8 Of The Quietest Maine Towns
Whenever you can use a quiet escape to a special place, you should look up to the picture-perfect state of Maine. A range of towns invite rest and relaxation here, with its Appalachian wilderness, remote islands, and elegant beaches. There’s the “biggest small town” of Millinocket that sits at the foot of the state’s tallest peak at Katahdin, and there’s the coastal wonderland of Lubec by the United States-Canada border. Folks can ascend to the rugged mountain wilderness at Carrabassett Valley, and they can enjoy an elevated atmosphere at the storied shores of Kennebunkport. And on the other end of Maine's Atlantic Coast, Bar Harbor opens up to the spectacular scenery of Acadia National Park.
Regardless of anyone’s preference for cool mountain peaks or splendid sandy beaches, Maine probably has the ideal place to enjoy just the right kind of quiet tranquility. With this in mind, here are our picks for eight of the quietest Maine towns.
Presque Isle
Presque Isle is a quiet village near Maine's northernmost reaches, making it oh-so-easy to get away from it all. For a curiously "out of this world" experience, it's worth driving along with the Maine Solar System Model, a project by the University of Maine at Presque Isle and the local community that's the largest scale model of the solar system in the Western hemisphere, stretching 100 miles along U.S. Route 1. Or, for anyone who wants to get more active in nature, there’s Aroostook State Park, a nearly 900-acre preserve where you can swim or paddle at Echo Lake, hike the trails up Quaggy Jo Mountain, and even do some cross-country skiing during the winter season.
In town, there’s plenty more to see and do at the University of Maine campus, including the Northern Maine Museum of Science and the Reed Art Gallery. After a long day exploring the area, retreat to the relaxing confines of The Northeastland Hotel, a wonderful locally-run hotel with simple yet well-appointed guest rooms and the delicious Rodney’s at 436 Main bar-restaurant on site.
Millinocket
High in the North Maine Woods, “Maine’s Biggest Small Town” of Millinocket combines the charm of a historic paper mill village with the big adventures of the state’s tallest mountain. A short drive north from town leads to Baxter State Park, the home of Maine’s highest peak at Katahdin (5,267 feet above sea level) and more than 200,000 acres of pristine mountain wilderness. Even better, this is also where hikers can catch the Appalachian Trail, which stretches about 2,200 miles from here to Springer Mountain in Georgia. And for plenty more opportunities to hike, bike, boat, paddle, and do more in the North Woods’ great outdoors, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is also nearby and protects another 87,500 acres of Appalachian wilderness to the east of the state park.
It’s easy to work up an appetite after a long day in the North Woods, and a simple return to town leads to The Sawmill Bar & Grill for classic American diner and pub fare. From there, it’s an easy drive out to 5 Lakes Lodge Bed & Breakfast, a gorgeous bed-and-breakfast on the shores of South Twin Lake with cozy and comfy chalet-style suites that sport incredible Katahdin views.
Lubec
Out by the shores of the Gulf of Maine lies Lubec, a place that invites visitors to settle down and enjoy the wondrous scenery at the northeasternmost corner of the US East Coast. Just across the United States-Canada border, Roosevelt Campobello International Park is an expansive nature preserve managed jointly by the U.S. National Park Service and Parks Canada. The park includes President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s longtime summer beach house and some 2,800 acres of beautiful coastal wilderness.
In addition, Lubec places travelers within easy reach of the gorgeous trails of Klondike Mountain, the colorful lighthouse and stunning coastal scenery at Quoddy Head State Park (which also contains the official easternmost point of the US mainland), and the campers’ paradise of Cobscook Bay State Park. Meanwhile, for those who need a few more creature comforts, it’s worth a stay at Eastland Motel, which offers clean, comfortable rooms, a complimentary continental breakfast every morning, and a convenient location off Highway 189.
Bar Harbor
Sitting on Mount Desert Island is Bar Harbor, a charming village at the heart of one of the United States’ most beloved national parks. Of course, Bar Harbor is surrounded by the protected public lands of Acadia National Park, and key highlights include the Eastern Seaboard's highest peak (1,530 feet above sea level) at Cadillac Mountain, the Wild Gardens of Acadia botanical garden featuring over 400 native plant species, and the golden shores of Sand Beach on the Atlantic Ocean coast. And for another special corner of the park, check out the freshwater Echo Lake Beach, which is one of Acadia’s best summertime swimming holes, considering the warmer water.
Whether you come to Bar Harbor to hike the wilderness trails, explore the lovely beaches, or simply take in the soothing and quiet vibes of Acadia, The Inn on Mount Desert is a nice place to stay year-round. Not only do they offer elegantly appointed guest rooms, but they also provide a full breakfast and light afternoon tea every day.
Farmington
Heading up into the mountains, Farmington provides plenty of opportunities to get lost in nature and find a quiet oasis of wonders. Right in town, folks can catch the Powder House Hill Trails into the Flint Woods and hike or bike their way by vernal pools, historic wells, and an all-around pleasant expanse of undisturbed forest in the Flint Woods. Just beyond town, visitors can drive out to Mt. Blue State Park for great hiking, biking, and even (seasonal/wintertime) skiing and snowmobiling along its 25 miles of trails. Plus, this area is great for summertime swimming and fishing at Webb Lake. And for another 14 miles of prime hiking and biking conditions, the Whistle Stop Trail is also nearby and allows visitors to hike or bike a long stretch of the former Androscoggin Railroad.
Back in town, travelers can find some unique souvenirs, a wide selection of literature by Maine authors, and a grand total of 30,000+ unique titles at the locally-owned Twice Sold Tales bookstore. And a short drive west, they will reach the Wilson Lake Inn, a quiet and tranquil lakeside spot with comfy, homestyle guest rooms and real family-style hospitality at this family-run hotel.
Carrabassett Valley
Carrabassett Valley sits high in the northern reaches of the Appalachian Mountains, and it's a very scenic New England kind of ski town that must be seen to be believed. During winter, the main attraction is Sugarloaf Mountain, home to Maine’s highest skiable peak at 4,237 feet above sea level, but it also opens during the summer season for biking, hiking, golfing, and scenic lift rides. For another well-maintained resort area that's open for wintertime skiing and summertime biking, Saddleback Mountain is a short drive away.
Meanwhile, for those seeking a wilder experience in the open, Shiloh Pond Community Forest is open to the public for hiking and fly fishing. And up at the Bigelow Preserve, visitors will discover over 35,000 acres of pristine mountain environment, including lush wetlands, verdant forest, and even the Appalachian Trail. Returning to town, guests will enjoy a comfortable and convenient stay at the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel. Not only is it within walking distance of the Sugarloaf chairlifts, but it’s also a very short drive from the golf course.
Newry
The cozy village of Newry is a rustically gorgeous mountain outpost that’s perfect for anyone seeking a quiet escape. Sitting near the New Hampshire state line, Sunday River is the region’s premier ski resort, and it opens for the summer season to offer everything from cool lift rides to wondrous hikes, daring bike rides, and tee times at the 18-hole Sunday River Golf Club. Just beyond Sunday River, this corner of Maine abounds in beautiful public lands, including the rugged trails of Speckled Mountain (part of White Mountain National Forest), and the scenically challenging backcountry trails at Grafton Notch State Park.
Heading back towards the ski resort, the Sunday River Bridge has stood in Newry since 1872, and it’s now the most photographed and painted covered bridge thanks to its unique aesthetics and backdrop. And right at Sunday River, the Jordan Hotel offers the easiest access to the resort’s top-notch slopes and trails, plus it features a full-service spa, tasty restaurants, and an on-site equipment rental shop.
Kennebunkport
Tucked near the southern corner of Maine's Atlantic Coast is the elegant resort town of Kennebunkport. Located about 30 miles south of Portland, Kennebunkport is probably best known for the Walker’s Point Estate that Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush used for official functions during their respective presidencies. While the Bush family estate is closed to the public, Kennebunkport has several beautiful beaches open to the public, including Goose Rocks Beach and Colony Beach. And for an extra quiet slice of coastline that’s ideal for hiking and wildlife watching, it’s hard to beat the lovely forests and estuaries of the nearby Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
Once it's time to wrap up for the day, travelers will enjoy a lavishly presidential-caliber stay at White Barn Inn. This Auberge Collection resort offers fine dining at the White Barn restaurant, a sumptuously soothing full-service spa, historically elegant rooms and suites, and even a collection of houseboats available to book.
These Towns May Be Quiet, But They Give Visitors Plenty to Talk About
While Maine has certain places that have become famous destinations, it also abounds in special towns where one can easily find some peace of mind. After all, this state has the serenely elegant beaches of Kennebunkport, the soaring heights of Appalachian wilderness at Millinocket, and the low-key college town with the giant solar system model at Presque Isle. And, of course, Maine is home to the inviting island town of Bar Harbor and the majestic natural beauty of Acadia National Park.
Whenever folks feel the urge to enjoy the refreshing sound of silence, these eight quietest Maine towns really know how to conduct the perfect symphony.
