It takes just one trip to Maine to see that it’s the perfect place to visit if you love nature. From waterfalls to ocean views to hikes and swimming holes, there’s something for just about everyone. We’re not sure how we got so lucky, but in every corner, there’s something beautiful to see. Here are just a few of our favorite natural wonders in Maine!
- Bubble Rock, Acadia National Park
leeco / Flickr Seemingly teetering over the edge of an overlook above Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock is fascinating! While it looks like you could simply nudge it over the edge, it’s actually planted solidly in its place. It’s been here since just after the ice age when glaciers pushed it some 30 miles from Lucerne Maine! Bubble Rock, Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
- Old Sow Whirlpool, Eastport
Karin Lewis / Google Those across the border like to claim this as Canadian, but we believe its rightful place is Maine. Regardless of who can claim it, this is one neat attraction! You can find the whirlpool in Maine just off the coast of Eastport, near New Brunswick. Considered one of the most dangerous whirlpools in the world, the Old Sow whirlpool is formed when two strong tides collide. Old Sow Whirlpool, New Brunswick, Canada
- Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park
Kailee Morgan / TripAdvisor One of the most impressive feats of nature anywhere in the state can be found in Acadia National Park. Located off the Park Loop Road, Thunder Hole is a sea cave that erupts with a thunderous noise when waves crash into it forcing air out. But be careful if you visit! Strong waves have been known to come right over the viewing area, drenching everyone nearby. Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
- Daggett Rock, Phillips
Phil D / Google This rock located just off a 0.8-mile trail in Franklin County might seem like a strange destination but it’s worth it! Daggett Rock is actually a glacier erratic, a rock left in a seemingly random location by slowly (and fiercely!) moving glaciers during the ice age. Daggett Rock, Phillips, ME 04966, USA
- Gulf Hagas, Monson
Tcpx36, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons This waterfall is one of the most beloved in Maine. Its mighty cascade earns it the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East,” which is fitting considering it cuts through granite walls just like the real thing. Gulf Hagas is formed by the west branch of the Pleasant River and requires a hefty hike to see. Gulf Hagas Trailhead, Katahdin Iron Works Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USA
- Debsconeag Ice Caves, Millinocket
harquail / Flickr The coolest thing about exploring these caves filled with ice is that they’re just as frigid in July as they are in December! While the region where the Debsconeag Ice Caves are located in the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area is a bit remote, the hike to see them once you’re there is a pretty simple one-mile route to follow. Millinocket, ME, USA
- The Height of Land, Oquossoc
cdk / Flickr The Height of Land near Rangeley offers one of the most beautiful scenic overlooks in all of Maine. Located just off of Route 17, the view takes in all of Mooselookmeguntic Lake. Height of Land, ME-17, Roxbury, ME 04275, USA
What are some of your favorite natural wonders to see in Maine? Let us know so we can check them out!
leeco / Flickr
Seemingly teetering over the edge of an overlook above Jordan Pond, Bubble Rock is fascinating! While it looks like you could simply nudge it over the edge, it’s actually planted solidly in its place. It’s been here since just after the ice age when glaciers pushed it some 30 miles from Lucerne Maine!
Bubble Rock, Park Loop Rd, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
Karin Lewis / Google
Those across the border like to claim this as Canadian, but we believe its rightful place is Maine. Regardless of who can claim it, this is one neat attraction! You can find the whirlpool in Maine just off the coast of Eastport, near New Brunswick. Considered one of the most dangerous whirlpools in the world, the Old Sow whirlpool is formed when two strong tides collide.
Old Sow Whirlpool, New Brunswick, Canada
Kailee Morgan / TripAdvisor
One of the most impressive feats of nature anywhere in the state can be found in Acadia National Park. Located off the Park Loop Road, Thunder Hole is a sea cave that erupts with a thunderous noise when waves crash into it forcing air out. But be careful if you visit! Strong waves have been known to come right over the viewing area, drenching everyone nearby.
Thunder Hole, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
Phil D / Google
This rock located just off a 0.8-mile trail in Franklin County might seem like a strange destination but it’s worth it! Daggett Rock is actually a glacier erratic, a rock left in a seemingly random location by slowly (and fiercely!) moving glaciers during the ice age.
Daggett Rock, Phillips, ME 04966, USA
Tcpx36, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
This waterfall is one of the most beloved in Maine. Its mighty cascade earns it the nickname “Grand Canyon of the East,” which is fitting considering it cuts through granite walls just like the real thing. Gulf Hagas is formed by the west branch of the Pleasant River and requires a hefty hike to see.
Gulf Hagas Trailhead, Katahdin Iron Works Rd, Monson, ME 04464, USA
harquail / Flickr
The coolest thing about exploring these caves filled with ice is that they’re just as frigid in July as they are in December! While the region where the Debsconeag Ice Caves are located in the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area is a bit remote, the hike to see them once you’re there is a pretty simple one-mile route to follow.
Millinocket, ME, USA
cdk / Flickr
The Height of Land near Rangeley offers one of the most beautiful scenic overlooks in all of Maine. Located just off of Route 17, the view takes in all of Mooselookmeguntic Lake.
Height of Land, ME-17, Roxbury, ME 04275, USA
If you’re looking for more ways to get outside, we’ve got great options. With stream crossings and footbridges, the little-known Peggity’s Path in Maine is unexpectedly magical.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Natural Wonders In Maine September 30, 2022 Meghan Byers What are some other natural attractions to see in Maine? Maine is filled with natural beauty, from the famous Bold Coast to hidden waterfalls. If you’re looking for a more easily accessible – but still impressive - waterfall, check out Moxie Falls in Somerset County. Moxie Falls is one of the highest falls in New England, with a vertical drop of over 90 feet. For stunning views of the Maine coast, visit Otter Cliff in Acadia National Park. At 110 feet high, this cliff is one of the highest Atlantic coastal headlands. You can reach Otter Cliff via the Ocean Path in Acadia, a trail with unmatched scenery and plenty of places to pause along the way and take in the stunning views. Maine also has multiple scenic byways, and one of the best is the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway. Clocking in at 147 miles, the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway offers the chance to experience the best of Downeast Maine scenery and culture. Are there any good state parks to visit in Maine? Arcadia National Park isn’t the only place where you can enjoy marveling at Maine’s natural wonders. The Pine Tree State also has over 30 state parks that beckon outdoor enthusiasts to explore, or just relax and take in the Maine scenery. From verdant forests to rocky coastlines, there’s so much to see in Maine’s state parks. If you’re looking for a starting point, why not visit Maine’s first state park? Aroostook State Park was created in 1938, thanks to the donation of 100 acres of land from Presque Isle residents. Today the park is about 800 acres, and it features the beautiful Echo Lake, where you can go boating or swimming, and Quaggy Jo Mountain, which has two lookout points you can reach via the 3 miles of hiking trails.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Natural Wonders In Maine
September 30, 2022
Meghan Byers
What are some other natural attractions to see in Maine? Maine is filled with natural beauty, from the famous Bold Coast to hidden waterfalls. If you’re looking for a more easily accessible – but still impressive - waterfall, check out Moxie Falls in Somerset County. Moxie Falls is one of the highest falls in New England, with a vertical drop of over 90 feet. For stunning views of the Maine coast, visit Otter Cliff in Acadia National Park. At 110 feet high, this cliff is one of the highest Atlantic coastal headlands. You can reach Otter Cliff via the Ocean Path in Acadia, a trail with unmatched scenery and plenty of places to pause along the way and take in the stunning views. Maine also has multiple scenic byways, and one of the best is the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway. Clocking in at 147 miles, the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway offers the chance to experience the best of Downeast Maine scenery and culture. Are there any good state parks to visit in Maine? Arcadia National Park isn’t the only place where you can enjoy marveling at Maine’s natural wonders. The Pine Tree State also has over 30 state parks that beckon outdoor enthusiasts to explore, or just relax and take in the Maine scenery. From verdant forests to rocky coastlines, there’s so much to see in Maine’s state parks. If you’re looking for a starting point, why not visit Maine’s first state park? Aroostook State Park was created in 1938, thanks to the donation of 100 acres of land from Presque Isle residents. Today the park is about 800 acres, and it features the beautiful Echo Lake, where you can go boating or swimming, and Quaggy Jo Mountain, which has two lookout points you can reach via the 3 miles of hiking trails.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Maine is filled with natural beauty, from the famous Bold Coast to hidden waterfalls. If you’re looking for a more easily accessible – but still impressive - waterfall, check out Moxie Falls in Somerset County. Moxie Falls is one of the highest falls in New England, with a vertical drop of over 90 feet.
For stunning views of the Maine coast, visit Otter Cliff in Acadia National Park. At 110 feet high, this cliff is one of the highest Atlantic coastal headlands. You can reach Otter Cliff via the Ocean Path in Acadia, a trail with unmatched scenery and plenty of places to pause along the way and take in the stunning views.
Maine also has multiple scenic byways, and one of the best is the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway. Clocking in at 147 miles, the Bold Coast National Scenic Byway offers the chance to experience the best of Downeast Maine scenery and culture.
Are there any good state parks to visit in Maine?
Arcadia National Park isn’t the only place where you can enjoy marveling at Maine’s natural wonders. The Pine Tree State also has over 30 state parks that beckon outdoor enthusiasts to explore, or just relax and take in the Maine scenery. From verdant forests to rocky coastlines, there’s so much to see in Maine’s state parks. If you’re looking for a starting point, why not visit Maine’s first state park? Aroostook State Park was created in 1938, thanks to the donation of 100 acres of land from Presque Isle residents. Today the park is about 800 acres, and it features the beautiful Echo Lake, where you can go boating or swimming, and Quaggy Jo Mountain, which has two lookout points you can reach via the 3 miles of hiking trails.
