10 Best Parks in Maine for Hiking and Scenic Views

Finding a great hiking spot isn’t always as simple as it sounds. You set out looking for scenic trails with well-maintained paths, only to end up on a rocky, overgrown route that’s more struggle than scenery. Or worse—you pick a trail based on a quick online search, only to arrive and realize it’s packed with crowds, lacking clear signage, or in rough condition after a long winter. Instead of a peaceful nature escape, you’re left dealing with unexpected hassles that take away from the experience.

Maine is known for its breathtaking landscapes, but not every park offers the right balance of stunning views and well-kept trails. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 10 best parks in Maine for hiking and scenic views—places where you can enjoy nature without worrying about trail quality or overcrowding.

1. Acadia National Park

Perched on Mount Desert Island along Maine’s rugged coast, Acadia National Park is a must-visit for outdoor lovers. With 120 miles of hiking trails weaving through granite peaks, seaside cliffs, and lush forests, there’s no shortage of adventure here. Iconic spots like Cadillac Mountain—the highest point on the U.S. East Coast—Thunder Hole, and the historic Jordan Pond House make this park truly special.

Acadia’s close proximity to Bar Harbor and scenic drives like the Park Loop Road make it easy to soak in the breathtaking coastal views. Whether you’re biking the carriage roads, hiking to a summit, or unwinding at Echo Lake Beach, this park has something for everyone. If you’re in for a quick day trip or a longer stay, Acadia is the perfect place to experience Maine’s stunning coastline and endless outdoor adventures.

2. Baxter State Park

If you’re looking for a true wilderness experience in Maine, Baxter State Park near Millinocket is the place to be. Less than 60 miles from Bangor, this massive 200,000-acre park is all about rugged hiking, peaceful camping, and pure seclusion. With hundreds of miles of trails winding past pristine lakes, remote ponds, and the rugged terrain of Katahdin Mountain, there’s no shortage of adventure.

The park’s most famous hike takes you to the 5,267-foot summit of Mount Katahdin, the legendary northern endpoint of the Appalachian Trail. To keep its wild, untouched feel, Baxter limits road access and requires advanced reservations—so plan ahead! With its endless trails and breathtaking peaks, this is a must-visit spot for anyone craving a challenging and unforgettable outdoor escape in Maine’s scenic northern woods.

3. Bradbury Mountain State Park

Just north of Freeport, Bradbury Mountain State Park is a little gem that packs a lot into a small space. Whether you’re up for a quick afternoon adventure or a weekend escape, this park has you covered.

The highlight? A 0.5-mile hike up to the 485-foot summit of Bradbury Mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic, 360-degree views of the surrounding forests and lakes. It’s a short but satisfying climb with a huge payoff!

If you’re looking to explore more, there’s a network of trails winding through hardwood forests, connecting to a larger 12-mile trail system beyond the park. With its family-friendly hikes, stunning lookout points, and easy access from Portland and the coast, Bradbury Mountain is a go-to spot for both day-trippers and campers wanting a taste of Maine’s nature.

4. Camden Hills State Park

Tucked away in Maine’s stunning mid-coast, Camden Hills State Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves sweeping views and outdoor adventure. Perched over 800 feet above Penobscot Bay, the park is famous for its breathtaking panoramas of the coastline, harbors, and scattered islands.

If you’re up for a hike, trails like Maiden Cliff Trail and Tablelands Trail lead to exposed granite ledges, offering some of the best views around. Prefer a more relaxed visit? Take a scenic drive up Mt. Battie for a postcard-worthy lookout without the climb. The park also boasts nearly 30 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, plus camping and swimming at nearby Megunticook Lake.

Whether you’re tackling the trails, enjoying a picnic at Sagamore Picnic Area, or just soaking in the views, Camden Hills State Park is an incredible way to experience Maine’s rugged coastal beauty from new heights.

5. Ferry Beach State Park

Situated along Maine’s southern coast between Old Orchard Beach and Kennebunkport, Ferry Beach State Park is a gem for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With over a mile of sandy shoreline, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, fishing, and beachcombing. But it’s not just about the beach—the park is home to a mix of dunes, pine forests, coastal wetlands, and scenic nature trails, making it a great place for hiking and spotting wildlife.

If you’re looking to camp by the coast, Ferry Beach has you covered with RV and tent sites just a short walk from the water. You’ll also find family-friendly amenities like bathhouses, playgrounds, and picnic areas shaded by scrub oak trees. Whether you’re up for an adventure or just want to relax by the ocean, Ferry Beach State Park is a perfect Maine getaway.

6. Fort Knox Historic Site State Park

Standing along the Penobscot River in Prospect, Maine, Fort Knox Historic Site State Park offers a glimpse into the past with its remarkably preserved 19th-century granite fortress. Built between 1844 and 1869, this massive coastal defense fort was designed to protect the Penobscot River Valley and Bangor from naval attacks. Visitors can explore underground tunnels, climb the rooftop observatory, and walk along the towering earthworks and stone walls, immersing themselves in history at every turn.

Just next door, the Penobscot Narrows Observatory rises 420 feet, boasting the tallest public bridge observatory in the world. A quick elevator ride takes you to the top, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the river and beyond. Whether you’re drawn by military history, impressive architecture, or stunning natural scenery, Fort Knox Historic Site & State Park delivers an unforgettable experience for history lovers, adventure seekers, and curious explorers alike.

7. Fort Williams Park

Perched on Maine’s rocky southern coastline in Cape Elizabeth, Fort Williams Park offers a mix of history, stunning ocean views, and outdoor exploration. This 90-acre park surrounds the remains of Battery Blair and other fortifications from its late 19th-century role as a defense site for Portland Harbor.

Stroll the grassy grounds, take in panoramic views of Casco Bay, and dive into the area’s military past through interpretive displays. Just a short walk away, Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, adds to the coastal charm. Fort Williams Park offers scenic trails, rugged cliffs, and picnic spots. It’s a great mix of history and natural beauty on Maine’s coast.

8. Grafton Notch State Park

Hidden in Maine’s Mahoosuc Mountain Range, Grafton Notch State Park is perfect for outdoor lovers exploring rugged landscapes. Shaped by the Bear River, the park boasts dramatic gorges, cascading waterfalls like Screw Auger Falls, and sweeping mountain views. Hike the challenging Table Rock Trail or relax with a swim and picnic by a waterfall. Either way, there’s something for everyone.

For breathtaking vistas, head to Bear Mountain or Old Speck Mountain, accessible by foot or scenic drives. The 3,150-acre park offers both remote backcountry and easy-to-reach spots. It’s great for hikers, sightseers, and anyone exploring Maine’s mountains.

9. Scarborough Beach State Park

Scarborough Beach State Park, located just south of Portland, offers a gorgeous sandy shoreline for swimming and sunbathing. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy stunning Atlantic views. With over a mile of beachfront, visitors can swim, stroll, or build sandcastles. Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the shade of scrub oaks.

Beyond the beach, scenic nature trails wind through coastal grasslands, making it a great spot for hiking and wildlife watching. The park is close to Portland and has beach amenities like snack bars and changing rooms. It’s a perfect summer spot for relaxing. Scarborough Beach State Park is perfect for a family day by the water or a coastal adventure. Stay until sunset for an unforgettable view!

10. Sebago Lake State Park

Sebago Lake State Park sits along Maine’s deepest lake, offering a perfect summer spot for swimming, boating, and camping. Its clear waters and scenic views make it a must-visit for outdoor fun. The sandy beach is great for a quick swim. With easy boat launches, you can hit the water and explore freely.

Campsites and cozy cabins among tall pines offer a peaceful retreat. At night, you can relax to the sounds of loons on the lake. Miles of scenic hiking trails wind through forests and along the shoreline, offering breathtaking views from every angle. You can spend the day relaxing on the beach or enjoying boating and fishing. Make it a full getaway with campfire nights at Sebago Lake State Park.

Stay, Hike, and Explore!

Exploring Maine’s hiking spots offers more than exercise; it lets you immerse in nature and enjoy breathtaking views. Each trail showcases the state’s diverse landscapes. Acadia’s cliffs, Baxter’s forested peaks, and Camden Hills’ coastal trails each offer a unique outdoor experience. Every park has something special to explore. But a successful hiking trip isn’t just about the trails. It’s also about where you unwind after a long day of adventure.

For a comfortable and convenient place to stay near Maine’s beautiful outdoor destinations, Seagrass Inn is the perfect choice. This welcoming inn in Old Orchard Beach offers cozy stays and easy coastal access. You can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere to recharge after your hikes. Book your stay now and experience Maine’s natural beauty

FAQs

What is the most visited state park in Maine?

Fort Popham is a must-visit destination, blending rich history with stunning coastal views. As a Maine state park and the most visited in the state, it draws visitors year-round. The fort operates seasonally and requires an entry fee.

What is the most loved national park?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited, drawing over 12.1 million visitors last year. Its attendance far exceeds Maine’s busiest parks.

What is the famous park in Maine?

Acadia National Park boasts Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak along the Atlantic Seaboard north of Brazil. Its summit is one of the first places in the U.S. to see the sunrise. Meanwhile, the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray lets visitors see Maine’s native wildlife up close in a natural setting.

How many state parks in Maine?

Maine has 32 state parks managed by the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands. Additionally, many independently maintained parks are open to the public.