Maine is a wild place. Some of the most rugged and remote landscapes on the East Coast can be found within Maine's boundaries, and there are few better places for people with a love of the outdoors to call home. 

The four national parks in Maine are a testament to that. They're amazing destinations for camping, hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and a host of other outdoorsy pursuits. Our real estate agents never tire of these wild, amazing places, and today we're thrilled to offer this guide to Maine's national parks. 

Acadia National Park

Spanning more than 48,000 acres, Acadia National Park is the crown jewel of the Northern Atlantic Coast. The park encompasses rugged cliffs and coastlines on the Schoodic Peninsula and a scattering of smaller coastal islands, but the bulk of it lies on the massive Mount Desert Island. Here you'll find a wild landscape that is ripe for exploration in all seasons, with 158 miles of trails, 27 miles of historic motor roads, and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Several campgrounds are available (sites are by reservation only), and the historic Bass Harbor Head Light Station is one of the park's main attractions. Other things to do in Acadia National Park include: 

• Hiking and Bicycling: Acadia's many miles of hiking trails range from coastlines to secluded forests, with routes available for hikers of all skill and experience levels. The park's scenic carriage roads are also very popular among cyclists. 
  
  
• Tidepooling: Observing the fascinating plants and animals that reside in Maine's coastal tidepools is one of the great joys of visiting Acadia National Park. Learn more about tidepooling here. 
  
  
• Bird Watching: Mount Desert Island is a breeding ground for 20-plus species of warblers. All told, more than 300 bird species have been documented in Acadia National Park. Bald eagle sightings are common.
  
  
• Winter Adventures: The landscape of Acadia is totally transformed in winter, and the park's carriage roads are very popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Maine is home to just under 282 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which stretches 2,190 miles from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. The entire epic journey from end to end usually takes around six months to complete, but you don't have to hike the entire A.T. to appreciate its wild beauty.

Maine's portion of the Appalachian Trail is widely considered to be one of the most remote and challenging segments of the entire route. Some of the most popular ways to experience the Appalachian Trail in Maine include: 

• Backpacking: Backpacking over the course of multiple days is the classic way to experience the Appalachian Trail. Carrying everything you need on your back and spending your nights at the various campsites scattered along the trail is an unforgettable experience.
  
  
• Day Hiking: It's also possible to experience parts of the A.T. in bite-size chunks, and there are some great day hikes here. The 16.3-mile Stratton Pond to Bigelow Mountain segment offers some truly spectacular scenery. 
  
  
• Camping: In addition to remote backcountry campsites scattered along the trail, a more developed campground is available at Baxter State Park, near the northern terminus of the trail at Mount Katahdin. 

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

Located a stone's throw from Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin, the rugged Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument encompasses over 87,000 acres in the wild North Woods of Maine. There are countless ways to explore this wild landscape, which is home to animals like moose, river otters, and Canadian lynx: 

• Stargazing: There are no electric lights or commercial power sources within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, which makes it an exceptional place for stargazing trips. 
  
  
• Fishing: The East Branch of the Penobscot River cuts a meandering path right through the heart of the National Monument, offering great fishing opportunities for brook trout, smallmouth bass, and landlocked salmon. 
  
  
• Camping: Campsites and lean-tos are scattered throughout Katahdin Woods, including both car camping sites and hike-in sites. The scenery is beautiful, but the amenities are minimal, so plan on roughing it! 

Saint Croix Island International Historic Site

Saint Croix Island, a small uninhabited island that lies along the U.S. and Canadian border in the Saint Croix River, was the site of an early French settlement in 1604, and visiting offers a window into the past. The 6.4-acre island is within view of the unique Saint Croix Island International Historic Site.

• Self-Guided Interpretive Trail: A short, accessible interpretive trail is open for self-guided tours, with informational displays, bronze figures, and an interpretive trail shelter with a beautiful view of the island. 
  
  
• Ranger Station: The park ranger station features informational exhibits that illuminate the history of Saint Croix Island and the early settlers who lived here. 

Contact us today to learn about the adventures that await in Maine's national parks, and be sure to ask our real estate agents about how we can help you find your dream home in Maine.