Our Favorite Summer Detours in the MidCoast

As you travel through Maine’s MidCoast this summer, plan on visiting some special places off the main roads without the crowds. Here are some of our favorite getaway spots that may take a little longer to get to but are worth the extra time.

 

 

Seawall Beach – Phippsburg

Near the town of Phippsburg, beautiful Seawall Beach offers a quiet beach experience with fewer crowds. A short hike through scenic woodlands leads to a pristine beach that stretches for miles. This wonderful escape is possible because the beach and surrounding 600 acres are protected areas. Parking is limited so plan on arriving early.

 

 

Basin Pond – Monroe

The beautiful pond, small streams, vast marshlands, and forests that make up “The Basin,” offer abundant wildlife and serene waters for canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. To reach the pond, you’ll take a short walk along a series of bog bridges that lead to a dock. The nice people at Basin Pond Outdoors rent kayaks, canoes, and sups and offer guided adventures in the marshlands.

 

 

Maine Maritime Museum – Bath

In 1608, America’s first ocean-crossing ship, the Virginia, was launched on the Kennebec River. Today you can learn about Maine’s seafaring history at the Maine Maritime Museum – located not far from where Virginia was built. The museum includes indoor galleries and a working boat shop. Plan a cruise on the 56-ft. Merrymeeting boat for close-up looks at lighthouses and wildlife.

 

 

Fernalds Neck Preserve – Megunticook Lake, Lincolnville

With nearly 30 miles of shoreline, Megunticook Lake is one of the largest lakes in the MidCoast. Fernalds Neck Preserve is a protected large peninsula with good, easy-to-moderate hiking trails with shoreline swimming available at many spots. A real delight for kids is Balance Rock, a massive boulder that seems to be precariously balanced.

 

 

 

 

 

Canal Path – Searsmont

The historic Georges River Canal was built in 1793 to transport lumber from the town of Searsmont to the town of Warren. Today, traces of the canal’s locks and dams can still be seen from the three-mile hiking trail that follows the old towpath. Maintained by the Georges River Land Trust the Canal Path is perfect for a serene walk through the woods and the meandering St. Georges River.

 

Owls Head Transportation Museum – Owls Head

During the height of summer, don’t be surprised to see restored vintage cars being used as daily drivers by locals in the Owls Head area. In the late 1970s, the non-profit Owls Head Museum was started by people who love antique cars, motorcycles, aircraft, bicycles, and more. Today, the museum’s world-class collection will entertain anyone who loves driving, riding, and flying in the slow lane.

 

 

Stockton Springs – Stockton Springs

Just north of Belfast, the small harbor town of Stockton Springs offers beautiful views with fewer tourists. The harbor lies off the beaten path and is a quiet gateway to sailing, kayaking, and fishing on Penobscot Bay. You’ll find a charming mix of inns, restaurants, crafts, and gift shops. Be sure to visit the nearby Fort Point Lighthouse for panoramic ocean vistas. (Use our Map Your Route online tool to find lighthouses, state parks, and more!)

 

 

La Verna Preserve – Round Pond

A quiet walk through a dense forest of red oaks and other hardwood trees will lead you to a dazzling coastline with panoramic views of Muscongus Bay. The protected 120-acre La Verna Preserve has 2.5 miles of trails to enjoy unhurried walking and wildlife sightings.

 

 

Northport Landing – Northport

Northport Landing is a quiet spot with a small beach area and a pier. Overlooking Penobscot Bay, Northport has a peaceful, slower-pace lifestyle. Nearby, the historic Victorian village of Bayside is a photogenic destination. Much newer in the area is The Hoot – a local restaurant with a remarkable, internationally-inspired menu that comes from the restaurant’s own farms just a few miles away.

 

Aldermere Farm – Rockport

Ask any locals where the “Belties” are and they’ll point you to Aldermere Farm Preserve. This historic saltwater farm nestled on Penobscot bay is famous for its herd of Belted Galloway cattle – or as kids call them, the “Oreo cookie” cows. The 136-acre farm offers educations tours about sustainable farming and is a lovely place to visit.