www.northmainewoods.org/gulfhagas
Found in the 100-mile wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail, Gulf Hagas is known as the Grand Canyon of the East. You’ll understand why when you see the towering rock walls, the network of trails and the series of waterfalls that plunge as much as 500 feet past the rock formations. The three-mile-long gorge is home to the Pleasant River, and attracts both serious hikers – you’ll likely meet some AT thru hikers – and day-trippers admiring the falls. Your way in is past the Katahdin Iron Works, a state historic site dating to 1845.
Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

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Located 12 miles off the coast, Monhegan Island is accessible by ferry from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor and Port Clyde. Visit to walk the cliffs, view the lighthouses, chat with the islanders and observe the artists at work. Adjacent Manana Island is part of Monhegan Harbor.
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Sit on sand and gaze out to sea or sit on grass and take in the sights of Crescent Beach State Park. Sunsets are inspiring here and those relaxing can often watch local paddleboarders easing along atop the water.
Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

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The impressive lighthouse was selected by residents to represent Maine in the 50 State Quarters Program and is one of the most photographed on the Maine coast. The scenic landscape of the park includes exposed bedrock stretching to the sea and visitors can lounge on the rocks with the Atlantic below.
John Patriquin/Staff Photographer

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Packing for the trek to this mountain summit should include swimming attire as the bonus of tackling Tumbledown is a dip in chilly pond, which sits just below the summit. Tumbledown offers views of cliff faces, bald ridges and closely-clustered peaks including Parker Ridge and Little Jackson. But the pond is the big draw and it’s easy to linger near its edge, admiring where you are and how you got there.
Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer

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The hike to Table Rock, a granite ledge overlook, is short but challenging, and the views of Grafton Notch State Park are amazing. The park, located near Newry, contains 12 of the toughest miles of the Appalachian Trail and is a favorite destination of birdwatchers.
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For a great view of the sandy beach and dunes, walk to neighboring Fox Island at low tide. Popham is bordered by both the Kennebec and Morse rivers and, in addition to Fox, Wood Island can also be seen from the shore. A stroll along the edge of the Atlantic may result in a treasure trove of shells and sand dollars.
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Forty-one acres of rocky headlands make up the Cape Elizabeth park where rolling surf combines with sweeping views of Casco Bay and the Atlantic beyond. Stroll the small beach area or through the grasses atop the cliffs or climb along the rocks with a lighthouse in view.
Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

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Already one of the country’s most distinguished botanical destinations, CMBG is still a youngster after opening in 2007. New elements are added each year and blooms are present nearly until the snow flies. With trails and forests included in the layout, the non-profit is open year-round. The winter Gardens Aglow event is a must-see.
Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer