Maine - Paddling

Cobscook Bay State Park
Route 1
Dennysville, ME  04628  
Phone: 207-726-4412

This park offers visitors a bevy of activities: canoeing, fishing, a scenic drive, hiking trails, picnic areas, and cross-country and snowmobile trails in the winter. There is a public campsite available. Open May 15-Oct. 15.

Holbrook Island Sanctuary
Cape Rosier
Brooksville, ME  04617  
Phone: 207-326-4012

Pebbly beach on Smith Cove of Penobscot Bay, no lifeguard, launch for canoes and kayaks, open pit toilets, picnic area, walking trails, parking. No admission or parking fees.

Allagash Wilderness Waterway
Allagash, ME
Phone: 207-941-4014

This preserve has 92 miles of lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers that cut a swathe through Maine's northern forestland. This park is the most remote in the state, and is available for those who truly wish to "rough it." Swimming, boating, fishing, and canoeing are all part of the experience. This is also a popular seasonal hunting area. Hiking trails lead to fire towers throughout the Allagash. It is important to note that there is no public transportation, nor are there any permanent residents in the park. Any visitors who plan to camp or travel through the park will be relatively isolated, and should be experienced in dealing with a primitive outdoor environment.

Aroostook State Park
87 State Park Road
Presque Isle, ME  04769  
Phone: 207-768-8341

The northernmost of all Maine state parks is set alongside Echo Lake. 577 acres offering hiking and cross-country ski trails, fishing, swimming areas and picnicking. Boating and canoeing are permitted in the lake. Public campgrounds are available for a fee. Reservations are suggested.

Jackman/Moose River Region
Jackman, ME
Phone: 207-668-4171

More than 250,000 acres of wilderness await visitors to this New England paradise. Outdoorsmen and women can enjoy hiking along an old trail that originally went all the way to Quebec. Boating and canoing opportunities abound, including the famous Bow Trip on the Moose River, 46 miles of scenic enjoyment. Fisherman can avail themselves of more than 60 lakes and ponds, and this is the perfect place for a scenic drive during the spring, summer, and fall months. Hunters will enjoy the opportunities for birds, in addition to big game. In the winter, visitors to the area will enjoy cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and more than 200 miles of snowmobile trails. Public campsites are available in many spots throughout the region.

Swan Island
Intersection of Routes 197 & 24
Richmond, ME
Phone: 207-547-5322

Come visit Swan Island in the Kennebec River - an island in time - with unique river, forest and meadow habitats for native wildlife like eagles, white-tailed deer, songbirds and wild turkeys. A state-owned Wildlife Management Area and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there are 6 historic buildings still standing along the central island dirt road, hiking and mountain biking trails, an overnight campground and spectacular scenery. A fabulous wildlife and nature photography site! Kayak and mountain bike rentals are available. Ferry service provided. Admission fees. Open daily May 1- Labor Day by reservation only. Take Exit 43 off I-295 and follow Route 197 East to the intersection of Routes 197 and 24.

Scarborough Marsh Nature Center
Scarborough, ME

This wetlands wildlife refuge offers two ways for visitors to observe the surroundings: A traditional network of walking trails (including guided tours), and scheduled canoe trips.

Baxter State Park
64 Balsam Drive
Millinocket, ME  04462  
Phone: 207-723-5140

A wilderness of more than 200,000 acres, Baxter State Park is a hiking and mountain climbing paradise. Within the park borders are 46 mountains, 175 miles of hiking trails, and 10 public campgrounds. Ample fishing is available in the parks many lakes and streams, and hunting is permitted there also. Canoers will enjoy the parks many waterways. Baxter is also the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. Wintertime offers both cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and limited snowmobiling.

Eastern Branch of the Penobscot River
Along Route 11
Medway, ME

Fishermen will enjoy this river with its supply of Atlantic Salmon and large mouth bass. The scenery along the river makes it a great canoeing spot.

Lily Bay State Park
Greenville, ME  04441
Phone: 207-695-2700

This park om Moosehead Lake has facilities for fishing, canoeing, lake swimming, in addition to hiking, cross-country ski, ice fishing, and snowmobile trails. A public camping facility is available. Open May 1-Oct. 15, but available for winter activities.

Peaks-Kenny State Park
Sebec, ME  04481
Phone: 207-564-2003

Set along the banks of Sebec Lake, this park offers terrific fishing, canoeing, boating, swimming and hiking trails. Public campsites are available.

Pemaquid Colonial State Park
Pemaquid, ME
Phone: 207-677-2423

One of Maine's oldest historic sites, this state park offers visitors a look at life in Colonial Maine, in addition to scenic water views, and areas for fishing, boating, and canoeing. A snack bar is available for visitors during operating hours. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day. A fee is charged.

Reid State Park
375 Seguinland Road
Georgetown, ME  04548  
Phone: 207-371-2303

This oceanfront park features a saltwater lagoon and Mile Beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and picnic areas. Open year-round.

Warren Island State Park
Warren Island, ME
Phone: 207-941-4014

Accessible only by boat, this state park offers visitors remote camping, fishing areas, hiking and cross-country ski trails, in addition to picnic areas.

Bigelow Preserve
Route 27
Carrabassett Valley, ME  04947  
Phone: 207-778-8231

Set on 35,027 acres, this preserve is along Flagstaff Lake. There are numerous mountains within the preserves. Extensive trails for both hiking and cross-country skiing are for experienced hikers and skiers. There is also swimming, paddling, fishing, and hunting. Snowmobile trails travers the park.

Mount Blue State Park
Weld, ME
Phone: 207-585-2261

This park along the shores of Lake Webb features activities throughout the year. Warmer weather visitors will enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing, and hiking trails. In the winter, trails are open for both cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. A public campground is available.

Rangeley Lake State Park
Rangeley, ME
Phone: 207-864-3858

Small state park features fishing and swimming areas, canoeing, and snowmobile trails in the winter. There is public camping available.

Sebago Lake State Park
Route 302
Naples, ME
Phone: 207-693-6613

This 1,300-acre park features relaxation on beautiful Sebago Lake. Visitors will enjoy fishing, boating, canoeing, and swimming on the lake. There is a public campsite available. Open May 1-Oct. 15 for full use. Wintertime trails are available for cross-country skiers.

White Mountain National Forest
Bethel, ME
Phone: 207-824-2134

Although most of this forest is in New Hampshire, this portion of the forest features camping areas, hiking trails, fishing, and canoeing. Cross-country ski trails are available in the winter.