Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park looms large and clear over Daicey Pond in July.

Nothing tastes better than a campfire meal of marinated swordfish, asparagus and potatoes, especially after driving for hours and landing at a wilderness campsite outside Rangeley.

Sometimes the Maine outdoors – and the people – surprise you. Thanks to the campers who stayed at our wilderness camp site outside Rangeley the night before, this beautiful wild bouquet greeted us upon our arrival.

Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth can feel very remote if you get it to yourself at sunset. For those of us who live in Maine, this is not hard to do.

Just an hour and a half north of Portland, Pleasant Mountain in Denmark gives far-reaching views to the White Mountains, and a quiet retreat during the week.