Perfect Spots to Do Nothing in the MidCoast

If you’re ready for some zen and chill time, the MidCoast is a special part of Maine to completely unwind.

With so many quiet ponds, hidden trails, sleepy harbors, and lovely towns to choose from, how do you pick the perfect spot to sit back and become an expert in doing nothing? You could start with this list of a few places that promise truly calm and peaceful escapes.

 

Birch Point State Park – Owls Head (shown at the top of the page)

Spending a day here means having one of Maine’s loveliest beaches nearly to yourself. Birch Point State Park is a bit hard to find from the back roads that lead to it, but when you do, you’ll be delighted. From the crescent shaped beach and granite boulders, you’ll have gorgeous views of nearby Mussel Ridge Islands and Penobscot Bay. The surf is fairly calm so it’s a great spot for kids to explore and to swim in.

 

Spruce Head in South Thomaston

A stay in Spruce Head is quieter than nearly any other location on the Maine coast. This is no place to be in a hurry. Just following the backroads to get there can be a serene drive. The open pastures overlooking the seashore, a stunning array of tidal islands, and seaweed-covered shallows will stay with you long after you’ve left Maine. A low bridge connects Spruce Head to Spruce Head Island where the views get better.

 

Spruce Mountain Trail, Rockport (shown above)

There are simply too many quiet trails in the MidCoast to say which ones are the best. For a short, moderate hike to fantastic views of Penobscot Bay and nearby mountains, Spruce Mountain is a great choice. Located not far from Rockport, you can climb from two different directions and within 20 minutes find yourself atop a granite boulder with unobstructed views. Walking through the hardwood forests, passing a small lake, and then taking in the views will erase any distractions from the busy world.

 

Knight Pond and Pitcher Pond, Lincolnville

These two ponds located near Lincolnville and Northport make you feel transported to remote wilderness. Connected by a mile-long channel through a beautiful marsh, the ponds are perfect for a quiet canoe paddle. Knight Pond is totally wild with no cottages along the shoreline. If the weather is good, you can leisurely cover the 10-mile length of both ponds in four hours. Paddle out from the boat launch at Pitcher Pond or from a launch on the Knight Pond Road. You’ll be treated to views of Ducktrap Mountain that towers 500 feet above Knight Pond, small islands, granite outcroppings and abundant bird calls that echo across the pond.

 

Rolling Meadows Yoga & Meditation Retreat, Brooks (shown above)

For enriching and peaceful experiences, you’ll find yoga, meditation and spiritual places throughout the MidCoast. Located just 15 miles inland from Belfast, Rolling Meadows is recognized as one of the best meditation and yoga retreats in the U.S. by Outside Magazine, USA Today, and Travel & Leisure. The retreat is located on 100-acres of walking trails, fields, gardens and a spring-fed pond for swimming. Open year-round for small group yoga, breathwork and silent meditations, Rolling Meadows Retreat is open to experienced and novice guests.

 

Quantabacook Lake, Searsmont

As one of the headwater lakes of beautiful St. George River, Quantabacook Lake offers solitude and natural beauty along on three miles of peaceful water. There are cottages on some pockets around the lake, but most are hidden by trees along the shoreline. A canoe, kayak or paddleboard will take you to coves and marshes and treat you to an orchestra of bird sounds. Red-Winged Blackbirds are frequent visitors to the lake as well as Osprey hawks and occasional loons.

 

Morse Mountain and Seawall Beach – Phippsburg (shown above)

Most likely the hardest to reach of all the secluded beaches in Maine, Seawall requires some effort to see, but is well worth it. Located about 11 miles from Bath, you take an easy 1-mile trek over Morse Mountain, then a winding path down to the beach. This beautiful 600-acre preserve is protected by the Nature Conservancy, Maine Aududon and Bates College, but is open to the public. No more than 30 cars are permitted in the lot next to the trailhead, so plan on getting there early. You will see other people, but they are usually spread out so far, that you’ll easily feel alone.