The scenic state of Maine is tucked away in the northeastern corner of New England. Spectacular forests, impressive mountains, and the rugged coastline makes this state extremely popular with vacationers year-round. Nearby most Maine vacation rentals are numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, water sports, winter sports, and wildlife observation. Here are the top things to do in Maine during each season.
Visiting Maine in the Summer
Summer weather in Maine is ideal. It’s warmer and drier than other seasons, but it’s pleasantly cooler than most of the rest of the United States. What to pack includes light, comfortable clothing. The inland forests have innumerable hiking trails, and Mountain Guide Service in New Vineyard offers guided day hikes to help you explore them. Another popular activity is cycling. Summer Feet Cycling in Portland offers bicycle rentals through its EnCYCLEpedia Shop and advice on self-guided itineraries or expert guides to lead you around Portland and other locations in Maine. Horseback riding is another great way to explore Maine, and Carousel Horse Farm Trail Rides provides excursions on its 5,000-acre property, or brings the horses to you if you want to ride on public parklands. For an unforgettable thrill, try whitewater rafting on a churning Maine river. Northeast Whitewater out of Shirley Mills gives you various levels of rafting adventure that vary from easy family-friendly floats to adrenaline-pumping action.
Summer weather provides the perfect conditions to observe wildlife. Northeast Whitewater Maine Moose Watching takes you up close to these enormous and enigmatic beasts and also gives you a chance to observe deer, eagles, and other wildlife. For a look at the largest animals on Earth, take a Bar Harbor Whale Watching Tour and observe humpbacks, finbacks, porpoises, dolphins, and other marine mammals in their natural habitats. Maine is renowned for its many historic coastal lighthouses. The most famous is Portland Head Light, which also has a museum and gift shop in the former keeper’s quarters. The yearly Old Port Festival that takes place each June in downtown Portland features a parade, live music, arts and crafts, and children’s activities. The Maine Lobster Festival, which happens every year for several days in early August in Rockland, includes seafood cooking contests, a 10K footrace, and plenty of lobster for everyone.
Visiting Maine in the Fall
The weather cools down quickly during the early fall months in Maine. Pack layers of clothing so you’re prepared for temperature changes. In fall, the foliage around Maine bursts out into a lovely riot of red, orange, and yellow colors. If you enjoy photography, join Coastal Maine Photo Tours out of Rockland for the Fall Foliage Photo Adventure. The expert guide leads to choice visual locations and provides tips on lighting, perspective, texture, and scale. Apples are in season in autumn, so head to Hope Orchards in the town of Hope or Lakeside Orchards in Manchester to pick your own fruit. Fall is a great time for museum hopping. The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath gives a fascinating look at local seafaring culture and history. The Maine State Museum in Augusta offers a more comprehensive look at various facets of the region.
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Visiting Maine in the Winter
During the winter months, the temperatures in Maine drop below freezing, providing numerous opportunities for winter sports near Maine vacation rentals. Pack warm clothes, hats, gloves, and boots. For downhill skiing and snowboarding, head for Shawnee Peak Ski Area in Bridgton. Carter’s X-C Ski Center in Bethel outfits you for cross-country skiing and offers guidance about the best places to go. At the New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket, rent snowshoes or snowmobiles and explore nearby Baxter State Park. For a unique and unforgettable winter adventure, join a dogsled tour with Maine Dogsledding Adventures out of Millinocket. Northwoods Outfitters in Greenville provide the ultimate winter fishing experience with its guided Maine ice fishing trips.
Visiting Maine in the Spring
In spring, the winter chill begins to lift, but you still need to pack warm clothes. Beautiful wildflowers bloom in meadows and gardens. Tour the miles of trails at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay for a look at breathtakingly beautiful spring growth. The rivers and streams are full from snowmelt, and spring is a great time to explore them in a small watercraft. Sunrise Canoe and Kayak in Machias rents you the equipment you need to strike out on your own and offers river tours with expert guides if you want some help. Spring is also an ideal time to take advantage of good fishing opportunities. Maine Outdoors out of Union offers fishing trips with expert guides to help you angle for bass, pike, and trout in the rivers, streams, and lakes of Maine.
When Is The Best Time to Visit Maine?
In Maine, every season has unique attractions. Fall offers gorgeous foliage and orchards ripe with fruit. Winter gives you exciting activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. In spring, you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. However, the best time to visit Maine is summer, when the weather is warm, the sky is clear, and recreational opportunities are abundant.
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