2025's 8 Most Scenic Maine Towns
Maine has long been a destination for outdoorsmen and nature lovers drawn to its expansive woodlands, shimmering lakes, and peaceful countryside. From rolling hillsides bursting with color in the fall to snowshoeing scenic trails through magical winter woods and challenging mountain climbs to reach unmatched vistas to fishing or paddling the serene lakes and ponds, Maine’s beauty is undeniable. Whether you are planning a restorative day trip, want to reconnect with nature over a peaceful weekend, or are ready to spend a week of discovery, here are 2025’s eight most scenic Maine towns.
Rangeley
The Rangeley Lakes region in Maine is home to shimmering waters and breathtaking mountain ranges. Sitting on the shores of Lake Rangeley, the town delivers pristine views of the water and surrounding forests with the Saddleback Mountains rising in the background. There are many spots on the shore to enjoy the scenic views of the lake. However, the calm waters beckon canoers and kayakers to paddle the lake and experience its beauty firsthand. Rangeley Lake State Park offers hiking trails covering nearly 900 acres, including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail along Saddleback Mountain. Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway is breathtaking when the park and surrounding area are brilliant with fall colors.
The Height of Land, a scenic overlook on Route 17, overlooks the fourth largest lake in Maine, Mooselookmeguntic Lake, as well as Toothaker and Students islands. Although even misty days offer expansive views, on a clear day you can see the White Mountains to the west, Saddleback Mountains to the east, and Rangeley and Cupsuptic lakes. It is not only thought to be one of New England’s best views but also a popular spot to take in the sunset at dusk.
Millinocket
Millinocket’s vast network of lakes and extensive trail systems offer recreational opportunities for every season. When it comes to scenic towns, Millinocket has bragging rights as the gateway to National Geographic’s World’s Best Hike at Mount Katahdin. However, it is also a gateway to some of the country’s most exhilarating natural experiences and magnificent scenery. So, where to begin? The Allagash Wilderness Waterway takes you through the lakes and ponds of Maine’s northwest forests. Canoeists and kayakers find peace on the tranquil waters, where mile after mile reveals new natural wonders and ample opportunities for anglers to snag native brook trout, lake trout, and lake whitefish.
Baxter State Park is home to the award-winning Mount Katahdin Trail. However, these challenging hikes are not for everyone. With each of the 10 trails more strenuous than the next, the Chimney Pond Trail is the only one listed as moderate. The gradual incline takes you to views of tranquil Bason Pond and the peaks of Pamola, Baxter, and Hamlin. Rest assured your efforts will be rewarded.
For an easier option, the River Pond Nature Trail is a series of mostly flat paths offering expansive views from Moose Point. To say the distant picture of River Pond and Mount Katahdin is breathtaking is an understatement. The West Branch of the Penobscot River is an outdoorsmen’s destination known for its wild brook trout and landlocked salmon fishing. The rugged beauty of the rocky river, cascading white water, and pristine forest are broken up by larger calm pools offering unmatched scenery to soothe the soul.
Bar Harbor
The coastal town of Bar Harbor sits on Mount Desert Island overlooking Frenchman Bay. The town is named after the sandbar connecting Mount Desert Island to Bar Island. Visitors enjoy the rare experience of walking across the gravel sandbar at low tide and hiking to the island’s highest point for exceptional views of Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay.
Scenic Acadia National Park covers over 49,000 acres and boasts the highest rocky headlands on America’s Atlantic coastline. That can make for some outstanding views. The park is very accessible via the Park Loop Road, a scenic route traveling along the Island’s east side. The loop’s first stop offers expansive views at Frenchman Bay Overlook, where the bay’s Porcupine Islands and Schoodic Peninsula are in full sight and Egg Rock looms in the distance. The loop winds up the spectacular Cadillac Mountain to the summit. However, you can also hike up the mountain via the South Ridge Trail. The mountain is crowded with visitors at dawn waiting with bated breath to capture the first glimpse of the earliest sunrise in the country.
Walk the coastline on Ocean Path, where the awe-inspiring cliffs and massive granite slabs make a dramatic contrast against the blue ocean and white-capped waves. Take the steps down to Thunder Hole to feel the power of the waves crashing against the rocky inlet. A small cavern creates a thunderous sound from the force of the ocean waves. The trail ends at Otter Cliff, sitting 110 feet above the ocean overlooking massive boulders to the north.
Camden
Camden is a mid-coast town on Penobscot Bay in an idyllic spot where the mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean. The whimsical sailboats in the bay sway with the breeze, competing with the serene Camden Hills and stunning panoramas in all directions. The pastoral hills of Camden are part of Camden Hills State Park, where majestic Mount Megunticook towers over the countryside. As the highest peak in Camden Hills and the mainland, it is quite striking, especially when the hills are afire with autumnal color. The mountain offers pristine views of Lake Megunticook and can be reached via the moderate Megunticook Trail, or you can challenge yourself on the more strenuous Ridge Trail.
Megunticook Lake is connected to Norton Pond, where avid fishing enthusiasts spend hours on the spring-fed waters. Notable sights while paddling the lake include Fernalds Neck Nature Conservancy and the rugged Maidens Cliff on Mount Megunticook. Mount Battie offers unmatched views of the town and the islands specking Penobscot Bay. When conditions are just right, you can see as far as Cadillac Mountain. While the Nature trail leading to the summit is not overly challenging, the scenic Mount Battie Auto Road is accessible for everyone. It is also a wonderful leaf-peeping trail in the fall.
However, you do not have to visit Camden Hills State Park to appreciate Camden’s coastal beauty. The town’s many overlooks offer front-row seats to some of the area’s quaintest ocean views, including the inner and outer harbors at Bay Road Overlook, Sherman’s Cove at Harbor Road Overlook, and Penobscot Bay from Eaton Avenue Overlook, to name a few.
Cape Elizabeth
Cape Elizabeth forms the entrance to Casco Bay on the southern shores of Maine. Home to Crescent Beach, Kettle Beach, and Two Lights State Parks, there is no shortage of sandy beaches, rocky shores, and quiet coves to explore. Crescent Beach’s grassy dunes are one of the prettiest sites in the park, studding the sandy mounds with a mix of various sea grasses interspersed with patches of red raspberries and bristly gooseberries. Fragrant herbs and charming beach heather are also common to the beaches. During breeding season, sweet least terns and piping plovers seek shelter in the dune grasslands. Of course, the mesmerizing ocean views from the sandy beach are spectacular.
Neighboring park, Kettle Cove, is known for its sunsets and perfectly positioned rocks that seem intentionally placed to take in Crescent Beach State Park across the cove. Two Lights State Park’s rocky headlands overlook the churning surf and Casco Bay. The shoreline trails afford exceptional views of ships arriving at Portland Harbor. Not to be outdone, Fort Williams Park’s Cliff Walk is an easy hike along the rocky coast where the beauty of nature contrasts against the park’s historic batteries and headlights. On a clear day, the brilliant bay dotted with islands stands out in comparison.
Wildlife encounters await along Trundy Point Trail, where the undeveloped rocky headlands offer the perfect habitat for uncommon seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills, and long-tailed and harlequin ducks. The short trail traverses the beach, takes you across bluffs, and arrives at a rocky outcrop where you can take in the sprawling views of Casco Bay. A web of inland trails takes you through diverse landscapes, including Winnick Woods’ bridges and boardwalks winding through scenic woodlands, meadows, ponds, and wetlands.
Elliottsville
Elliottsville is located in central Maine’s Piscataquis County and is home to Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary. Here the diverse natural features range from rare old forest growth to crystalline ponds and exposed granite crags to sweeping views of the southern tip of Maine’s Hundred Mile Wilderness region. The expansive uncut forest creates a unique birdwatching experience, including Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Red-breasted Nuthatches, and ten warbler species. As you hike the trails, Common Ravens and Turkey Vultures create a dramatic picture soaring above the mountainous summits, and Peregrine Falcons might make a cliffside appearance.
The three spring-fed ponds also offer opportunities to spot beavers and otters. The quiet forests often echo with the haunting call of loons or the cheerful sounds of bullfrogs. Summit Trail travels along Sunrise Pond before a steep ascent through spruce trees. The trail includes 130 stone steps and exposed rock sections with handrails and iron rungs to offer support. It is definitely not a hike for everyone. The views from the first lookout at West Peak entice hikers to push further to reach the East Peak’s spellbinding 360-degree views of the ponds, peaceful forests, and distant mountains.
The township is close to the northerly section of the Appalachian Trail, where you can hike west to the first big peak along this stretch of 100-mile wilderness, Barren Mountain. Although the views at Barren Slide are vast, the views from an open ledge a little further along the trail are better. While the trail gets quite steep at this point, it evens out and heads to a side trail leading to Cloud Pond, where you can take a restorative swim. The trail to Little Wilson Falls is also noteworthy, following a slow incline along a stretch of Wilson Stream. The soothing sounds of cascading water over the rocks tempt you to slip off your shoes and dip your feet in the water or lie down on the cool rock and look up at the softly filtered sunlight coming through the trees.
Greenville
Greenville is known as the gateway to the North Maine Woods, sitting on the southern tip of the famed Moosehead Lake. As Maine’s largest lake, it spans 40 miles long and 20 miles wide, offering a peaceful fishing destination. Nearby, Mount Kineo’s 800-foot cliffs’ splendid peninsula juts into Moosehead Lake, offering hiking along well-maintained trails leading to stunning views of the lake and surrounding hills. Lily Bay State Park campers enjoy private campsites with tranquil lakefront views backing onto 925-acres of restful woodlands. The park's strollable Moosehead Lake shoreline trail offers unrivaled lake and woods scenery.
About 15-miles from town is Gulf Hagas, a magnificent slate gorge at the West Branch of the Pleasant River. Dubbed the Grand Canyon of Maine, the gorge’s three-mile rock wall looms above the rushing river. The challenging trail also features a series of cascading waterfalls, adding to the experience of this natural wonder.
Bridgton
Bridgton is located in the Lakes Region, where outdoor activities keep visitors of all abilities busy throughout the seasons. In the summer, visitors take to the cool waters and sandy beaches of the interconnected water system of Sebago Lake, Long Lake, and Brandy Pond. Kayakers and canoers share the parks with jet ski enthusiasts, which can feel a little crowded, so winter, spring, and fall visits might be best. Cross-country skiing along the immaculate trails at Five Fields Farm reconnects visitors with nature. Trek the backcountry of the serene apple orchards at an elevation of 850 feet, where the scenery of Mount Washington and its surroundings creates a picture-perfect wintry vision.
Take advantage of the pre- and post-summer calm along the endless trails of local parkland and preserves. Snowshoe Pleasant Mountain via Bald Peak Trail in the winter or stroll the leisurely loop of the Bald Pate Mountain trail to spot wildflowers in late spring. Leaf peepers might not find much relief from the area’s popularity, as autumn colors tend to attract crowds. While the easy trails at Holt Pond Preserve and Pondicherry Park offer ample opportunities to admire nature’s breathtaking display, you will not be alone!
In Summary
Winter, spring, summer, and fall—these eight scenic Maine towns offer unrivaled opportunities to discover the diverse scenery of this picturesque state. Maine downtime is anytime. From the peaks of Mount Katahdin to the trails along splendid shorelines and hillsides afire with fall colors to peaceful woodlands and wetlands, head out to discover the grandeur of New England’s majestic landscape today.
