If you’re traveling to Maine, the four national parks in Maine should not be missed. Maine national parks are a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, but they also offer something for everyone from history buffs to those who want to explore the natural beauty of this great state.
The four national parks in Maine include Acadia National Park, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, and Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.
Acadia National Park can be found on Mount Desert Island. This national park offers breathtaking views of the coastline as well as sites like Bar Harbor and Cadillac Mountain Summit. The park features stunning views and a wide variety of wildlife – from seabirds to whales!
The Appalachian Trail stretches from Maine to Georgia and offers a variety of outdoor activities. The trail concludes on Katahdin in Baxter State Park after traversing Maine’s 100 Mile Wilderness.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, located near Baxter State Park, is home to over 100 miles of hiking trails with spectacular views throughout the year (even winter!). This national monument sits within what was formerly known as the Baxter State Park, which has been designated as “America’s First Wilderness.”
Lastly, Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is home to the oldest permanent settlement in New England. Visitors can travel back to 1604 and learn about French Acadia through exhibits, ranger-guided tours, and national park film screenings.
To explore these national parks in Maine further, keep reading!
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Table of Contents
Map of Maine National Parks
Complete List of National Parks in Maine
You can explore Acadia National Park’s beautiful mountains, lakes, and beaches. You could hike through the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is a great place to see moose, deer, eagles, and other wildlife. And Saint Croix Island International Historic Site is an excellent way to learn about the French colonization of North America.
No matter what your interests are there’s something for everyone at one of the national parks in Maine!
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park was the first national park established east of the Mississippi River. Today the national park is home to rolling green mountains as well as much of Acadia National Park’s famous coastline featuring rocky beaches, majestic cliffs, and secluded coves.
The national park has over 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 additional carriage roads. These are great for biking, walking, and horseback riding. There are so many ways for visitors to explore Acadia National Park’s pristine beauty.
The national park is also home to the highest peak on the eastern seaboard, Cadillac Mountain, at an elevation of 1,430 feet above sea level.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Ranger programs, birdwatching, rock climbing, hiking, boating, horseback riding, cycling, stargazing
Park Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle, $25/motorcycle, or $15 per individual (valid for 7 days)
Where to Stay: Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, Acadia Hotel, Holiday Inn, Ivy Manor Inn
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (207) 288-3338
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Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The Appalachian Trail is one of the longest hiking trails in the world, stretching over 2,200 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Katahdin in Maine. This national scenic trail crosses 14 states and boasts some incredible natural scenery along the way.
There are many highlights for hikers along the way, but the portion of the trail that runs through Maine is often regarded as unique. After hiking through the 100 Mile Wilderness, one of the most remote locations in the continental United States, you hike across Maine’s beautiful Baxter State Park as you make a final ascent to the summit of Katahdin.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Hiking
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Pamola Motor Lodge, Katahdin Inn & Suites, Baxter Park Inn, Hotel Terrace
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (304) 535-6278
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Located near Baxter State Park, Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument is home to over 100 miles of hiking trails with spectacular views throughout the year.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is also located near Millinocket and Moosehead Lake. The park offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing/kayaking, cycling, mountain biking, fishing, and swimming.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Stargazing, hiking, scenic drives, winter activities
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Pamola Motor Lodge, Katahdin Inn & Suites, Baxter Park Inn, Hotel Terrace
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (207) 456-6001
Saint Croix Island International Historic Site
Saint Croix Island is home to the oldest permanent settlement in New England. Visitors can travel back to 1604 and learn about French Acadia through exhibits, ranger-guided tours, and national park film screenings.
There is a small hiking trail to walk in which you’ll learn all about the history of the area.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Birdwatching, museum, walking, paddling
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Calais Crossing Bed & Breakfast
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (207) 454-3871
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We hope you enjoyed learning about the national parks in Maine. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments or shoot us an email.
