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.

Wonderful hiking trail to the top of a mountain in Rome. Good amount of parking with a large sign…read morewith plenty of info on the trail, mountain, and area. The trails are well marked in most spots (went off in one spot but quickly realized our mistake). While the view isn't panoramic it is quite a nice view of Belgrade lakes. The mountain will gain you about 350 feet in elevation and will take you about 45 minutes to do the loop. There were some spots on the trail where you needed to maneuver through uneven rocks and spots where the climb got a bit tough, but nothing too hard. I brought a 9 year old and he had a blast. I could see much younger kids pulling this off with no issues.

Great spot for hiking especially with your furry best friend. Not really any spots for viewing but…read morestill a good hike.

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.

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 (and NH) 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? Yes. Loop trail? Yes (about 3 miles). Well marked signs? Yes. Element of surprise? Yes. I had no idea there was a giant snapping turtle rock slumbering in the woods of Western Maine. Did you? The views from the top aren't what you're coming here for (it's mostly blocked by trees; for a more clear view of the surrounding terrain, try French Mountain literally up the street), but it's the other unique features that make it so great: the boulder formations (referenced above), the unexpected elevation (it's only 854', but it's enough that your knees will feel it; also, we went counterclockwise which was suggested everywhere we looked), the totally random picnic table casually placed in the middle of a tiny waterfall, the streams, the pond views, the wild blueberries, the tiny rock squeeze, the old logging road. It just FEELS very Maine. When we came, the blue trail blazes did get a little difficult to follow at one point; we actually saw several couples trying to figure out where to go! Also: THE BUGS. Hands down this was one of the buggiest hikes I've been on in a long time. CHECK FOR TICKS. Say hi to the turtle. And don't make the same mistake we did: bring your lunch with you. It might be a bit of extra work, but it'll be so worth it when you're sitting at that picnic table listening to the brook and birds!

What a wonderfully gorgeous trail. Many great aspects and views along this trail, including small…read morewaterfalls and a beautifully set picnic table along the way for a nice lunch, snack, or resting point. The trail is 2.9 miles loop. There may be slippery parts along the way so make sure to wear appropriate gear along with mosquito protection. The trail does have some more intermediate and challenging sections.

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? Yes. Loop trail? Kind of. Well marked signs? Not really. Element of surprise? No. For Cumberland County folks, Moose Point feels like a combination of Fort Williams Park and Mackworth Island. It's got grassy knolls to picnic on with views of Penobscot Bay, evergreen groves to meander through via wide and well maintained trails (some of which have benches, some of which have little staircases leading down to the pebbled water's edge), a gazebo for events, and during low tide there are tidal pools to explore (during high tide it's much more difficult to navigate because it's mostly just uneven rocks and not much of a shore). I think this is a beautiful spot in midcoast Maine, and I'm glad there are locations like it throughout the state. Personally, I don't necessarily feel the need to come back (except to get my Maine State Parks Passport Stamp!!!), just because we have something soooooooooooo similar so close. But I can see how it's a draw for so many!

A hidden in plain sight gem of Maine! Moose Point State Park is sandwiched between route1 & the…read moreocean. We visited just before the season &, as such, parked outside the gate & walked in. There are many picnic table to enjoy lunch, a group pavilion, a playground & hiking trails to enjoy the ocean views. It would be well worth the $3/person fee in-season to enjoy this park. In particular, go in to the right ocean corner of the open area past the playground & there's a level easy walking path along the ocean out to a point with 270' water views. Give enough time to take pictures. We met the park ranger & had a lovely conversation about the local birds & the park's resident fox. Allot 1-2 hours, bring a picnic lunch & bring your camera.

Best trail ever.... The ocean views are totally amazing. This is our favorite…read more Easy hiking and so surprising when you come to the ocean.

Easy walk on the Hoyt/Main (1.2 miles total) trail marked in Blue. It takes about 35 to 45 minute…read morewalk to the coastline with gentle rises and falls over uneven terrain caused by exposed roots. A couple of rock walls to climb over. Lovely well maintained boardwalks cross 2 streams and a muddy section. The Elliot (0.8 miles) and Tibbitts (0.7 miles) Trails add additional lobes to the walk with additional viewpoints. Do mind the privacy of the house at the beginning of the trail. Limited parking across the road from the trailhead for about 15 cars maximum which is easily exceeded on holiday weekends with good weather. Beware of rogue waves on the slippery rocks--the coastline is notorious for being merciless to those who fall in.

You'll find this fantastic hidden gem of nature as you head north into the Rangeley Lakes region -…read moreand it's well worth a stop! The main draw (for me anyway) is the 15-foot waterfall where the Swift River gushes over the smooth carved boulders - it's beautiful! Definitely a lovely visit in the fall colors - they were just starting to show on my visit in late September. But it's my understanding that this is a great place to frolic in natural swimming holes and jump off the rocks and enjoy the water in the warmer months. I had a great time exploring the area! There were butterflies EVERYWHERE!! Many different species - but one species was being particularly cooperative and I had a great time with my camera - and turns out it was a Pink-edged Sulfur which is the State Butterfly of Maine! It's easy to find - right off Swift River Rd and it's free. Theres a picnic area with several tables and a fun giant chair with a story about Paul Bunyan next to it. Everything is well maintained and there's a campground nearby. I didn't see any bathrooms.

Actually I love this place. But Cassie made me feel very very unwelcome. I have been a Coos Canyon…read moreand rented cabbage twice, the first time I just figured maybe Cassie was having a few bad days because I did stay a few days. But the second time I went she was even worse. It's a shame that a wonderful place like this has such a mean spirited and rude person working for them

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.

Nice little park. Not too busy and has a few nice trails by the water. Also picnic tables and and…read morespace to play catch or toss a football. Lots of trees for hammocking as well!

I thought this spot was beautiful. Quiet. The grounds area…read morecould use some updating. But it's got water, rocks, shade trees, and a swing! Precious low key spot for some relaxing.

This is a lovely easy walk thru the woods in Sidney. There is a babbling brook that gives off a…read morecoolness. The trail is easy to follow and takes you a small loop thru the wilderness, exploring wildlife such as birds, squirrels and chipmunks. There are wood planks for when it's muddy. This is great way to enjoy the outdoors and get in your 10,00 steps. The parking is limited. You may even drive right past the entrance. It's on the left if you're headed to Waterville, with a sign coming out of the woods.