Maine is a fabulous year-round location for vacations. The Appalachian Mountains run along Maine’s northwestern border with Canada, and its southern border comprises coastline dotted with iconic lighthouses. In between, lies a land of lush mountainous wilderness areas with numerous rivers and lakes. Choose a cabin in a waterfront location to enjoy endless days of kayaking, swimming, and fishing. A log cabin deep in the woods can offer hiking in summer and ski-in ski-out in winter. Book a place near a historic city such as Portland, for award-winning restaurants and fine museums as well as gorgeous beaches. Here are some of the popular places for Maine cabin rentals.
1. Portland
The vibrant, historic city of Portland is considered the state’s culinary capital. With a cabin rental in or around Portland, you can combine fabulous dining opportunities and excellent shopping with a host of outdoor adventures. Spend lazy days at the beach, building sandcastles, and splashing in and out of the waves. Enjoy hiking or biking the trails and getting out onto the water for a spot of wildlife watching. In cooler weather, get a cultural kick from visiting the historic lighthouses, famous homes, museums, and galleries that abound in the city.
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2. Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island in Frenchman’s Bay is a great vacation location for outdoor enthusiasts. With easy access to water from your log cabin, you can take a kayaking trip around the coastline to spot seals and sea birds or go out on one of the many whale watching trips that leave from the harbor. This area is also the gateway to the 120 miles of hiking and mountain trails and the ski slopes of Acadia National Park. If you and your family enjoy swimming, the park has two beaches with life guards: Sand Beach for ocean swimming where water temperatures rarely move above a brisk 55 degrees and Echo Lake Beach for warmer, freshwater dips.
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3. Rangeley
Rangeley is a year-round paradise for families that love outdoor life. Set within the western Maine mountains and studded with serene lakes, this magical area attracts returning visitors year after year. Imagine waking up in your waterfront log cabin and sipping coffee on the deck while the family’s anglers drop a fishing line from your own dock or beach. Pack a picnic and set off on the hiking trails past waterfalls and through meadows of wildflowers, or take a kayaking trip out on the water. In winter, Saddleback Ski Area offers 66 alpine ski trails to suit all ability levels as well as snowboarding and snowshoeing.
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4. Wells
Wells, located right in the middle of Maine’s south coast, offers six miles of coastline with estuaries and long stretches of beautiful sand, making it an ideal vacation home for beach loving families. Choose a cabin rental with direct access to the beach to spend days relaxing on the sand while the kids search for shells and build sandcastles or try paddle boarding. The area sports numerous paths for hiking and biking. It is home to the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Preserve which offers year-round opportunities to spot wildlife. If you want a break from cooking in your vacation rental, Wells offers family-friendly restaurants, lobster and clam shacks, and some superb fine dining.
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5. Greenville
The small town of Greenville sits on the shores of Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake. Take a waterfront cabin and enjoy direct access to boating, kayaking, and fishing. In summer when the water temperature reaches the 70s, the kids can enjoy swimming. When the lake freezes over in winter, there are plenty of opportunities for ice skating, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. Keep a lookout for moose when you’re out on the hiking trails. Increase your chances of spotting these and other wildlife, such as deer, rabbits, and beaver, by taking an official tour with a registered Maine guide who knows the best places to go.
6. Jackman
The Jackman-Moose River Valley is a popular year-round vacation destination. Located just 20 minutes from the Canadian border, the tiny town of Jackson is surrounded by numerous lakes, ponds, and stream as well as an extensive trail network. Enjoy snowmobiling and snowshoeing excursions in winter and mountain biking, moose safaris, and hiking in summer. For added thrills, try whitewater rafting on the Kennebec River. A cozy cabin rental up in the mountains or a lakeside location gives you a relaxing retreat amidst stunning scenery.
7. Millinocket
A lakeside or backwoods log cabin in Millinocket provides a superb base for visiting Baxter State Park and the surrounding wilderness. Hike up magnificent mile-high Mount Katahdin to the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. During summer months, outdoor pursuits include whitewater rafting on the Penobscot River, fishing for salmon, trout, and bass, and wildlife tours in search of moose and other animals. In colder months, venture out along a choice of 350 miles of groomed trails for some cross-country skiing or snowmobiling fun.
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