Best of Maine Itinerary
This itinerary loops though coastal and inland Maine, taking in many of the state’s iconic sights. The downside: You’ll be doing a fair bit of driving, primarily on two-lane roads where speeds are often 25 mph (40 kph) or lower, and during the season when road construction is a fact of life. While this itinerary is planned as 11 days, you’ll be rewarded if you spend more time lingering.
Book your first two nights’ lodging in Portland, then book nights 3 and 4 in Rockland or its vicinity; 5 and 6 on Mount Desert Island; 7 and 8 in the Moosehead region; 9 in Rangeley; and 10 in Bethel.
Portland and Vicinity
Day 1: Kennebunkport
Stretch your legs after your journey to Maine with a walk on Kennebunkport’s Goose Rocks Beach, one of Maine’s prettiest. Afterward, mosey along the waterfront to Dock Square, where former fishing shacks are now boutiques and galleries, and perhaps indulge in a lobster roll at the Clam Shack.
Day 2: Portland
30 miles/48 km; 45 minutes
Begin the day with a visit to Portland Head Light, a Cape Elizabeth landmark and Maine’s oldest lighthouse (1791), perched on the cliffs of 94-acre (38-ha) Fort Williams Park. Spend a few hours in the Portland Museum of Art, Maine’s premier art museum, and then prowl through the Old Port and the Waterfront. End the day with a sunset cruise on Casco Bay.
Day 3: Freeport and Bath
35 miles/56 km; 1 hour
Make a pilgrimage to giant sports retailer and outfitter L. L. Bean, hub of the hubbub in Freeport’s outlet bonanza. Spend a few hours shopping or taking a class at the L. L. Bean Outdoor Discover School. In the afternoon, visit the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, comprising 10 acres (4 ha) of indoor and outdoor exhibits celebrating the state’s nautical heritage.
Rockland and Vicinity
Day 4: Greater Rockland
45 miles/72 km; 1 hour
Explore Greater Rockland’s many museums and lighthouses. Or take a day trip to Monhegan Island from Port Clyde. This car-free, carefree gem, about a dozen miles (19 km) off the coast, is laced with hiking trails and has earned renown as the Artists’ Island. End the day at the classic McLoon’s Lobster Shack.
Day 5: Camden and Acadia
85 miles/137 km; 2.25 hours
Drive or hike to the top of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park, on the northern fringe of Camden. You’ll get a magnificent view of Penobscot Bay. Then continue up the coast to Mount Desert Island and begin your explorations of Acadia National Park.
Acadia National Park
Day 6: Mount Desert Island
Welcome the day by watching the sunrise from the summit of Cadillac Mountain. Afterward, before the crowds arrive, drive the Park Loop Road, which covers many of Acadia’s highlights. Immerse yourself in the park by going hiking, bicycling, sea kayaking, or on a carriage ride.
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Maine Highlands
Day 7-8: Greenville and Moosehead Lake
130 miles/210 km; 2.75 hours
Depart Mount Desert Island and head inland to Greenville and Moosehead Lake. If time permits, continue to Rockwood and take the shuttle to Kineo for a hike.
Book a sunrise or sunset moose safari. In the afternoon, enjoy a cruise on the Kate and prowl around the area. End the day with dinner at one of the area’s road-accessible sporting camps.
The Forks to Rangeley
Day 9: The Forks and Rangeley
165 miles/265 km; 3.5 hours
Depart Greenville and drive to The Forks via the Moosehead Scenic Byway and Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway, perhaps taking a break to stretch your legs on the easy hike into Moxie Falls. (Add a day here if you want to go white-water rafting on the Kennebec River.) Continue the scenic drive to Rangeley, arriving in time to learn about the region’s history at the Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum.
Day 10: Rangeley
60 miles/97 km; 1.25 hours
After a morning hiking, paddling, or fishing, head south on Route 17 over Height of Land, perhaps stopping in Coos Canyon to try your hand at panning for gold. Detour off the main road in Newry to see the Artist’s Covered Bridge.
Day 11: Gems of Route 26
75 miles/120 km; 1.75 hours
Snake southward through the White Mountain foothills, perhaps exploring Paris Hill or Norway; the Shaker Museum, the world’s last inhabited Shaker colony; or Poland Spring (there’s more here than bottled water). Make the one-hour drive back to Portland.
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