The Maine Society Blog

Maine Society Jul 29, 2026

Map of Maine Islands: Ferry, Day-Trip & Camping Guide

Choose a Maine island by region and access: Portland ferries, Midcoast boat trips, Penobscot communities, remote Acadia, hiking, and island camping.

Camping Near Portland, Maine: Every Campground, by Drive Time

The campgrounds worth knowing within an hour of Portland, sorted by drive time (ocean, lake, resort, or quiet state park), and the honest limits of camping this close to the city.

Climbing Katahdin: Which Trail to Take (Complete Guide)

Six trails reach Katahdin's Baxter Peak, and the wrong one ruins the day. A route chooser with real distances, the 7 a.m. permit rule, and how to skip the Knife Edge.

Free Camping in Maine: Where It's Really Free (and Where It Isn't)

Maine has real free camping, but less than the West, and the best of it sits behind logging-road gate fees. Here's what's actually free, sorted by who controls the gate.

Maine Beach Towns: How to Pick the Right One to Base Your Trip

Ten Maine beach towns from York to Bar Harbor, compared by beach type, parking cost, family fit, and crowds, to help you pick where to base your coast trip.

Maine Society Jun 17, 2026

Oceanfront Campgrounds in Maine: 14 Places to Camp on the Coast

Where to camp on the ocean in Maine. Fourteen oceanfront campgrounds from the southern beaches to the Downeast headlands, sorted by region with real notes on water, sites, and booking.

The Best Canoe Trips in Maine: 6 Routes from a Day to Two Weeks

The six canoe trips worth planning a Maine vacation around, from the legendary Allagash to a beginner-friendly day float, with honest notes on length and difficulty.

The Best Hikes in Maine: 14 Trails from Acadia to Katahdin

The definitive overview of hiking in Maine. The 14 trails worth planning a trip around, organized by region, from Acadia to Katahdin to easy family walks.

Stargazing in Maine: Dark Sky Parks, Best Spots, and When to Go

A practical guide to stargazing in Maine: the two International Dark Sky places, the best coastal and north-woods spots, ideal months and moon phases, and gear.

Oceanfront Camping in Midcoast Maine: 8 Campgrounds on the Water

Where to camp on the water in midcoast Maine. Eight coastal and oceanfront campgrounds, from tent-only peninsulas to a boat-access island, by location and vibe.

Maine Society Jun 15, 2026

Packing List

What to Pack for Camping in Maine: Complete Checklist

Everything you need for camping in Maine, organized by category. Covers shelter, cooking, clothing layers, black flies, bears, firewood rules, and kids gear.

Maine Society Jun 15, 2026

Where to See Puffins in Maine: Islands, Tours, and When to Go

Compare Maine's one landing tour, Eastern Egg Rock cruises, and Bar Harbor trips, with honest 2026 booking advice and the best weeks for seeing puffins.

Packing List

Maine Beach Day Packing List: What to Actually Bring

Maine beaches are not tropical beaches. The water is cold, mornings start foggy, and many beaches have no concessions. Here is what locals actually pack for a full beach day.

Maine Family Campgrounds with Cabin Rentals

Nine Maine family campgrounds with cabin, cottage, or glamping rentals, organized into oceanside and lakeside picks plus the closest bases to Acadia. Booking notes included.

Permethrin in Maine: How to Tick-Proof Your Clothes the Way Guides Do

Maine game wardens wear permethrin-treated uniforms for a reason. Here is how to treat your own hiking clothes, what permethrin actually does to ticks, and the mistakes to avoid.

Sea Kayaking the Maine Coast: Best Destinations

Nine sea kayaking destinations on the Maine coast with realistic skill levels, launch hints, tide and fog cautions, and the cold water basics every paddler needs.

Gear Guide

Best Gifts for Maine Hikers and Outdoor Lovers

Tested gift picks for Maine hikers and outdoor lovers, by price range. Stocking stuffers, mid-range standouts, and a few splurge gifts that earn their place in a Maine kit.

Camping with Toddlers in Maine: What I Wish I'd Known

Real-world advice for camping with toddlers in Maine, from a parent who has done it badly and then less badly. Campground picks, gear, sleep tactics, and the lessons learned.

Hiking with Kids in Maine: A Survival Guide for Real Trails

Tested trail picks, gear, snacks, and survival tactics for hiking with kids in Maine. Honest advice from parents who have hiked these trails with toddlers, six-year-olds, and tired tweens.

Best Kid-Friendly Hikes in Acadia National Park (Tested with Real Kids)

Nine Acadia trails that work for kids from toddlers to tweens. Tide pools, gentle summits, lake paths, and the trails to skip until the kids are older.

Complete Dog-Friendly Guide to Acadia National Park

A complete guide to bringing your dog to Acadia National Park: allowed trails, restricted trails, leash rules, beaches, boarding, and restaurants.

Maine Mud Season Guide: When to Hike and When to Wait

A practical guide to Maine's mud season: trail closures, low-elevation alternatives, gear for wet conditions, and when the blackflies arrive.

A Weekend at Moosehead Lake: 3-Day Itinerary

Three-day Moosehead Lake itinerary covering Borestone Mountain, Mt Kineo, Gulf Hagas, the SS Katahdin, and where to spot moose near Greenville.

15 Things to Do in Bar Harbor When It Rains

Fifteen things to do in Bar Harbor when it rains, from Abbe Museum and Atlantic Brewing to whale watching and Jordan Pond House.

Acadia National Park: The First-Timer's Complete Guide

The comprehensive first-timer's guide to Acadia National Park: passes, timing, must-dos, lodging, food, and 1-day through 3-day itineraries.

15 Best Fall Foliage Hikes in Maine (Peak Color Guide)

Fifteen hikes across Maine that deliver the best fall foliage views, with peak color timing from north to south through October.

Best Hikes in Maine's Western Mountains: A Local's Guide

A local's guide to the best western Maine hikes, from Tumbledown Mountain's alpine pond to the exposed ridgeline of the Bigelow Range. Includes difficulty, distance, and honest trail notes.

10 Hidden Waterfalls in Maine Most People Don't Know About

Ten lesser-known Maine waterfalls that rarely appear in guidebooks. Directions, trail difficulty, and the best time to visit each one.

A Beach Lover's Guide to Kennebunk & Kennebunkport Beaches

Every beach in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, with honest notes on parking, crowds, tides, and the best time to visit each one.

Maine Hiking for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know

Everything beginners need to know about hiking in Maine: gear, seasons, bugs, difficulty ratings, and the 10 best trails to start with.

Maine's Best State and National Parks: The Complete Guide

Every major state and national park in Maine, from Acadia to Baxter to the quiet gems most people never visit. What to do, when to go, and honest opinions on each.

25 Best Things to Do in Midcoast Maine

Our guide to the 25 best things to do in Midcoast Maine, covering Camden, Rockland, Rockport, Belfast, and Thomaston. Hiking, kayaking, food, and more.

12 Remote Camping Spots in Maine's Deep Wilderness

A guide to 12 truly remote camping spots in Maine's backcountry. Primitive sites, backcountry ponds, and wilderness areas where solitude is guaranteed.

Sebago Lake: Swimming, Boating & Beach Guide

Everything you need for a day or weekend at Sebago Lake, the best beaches, boat launches, fishing spots, and nearby hikes. Plus the Songo River and day trip ideas from Portland.

Best Beaches in Maine for Families: Where to Swim, Play & Explore

Maine's 10 best family beaches, warm water, gentle waves, tide pools, playgrounds, and room for sandcastles, from York to Acadia.

12 Best Hikes Near Portland Maine (Within an Hour)

Twelve great hikes within an hour of Portland, ocean cliffs, mountain summits, and forest trails for every skill level, no long drive required.

Best Kayaking Spots in Maine: Lakes, Rivers & Coast

The best kayaking spots in Maine for all skill levels, calm lakes, scenic rivers, and rugged sea kayaking along the coast.

7 Best Scenic Drives in Maine You Have to Take

Seven spectacular scenic drives across Maine, from the Acadia Park Loop to the Rangeley Lakes, with the best stops, viewpoints, and detours.

Best Tide Pooling Spots on the Maine Coast

Maine's best tide pooling spots from York to Downeast, where to find sea stars, crabs, periwinkles, and anemones along the rocky coast.

Best Time to Visit Acadia National Park: Month-by-Month Guide

A month-by-month guide to visiting Acadia National Park, when to go for fall foliage, empty trails, warm swimming, sunrise on Cadillac, and more.

Camping Near Acadia: 8 Best Campgrounds Inside & Outside the Park

The 8 best campgrounds in and near Acadia National Park, compared by price, crowds, and proximity to the best trails and beaches.

Maine Backpacking Guide: 7 Best Multi-Day Routes

Seven of the best multi-day backpacking routes in Maine, from weekend overnights in Baxter to a week on the 100-Mile Wilderness.

Maine Fishing Guide: Best Spots for Trout, Bass & Salmon

A practical guide to fishing in Maine, the best lakes, rivers, and streams for brook trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass, plus gear that works.

10 Romantic Outdoor Getaways in Maine for Couples

Ten unforgettable outdoor experiences in Maine for couples, sunset summits, lakeside paddles, lighthouse walks, and wild coast camping.

How to Avoid Ticks While Hiking in Maine: Complete Prevention Guide

Everything you need to know about tick prevention on Maine trails. Pre-hike prep, on-trail habits, post-hike protocols, tick ID, safe removal, and when to get medical help.

Best Bug-Free Hikes in Maine: Where to Go When the Bugs Are Bad

Where to hike in Maine when bugs are at their worst. Exposed summits, coastal cliffs, and windy ridgelines that stay relatively bug-free all season.

How to Camp in Maine During Bug Season Without Losing Your Mind

How to camp comfortably during Maine's bug season. Covers campsite selection, tent setup, dusk strategies, and essential gear for ticks, blackflies, and mosquitoes.

How to Deal with Mosquitoes in Maine: A Practical Guide

A practical guide to dealing with Maine mosquitoes while camping and hiking, with timing, location tips, and the layered protection system that works.

Deer Ticks in Maine: Identification, Diseases, and How to Protect Yourself

A Maine hiker's field guide to deer ticks: how to tell a nymph from an adult, the diseases they carry, how to submit a tick to the UMaine Tick Lab, and how to protect yourself.

Lyme Disease in Maine: What Every Hiker Needs to Know

Practical guide to Lyme disease for Maine hikers. Covers transmission, symptoms, treatment, testing, and why early detection changes everything.

Maine Bug Season Calendar: Month-by-Month Guide for Hikers

The complete month-by-month breakdown of Maine's biting insects. When ticks, blackflies, mosquitoes, and deer flies peak, and what to pack for each window.

Protecting Your Dog from Ticks on Maine Trails

A complete guide to keeping your dog safe from ticks on Maine trails. Prevention, on-trail habits, the post-hike tick check, and signs of tick-borne illness.

The Worst Maine Hiking Trails for Blackflies (And How to Survive Them)

A ranked guide to Maine's worst blackfly trails with proven survival tactics, gear picks, and the best timing to dodge peak season entirely.

3 Days in Acadia National Park: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Three days is the sweet spot for Acadia. Hit the icons, escape the crowds, and still have time to slow down. A real itinerary, not a checklist.

Acadia National Park Alternatives: 10 Less-Crowded Maine Wilderness Spots

Ten less-crowded Maine wilderness areas that match what people love about Acadia. Dramatic coast, granite peaks, deep forest, and real solitude, from Schoodic to the 100-Mile Wilderness.

comparison

Acadia vs Baxter State Park: Which Maine Park Is Right for You?

Acadia and Baxter are both Maine crown jewels but completely different parks. A real comparison: who should pick which, and why it matters.

15 Best Day Trips from Portland, Maine: An Outdoor Lover's Guide

A local guide to 15 outdoor day trips within 90 minutes of Portland. Beaches, hikes, lakes, and lighthouses with realistic drive times and what to expect.

Best Family Camping in Maine: 12 Campgrounds Kids Actually Love

Family camping in Maine done right. The 12 campgrounds with the best combination of kid amenities, water access, and nearby attractions, by region.

Best Swimming Holes in Maine: Waterfalls & Hidden Spots Locals Love

A local guide to Maine's best swimming holes. Waterfall plunge pools, granite river gorges, and hidden spots with honest notes on depth, crowds, and effort.

Best Waterfalls in Maine: The Complete Guide by Region

Maine's waterfalls cluster in specific regions. This is the complete guide by geography: Western Mountains, Aroostook, Moosehead, Downeast, and Southern Maine. 33+ falls with honest notes.

Cadillac Mountain Sunrise: The Reservation and Visitor Guide

How to see sunrise on Cadillac Mountain: the reservation system, off-season access, timing by month, what to bring, and where to go if it is sold out.

50+ Free Things to Do Outdoors in Maine (Every Region Covered)

A practical guide to more than 50 free outdoor spots in Maine, organized by category. Real picks, real access info, no padding.

Maine's 4000-Footers: Climbing the 14 High Peaks

Maine has 14 peaks over 4000 feet on the AMC list. This is how they split up geographically, how hard each is, and how to work through them as a peak-bagging project.

The Maine Coast Road Trip: Route 1 from Kittery to Lubec

A local guide to driving US Route 1 up the Maine coast. Five segments from Kittery to Lubec with specific stops, realistic drive times, and honest takes on where to linger.

The Ultimate Maine Fall Foliage Road Trip: 7 Scenic Drives

Seven scenic drives for Maine fall foliage, from Rangeley's Height of Land to the Acadia Loop Road, with peak timing and practical tips for each route.

Maine Lighthouse Road Trip: 12 Iconic Lights from Kittery to Lubec

Drive the Maine coast and see 12 classic lighthouses, from Nubble in York to West Quoddy in Lubec. Real visitor info, not guidebook fluff.

Maine Outdoor Bucket List: 30 Adventures You Can Only Have Here

A real Maine bucket list built by locals: coast, summits, swimming, wildlife, and wilderness. Thirty things worth doing, with the season and the story behind each.

Things to Do in Maine in Winter: 15 Outdoor Adventures Beyond the Ski Resorts

Fifteen winter activities in Maine that are not lift-served skiing. From Acadia carriage roads on snowshoes to ice fishing on Sebago. With gear, regions, and timing.

A Weekend in Bar Harbor: 48 Hours Beyond Acadia

Bar Harbor in 48 hours. Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, with hikes, restaurants, the Island Explorer shuttle, and the quiet side most visitors miss.

Western Mountains of Maine: Complete Outdoor Guide

Maine's Western Mountains have the state's biggest peaks, deepest lakes, and most waterfalls. Here is the full regional guide by a writer who has hiked, paddled, and driven all of it.

Where to See Moose in Maine: Places, Timing & Access

Start with northern or western Maine. Compare eight areas, choose a manageable outing, and know what to check before setting out.

10 Best Easy Hikes in Maine for Beginners and Families

Our favorite easy hikes in Maine for beginners and families. From the Ocean Path in Acadia to Mackworth Island in Portland, these trails deliver big scenery with minimal effort.

12 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park (Ranked by Locals)

Local picks for the 12 best Acadia hikes, from iron rung scrambles on the Beehive to peaceful shoreline walks. Includes difficulty, distance, and tips.

15 Best Lakes in Maine for Swimming

Our guide to the 15 best lakes in Maine for swimming. Includes sandy beach info, water clarity, crowd levels, and directions for each lake. From popular Sebago to little-known lakes up north.

Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine: Where to Take Your Pup

Our guide to the best dog-friendly hiking trails in Maine. Includes leash policies, water access, terrain difficulty, and tips for hiking safely with your dog.

Packing List

What to Pack for Acadia National Park: Complete Checklist

Everything you need to pack for Acadia National Park, organized by category. Covers hiking gear, clothing layers, beach essentials, bug protection, and the items most visitors forget.