Eight Natural Wonders of the MidCoast

A spectacular coastline, mountains, dense forests, and beautiful tidal pools are just a few of the MidCoast’s natural wonders. Some are easy to explore by going for a drive. Others, like hiking to the top of Maiden’s Cliff, will take more effort but will definitely be worth the hike. These eight MidCoast natural wonders will absolutely take your breath away.

 

 

Giant’s Stairs – Harpswell

It’s easy to imagine that giants once roamed South Harpswell thanks to the oversized rock formations that tumble into the ocean. A very short trail offers gorgeous views of the sea and many surrounding islands. Explore the tidal pools at low tide and look for seals swimming and sunbathing nearby. Pinnacle Rock is a jagged outcropping that attracts photographers year-round. Drive a little further south to Potts Point Preserve with its tidal pools and views of over a hundred small islands.

 

 

Maiden’s Cliff – Camden

A popular attraction of Camden Hills State Park is the towering, 800-ft. rugged, Maiden’s Cliff that overlooks Megunticook Lake. A mile-long hike that takes about 45 minutes will reward you with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the countryside, and the large, island dotted, Megunticook Lake. Maiden’s Cliff can also be seen from below by a series of shoreline trails in Fernalds Neck,  a Nature Conservancy preserve.

 

 

Balance Rock – Lincolnville

Maine gained its “rocky coast” reputation 20,000 years ago as massive ice sheets moved huge boulders over long distances. One of those “glacial erratic” rocks is the gigantic Balance Rock along the shore of Megunticook Lake. The boulder seems to be precariously balanced but it hasn’t budged for thousands of years. For small children, Balance Rock is exciting and accessible by a short walk from the Orange Trail in Fernald’s Neck Preserve.

 

 

Oven’s Mouth Preserve – Boothbay Peninsula

Oven’s Mouth is a narrow passage that connects the Sheepscot River to an extensive, scenic tidal basin. A strong tidal flow takes place twice a day when currents can reach five knots. Over five miles of recreational hiking trails on two small peninsulas will lead you to either side of the narrows. A 93-foot pedestrian connects both sides of the preserve and is an ideal spot to watch the water flow in and out of the cove.

 

 

Finback Whales – Boothbay Harbor

The largest living creatures in the world can be found just miles off our coast. From April through October, massive Finback whales that measure up to 80 feet long can be seen along with Humpback, Pilot, and Minke whales. While some of these magnificent ocean visitors can be seen from the shore with good binoculars, the best way to see them up close is on a whale-watching cruise. The large charter boats from Cap’n Fish’s in Boothbay Harbor offer exciting, educational whale watching and the chance to see rare Puffins.

 

 

Muscongus Bay – Round Pond

The Muscongus Bay is a unique and large fjord-like inlet that was created through a combination of glacial processes and rising seas. The bay and its shores are sparsely populated which makes it quieter and wilder than many areas along the Maine coast. For a dazzling panoramic view of Muscongus Bay, walk along the 2.5 miles of trails in La Verna Preserve. You’ll pass through dense red oak woods and have many opportunities to see wildlife.

 

 

Sears Island – Searsport

Little known outside of Maine, Sears Island is the largest, undeveloped island on the eastern coast of the United States. Accessible by a causeway with parking, Sears Island has miles of quiet, wild shoreline to explore. The Shoreline Trail around the entire island is about five miles, but consider the tide if you want to make the entire hike – some places are impassible at high tide. No matter what the tide is, there are other trails to explore forests, beaches, and abundant wildlife and botanical features.

 

 

Popham Beach State Park – Phippsburg

Known for its rugged shorelines, Popham Beach is truly one of Maine’s rare geologic landforms with rugged cliffs and a long, uncrowded sandy beach. For a little adventure, walk out to Fox Island, which is only accessible at low tide. Once you get out there, scramble up the rocks, explore tidepools, and look for the two lighthouses on nearby Pond and Seguin Islands. Talk to a local or use a tide calendar to plan your trip so you don’t end up marooned.

 

For more interesting locations to explore in the MidCoast, check out some of our favorite summer detours or some uncrowded, special places that are off the beaten path.