Maine Highlands parks provide recreation and nature adventures

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.

Grotto Cascade Park

State Street, past Eastern Maine Medical Center Bangor, ME 04401 Phone: 207-992-4490

Cascade Park, the city’s most beautiful and popular park, features a lighted water fountain and a water fall that's more than 20 feet high. The park, which overlooks the Penobscot River, also has a small gazebo, picnic tables, and short walking trails.

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.

Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park

Medway, ME Phone: 207-290-0205 (Campground) Toll-Free: 888-724-2465

This park features areas for fishing, hiking, and swimming in warmer weather. In wintertime visitors can enjoy the snowmobile and cross-country trails. A public campsite is available.

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.