk either of us has ever taken. We are not stupid. Bugs live in the woods. But this was horrible. We put on deep woods bug spray before we left and still spent the entire time desperately swatting away mosquitoes. At one point we both had to run after being bitten by bees. I now have a swollen bleeding bite on my calf. It was disgusting. Definitely go. The sculpture park was lovely. Just stay out of the woods.

Spectacular view of Penobscot Bay, the surrounding islands, and the Town of Camden. Well…read moremaintained and clean park, we walked a few of the trails on our visit today. $6 per person for non residents of Maine. That pretty much says it all, a short review, but this is a "must visit" if you are in the area.

I always try to visit a park when I'm traveling. Camden Hills State Park is a must see while…read morevisiting Maine. There is a small $6 fee for entry. You can camp, walk, bike or drive the park. The park guides are very helpful. We went straight to Mt Battie Rd for a beautiful scenic view of Camden Harbor. Penobscot Bay and Megunticook Lake. The views are out of the world! We spent 2 days going in and out of the park to see daytime versus sunset across the bay. We actually had a small picnic while visiting. This was a very calm relaxing experience. I highly recommend especially if you like wandering and hiking in parks. There is two sides to park, so dont forget to drive across the street.

What an amazing state park. It's super large with lots of beach front and a lagoon. Lots of parking…read moreand bathrooms in both areas. Just a small view to get in. The views were fantastic, if I lived closer I would frequent this place!

Reid State Park is a Maine tourist destination, but locals know the best time to visit is after…read moreLabor Day! This State Park is located off the beaten path. At the end of a winding scenic drive this place is what you think of when you think Coastal Maine. During the summer there is a concession stand, life guards, and park staff. The lagoon is a calm warmer more shallow place to swim, perfect for the kiddos. There beach goes on for miles and waves crash along the sand and the rocks. Tons to do and explore! Climb around the rocky shore, explore tide pools, and make sand castles! It's a family friendly place, with some of most breathtaking views in the State. Bring a nice picnic there are a lot of picnic tables scattered around there are two beaches to explore with plenty of parking as well as changing rooms, showers, and ADA compliant restrooms. There is also a large shelter that groups can use for meetings, cook outs etc. No pets allowed during certain months. Put this park on your must visit list if you're in Maine.

We made a short stop to view this garden finding it quiet, tranquil and less than impressive though…read moreobviously your mileage may and very likely will vary.

Really pretty, I love coming here. It's nice all year round and even has a Geocache in it.read more

I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 miles of coastline, Maine has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Sort of. Loop trail? Yes. Well marked signs? Yes. Element of surprise? Yes. What. A. Find. Whenever I'm journeying around Maine (checking out state parks or Atlas Obscura recommended spots), I try and also find a few trails or hiking spots to check out (because the state is huge, and when I'm in an area I'm not usually in, I want to discover spots I wouldn't otherwise!). Reynolds Forest was the best part of my day! In fact, one of the most standout spots I've been to in a while! According to the Kennebec Land Trust website (https://www.tklt.org/reynolds), "This 35 acre parcel provides visitors excellent birding opportunities, interesting wildflowers and floodplain species, and views of the powerful brook (now called Goff Brook), with its foaming water roaring over exposed rocks into stone-lined pools. Part of the conservation property not visible from the trail has seen an increase in invasive Japanese knotweed and non-native bush honeysuckle, and has served as a field research site for Colby College students studying invasive plant control methods." There's some parking off the shoulder of the main road, and the walk into the woods alongside Goff Brook is lovely. It's not long before you can suddenly hear the roaring of the (small, but mighty) waterfalls (which was once used for saw and grist mills. We made sure to come after a couple days of rain and it was worth it! We gently navigated out to some exposed rocks and sat in the sun, near the falls, surrounded by tall trees for a long time. Perfect spot for a picnic (and... I think we also spotted some foragers too). There's also a small Old Farm Loop Trail that passes by fields and an old foundation a little further beyond the Streamside Trail. BEWARE OF TICKS. BEWARE OF POISON IVY. WEAR APPROPRIATE SHOES.

While on vacation in midcoast Maine, I attended a botanical lecture with friends from the area and…read moregot a guided tour of the perennial gardens with the speaker. It was a beautiful summer day in July, and the pollinators were everywhere. Hard to imagine a nicer place to spend a few hours communing with nature and its bounty.

We visited this 66 acre private park and nature center with the intention of walking he trails, but…read morefound them to be overgrown. As we made our way trying to locate the arboretum, we happened upon a volunteer who told it was closed due to winter damage. We found the garden near the nature center to be less than impressive so we cut our visit short and headed south to Camden.