9 Most Scenic Small Towns In Maine For Nature Lovers

Often called “the Land of Remembered Vacations,” Maine boasts some of the prettiest natural landscapes and landmarks in the United States. Whether exploring its striking mountainscapes, 3,500-mile coastline, or 2,000+ coastal islands, beauty stretches through every corner of the Pine Tree State. Perched on peninsulas, tucked away in forests, and skirting massive harbors, Maine’s scenic small towns prove that sometimes, the most memorable adventures and mesmerizing scenes come in small packages.

Ogunquit

Ogunquit, meaning “beautiful place by the sea” in the Abenaki language, is undoubtedly one of Maine’s most picturesque and sought-after summer resort towns. Situated on Maine’s southern coast between the Ogunquit River and Atlantic Ocean, the town is famous for its beaches, rocky cliffs, and maritime culture. While CensusReporter pins its permanent population under 1,300, according to Maine.com, its population averages from 75,000 to 80,000 every day in the summer.

Whether visiting during these peak summer months or during its off-season, Ogunquit’s name-inspiring beauty is palpable. Many like to begin their visit along Marginal Way, a paved 2.5-mile path offering spectacular coastal cliff vistas. The route ends at Perkins Cove, a quaint fishing village in Ogunquit offering coastal excursions with companies like Finestkind Scenic Cruises and Salty Lewer Charter Fishing. Alternatively, Ogunquit Beach beckons with 3.5 miles of pristine sand and waves. In 2024, for the fourth year in a row, the shore was named one of the top 25 US beaches by TripAdvisor Travelers.

Bar Harbor

Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is a gateway to the wonders of Acadia National Park, the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast.” Known for having the tallest mountains on the eastern seaboard and nearly 50,000 acres of Atlantic Coastline, Acadia anchors Bar Harbor’s tourism. With over 3 million annual visitors, Acadia is also one of the 10 most-visited national parks in the United States.

Much like Ogunquit, summer is Bar Harbor’s busiest season, but the park is breathtaking year-round. With 158 miles of hiking trails to choose from, there are countless scenes and experiences to discover. Coastal hikes like the Bar Island Trail offer enchanting views of Frenchman Bay, while routes like the Beehive Loop showcase ocean views atop a 450-foot cliff. Cadillac Mountain trails are also popular, as this is the highest point in Acadia. Alternatively, for a more relaxing day outdoors, nature lovers can enjoy serene shores like Sand Beach and Echo Lake Beach, popular swimming holes in the summer.

Camden

Camden, another town where mountains meet the sea, is a great alternative to Acadia for travelers seeking smaller crowds. Set in Maine’s MidCoast region along Penobscot Bay, waterfront views are in high supply at spots like Camden Harbor Park. Ocean excursions are equally easy to find, with countless boat tour agencies, like Camden Harbor Cruises or Schooner Surprise. Camden’s most popular outdoor attraction, however, is Camden Hills State Park, a paradise for hikers.

Among the park’s 30 miles of trails, the Mount Battie and Mount Megunticook routes reign supreme for their extraordinary vistas. Atop Mt. Battie, hikers can enjoy panoramic views of Penobscot Bay, Camden, and distant Acadia National Park on a clear day. The tallest of the Camden Hills, Mt. Megunticook is also popular for its striking views from its Ocean Lookout.

Newry

Deeper inland, Newry may lack coastal scenes, but its mountains and waterfalls are no less spectacular. Home to the Sunday River Ski Resort, Newry is a four-season recreation wonderland. In winter, the resort’s eight snow-covered slopes come to life with skiers and snowboarders, with nearly 900 acres of terrain across 139 trails. When Sunday River’s mountainsides blossom with greenery in the summer, visitors can enjoy Scenic Lift Rides up North Peak.

For hiking trails and waterfall views, Newry is also home to Grafton Notch State Park, a recreation area encompassing parts of the Mahoosuc Mountain Range. Bisected by the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway, visitors and road trippers can discover a range of trails leading to extraordinary natural landmarks. Highlights include cascades like Screw Auger Falls and Mother Walker Falls, along with the 200-foot-long Moose Cave gorge, accessible from a quarter-mile loop trail.

Freeport

Returning to coastal Maine, Freeport is a Casco Bay town known for its outdoor recreation and unique natural attractions. A 20-minute drive from bustling Portland, Freeport offers a quieter nature escape, spanning 3,000 acres of preserved lands. This includes Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, perched on the shores of Casco Bay. For views of its rocky coastline and surrounding islands, hikers can explore the half-mile Casco Bay Trail. Longer routes, like the 1.8-mile Harraseeket Trail, also grant access to the beautiful Harraseeket River.

Beyond its preserves, Freeport is home to one of the state’s quirkiest natural curiosities: The Desert of Maine. Self-described as “a weird and wonderful place,” the faux desert features 20 acres of natural sand dunes in the heart of Freeport’s woodlands. Formed after the last ice age, the peculiar “Desert” has been a tourist attraction for almost 100 years. Visitors can explore the dunes at their own pace on a self-guided tour, with interpretive plaques explaining its history and geology. For a non-sandy route, nature lovers can also discover a hiking trail that winds through the forest surrounding the dunes.

Lubec

Dubbing itself “the easternmost town in the USA,” Lubec is a secluded town known for its awe-inspiring coastal landscapes. With no shopping malls, stoplights, or fast food restaurants in sight, visitors are encouraged to get their fill of these things on-route. Instead, Lubec’s natural surroundings invite relaxation and disconnection from the outside world and its everyday stresses.

Spanning 541 acres on a rugged peninsula, Quoddy Head State Park is the best place in Lubec to embrace this serenity. On the Coastal Trail, visitors can enjoy dramatic views of the park’s black cliffs, originating from the volcanic Silurian Age. Along the way, they can also encounter landmarks like the chasm known as Gulliver’s Hole, and High Ledge, a staggering 150-foot bluff. Toward the end, an optional path will guide hikers to a secluded beach, for the perfect finale to this adventure. Alternatively, the Inland Trail is a great follow-up, guiding hikers through peaceful conifer woods.

Pownal

Serene woodland scenes are also present in Pownal, a rural town known for Bradbury Mountain State Park. One of Maine’s original five state parks, Bradbury Mountain is a year-round nature retreat. In winter, the park remains active with snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing on paths like Tote Road. In the months prior, autumn foliage brightens the landscape, best viewed from the towering Summit Trail. Fall is also when migrating eagles can be spotted riding thermal gusts overhead.

With warm weather and lush foliage, spring and summer are Bradbury Mountain’s busiest seasons. From mid-March through mid-May, the park’s annual Hawk Watch welcomes birders hoping to spot migrating hawks. Summer, on the other hand, is preferred for its gorgeous hiking conditions. During these warmer months, the Summit Trail boasts stunning views of the greenery blanketing Bradbury Mountain, while paths like the South Ridge Trail also lead to scenic overlooks.

Phippsburg

Back on Maine's enchanting Mid Coast, Phippsburg is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a saltwater breeze and sand between their toes. Situated on the Kennebec River and Casco Bay, the town is a gateway to beautiful coastal hikes, including the Morse Mountain to Seawall Beach hiking area. For the ultimate unplugged vacation, Phippsburg also offers island camping at the Hermit Island Campground, located in the bay. With an overnight stay, campers get access to remote shores like the Dune and West Dune beaches.

For a less secluded day in the sand, Popham Beach State Park is Phippsburg’s spotlight attraction. According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Popham reigns as Maine's busiest state park beach. Bordering the river and sea on a picturesque peninsula, the park is known for its soft sands and surfable waves, with lifeguards on duty every summer. During low tide, beachgoers can also walk through shallow waters to nearby Fox Island for a break from the crowds.

Georgetown

For a quieter beach day, consider visiting nearby Georgetown, a mere thirty-minute drive from Phippsburg. Surrounded by the Sheepscot River, Kennebec River, and the Gulf of Maine, this island town is connected to the mainland by various roads and bridges, making it easy to reach by car. Most nature lovers come here for Reid State Park’s beaches, smaller but far less crowded than those at Popham Beach State Park.

While smaller by comparison, sandy shores like Mile and Half Mile Beach are still wide and spacious, with plenty of room for lounging and sandcastle building. The beaches are also known for their ideal surfing waves and swimming conditions. For a more active adventure, Reid State Park boasts incredible hiking trails and viewing areas as well, including the Griffith Head overlook. The rocky headland offers a bird’s-eye view of the park and its surrounding islands, for the ultimate postcard perspective.

Discover Maine’s Scenic Small Towns

Living up to its reputation as “the Land of Remembered Vacations,” Maine’s scenic small towns have some of the country’s greatest backyards, encouraging travelers to slow down, unplug, and reconnect with nature. Whether sharing a Cadillac Mountain trail at Acadia National Park or opting for a more remote island beach day in Georgetown, embracing nature looks different for everyone. But wherever you go, from Maine’s rugged coast to its lush wooded mountains, the connecting link is the lingering serenity and memories following you home.