Cruising to Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine is an exceptional spot to add to your cruise itinerary. The port drop off location is directly in Portland, within a short walking distance of the beautiful downtown shops and restaurants.
Tag: to do
Visiting Maine in the Winter
Maine Winter
Winter is the off-season here for tourism, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do. The most beautiful part of the Maine winter is the snow, it creates an amazing winter wonderland that will make your visit magical. Whether you enjoy playing outside in the snow or viewing it from inside there are plenty of options to choose from.
Things to Do
Visit the Lighthouses
You can still visit many of the Maine coast lighthouses in the winter. Nubble, Portland Headlight, Spring Point, Marshall Point, and Rockland Breakwater are just a few of the choices to pick from. Taking in the classic views in the winter gives a fresh new perspective if you’ve already seen them before.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a great Maine adventure, and you don’t have to be cold while you do it. I have always found it interesting that other bloggers will add this activity to their lists without offering insight. Ice fishing is awesome! but there is a lot of equipment needed. It’s not a feasible activity if you don’t own your own gear or plan to go out with a guide. You can contact a Maine Guide or a local company at your location of choice. On Moosehead Lake, Maine Outfitters is a great choice. Some other locations to look into for your trip could be Sebago Lake Region, Millinocket Lake, and Sabattus Lake. If you plan to bring your own set up be sure to check out the ME IF&W fishing lawbook for specific rules regarding the different regions.
Snowshoe or Cross Country Ski
Want to try your hand at some low-impact, at-your-own-pace outdoor adventuring? Weather you hire a Maine Guide, use a recreation company or bring your own equipment, you will have a great time. No matter where your destination is in Maine you are likely to find a location near you to ski or snowshoe. Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Acadia National Park, Lost Valley in Auburn, and at the major ski mountains are some of the bigger locations to choose from.
Visit Freeport
L.L. Bean draws most of the crowd at Christmas time, however, it is beautiful year-round. The town of Freeport covered in snow is a beautiful sight, giving great small-town vibes. You can choose to eat, drink, shop and be merry, or head on an adventure with the L.L. Bean Discovery Programs.
Skiing
Sunday River and Sugarloaf are the two major ski mountains in Maine. Sunday River is on the western side of Maine, in Bethel. Sugarloaf is a bit more of a drive, located in Kingfield. Sugarloaf does not have night skiing, and the lifts close on the early side. Sunday River offers limited night skiing on the bottom half of the mountain.
If you’d like a smaller mountain there is Saddleback in Rangeley, Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, Lost Valley in Auburn, Black Mountain in Rumford, Mt. Abrams in Greenwood, and Camden Snowbowl in Camden. Lost Valley, Black Mountain and Camden Snowbowl are quite small and are great for a quick day. Saddleback and Shawnee Peak are your mid-range mountains somewhere between the resorts and the small mountains in regard to terrain.
Events
Gardens Aglow
An event hosted by the Boothbay Botanical Gardens before Christmas. They decorate the garden grounds with more than 750,000 Christmas light bulbs to bring the magic. Your ticket will grant you access to walk the grounds at a self-guided pace. If you can plan your trip after getting fresh snow I would highly recommend it.
Ice Harvesting
Join the fun at the Thompson Ice House Harvesting Museum in Bristol once a year for a demonstration. Each year they harvest the giant ice bricks ice by hand and reenact the entire process from start to finish in the ice house. It is a humbling demonstration to watch and certainly makes you appreciate modern refrigerators.
Camden Snowbowl Toboggan Championships
Stop into Camden Snowbowl to watch the US National Toboggan Championships. The toboggan racers ride down the 400-foot chute, descending 70 feet in teams of 2, 4, or 6 people. They can reach speeds of up to 40 miles an hour on their journey down. Watch from the sidelines and root for your favorite teams!
Carnival ME
If you’re in the Southern Maine area, head over the Old Port for Carnival ME’s Winter Festival. Four days of music, ice carving, brews, and food to lighten the mood coming out of winter.
Visiting Maine in the winter is vastly different than visiting in the summer, but no less enjoyable. With crowds lessened on the off-season, there is more space to enjoy what I call “natural Maine”. Maine that the full-time residents get to enjoy. For instance, Commercial Street in Portland can be an absolute madhouse in the summer months. During the winter, you can traverse the same street and shops more peacefully. The same goes for other major locations such as Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Kittery. Visiting Maine should certainly be on your winter to-do list.
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Acadia National Park Guide
About
Located on Mount Desert Island, just south of Ellsworth. There is a ton to do in the local area. Most visitors stay in or near Bar Harbor, a very popular tourist town. If you’re looking for a local vibe on places to stay try Ellsworth, Lamoine or Bass Harbor.
There is not much in terms of food inside the park. There is the Jordan Pond House for a formal lunch or dinner service. I would recommend packing in your food so you don’t have to plan your whole day around being in one spot.
The high tourism season here is June-October, with many cruise ships coming into Bar Harbor as well. The shoulder seasons see a noticeable drop in visitation if you don’t want to fight crowds.
Things to Do
Park Loop Road
Most of the attractions are located directly on the 26 mile Park Loop Road. Part of the road is one-way traffic, which can create your schedule for you.
Cadillac Mountain
The entrance to the road that will bring you up Cadillac Mountain is before where the one-way traffic starts. As of 2022, you’ll need a reservation to drive up to the top. Being on the summit for sunrise is an Acadia National Park must-do. Note: Cadillac Mountain is the first place to see the sunrise, you need to be there 30 minutes-1 hour before sunrise is actually slated to happen. The road up is winding and narrow, if you have anxiety driving you may want to sit this one out.
Between the beginning of the one-way road and the first major attraction (Sand Beach) there are multiple pull-offs with great views. You can look back at Bar Harbor from a few of them.
Sand Beach
Probably one of the most picturesque spots in Acadia. The parking lot here fills up fast in the summer months, and it will stay full. In the shoulder seasons the parking lot will fill up but spots will come available as people come and go. If you walk all the way down the beach there is an inlet with a great view of the Beehive Trail. The Sand Beach parking area has a nice bathroom and changing area if you want to get out of a wet bathing suit.
Thunder Hole
This spot is one where the wow factor is heavily dependent on when you get there. You need to catch it when the tide is coming in, around 1-2 hours before high tide. The rougher the day on the sea the better for the “thunder”. As the water comes in against the rocks the water hits a natural cave and results in the big boom and spray of water. If you’re there when there is calm seas or low tide it is still a good spot to enjoy the view of the coast.
Fabbri Picnic Spot
This spot isn’t necessarily one of the major stops in the park but there are wonderful views and usually fewer crowds. We stopped and had lunch here and it was quite peaceful.
Between Little Hunter’s Beach and the Jordan Pond House you’ll drive under two beautiful carriage road bridges. Also an awesome spot to pull off and take some photos.
Wildwood Stables
Want to take a horse-drawn carriage ride down the Carriage Roads? You’re in luck. Wildwood Stable offers rides May-October each year. They also offer a place for your horses if you want to bring your own to ride on the Carriage Roads.
Jordan Pond House
A famous Acadia National Park spot. The Jordan Pond House protocols have changed significantly over the past few years during COVID. Check out their current policies before your trip for the most smooth transaction there. It can get incredibly crowded here and you may need to circle for a while to find a parking spot. The popovers here are 10/10, we have never actually gotten lunch or any other food but popovers from the restaurant. The gift shop is really nice as well, try to get there early if you don’t want to be shoulder to shoulder. Once you’re done visiting the Jordan Pond House take a stroll around the grounds for amazing views of the bubbles and Jordan Pond.
Go Hiking
There are many different beautiful trails to choose from in all sections of Acadia. Trail difficulty ranges from flat, even surfaces to some bouldering depending on your pick. Definitely get out on the trail and enjoy the day outside of the car.
Take a Tour by Boat
There are several companies that offer boat tours of the coastline of Acadia that operate out of Bar Harbor. Depending on your needs you could choose a sailboat charter or a whale-watching style boat that will bring you right along the shoreline.
Isle au Haut
An interesting sidebar of Acadia, Isle au Haut is half privately owned and half National Park. If you want to visit the island you’ll have to catch a ferry from Stonington. Stonington is not incredibly close to Acadia if you’re limited on time. There is a campground and some hiking trails on the island.
Schoodic Peninsula
A little hidden gem for those who want a spot away from the crowds. Schoodic is just as beautiful as the main part of the park but lacks the “main attractions”. There is a 6-mile one-way road that will take you along the coastline with amazing views. Schoodic Peninsula is about an hour away from the main park, so it would be best visited if you have at least a two-day itinerary.
Tips for Visiting
- Pack in your own food and snacks
- The early mornings and early evenings are the best times to be in the park
- Jordan Pond House is busiest around lunch time
- If you plan on hiking, do your #1 priority trail first. Parking lots for trailheads fill up quickly and for the most part stay full
- Depending on your trail wish list you can complete multiple in one day
- Be prepared for traffic on Park Loop Road
- If you plan on spending time at Sand Beach in the middle of the summer, arrive early to get your spot.
Bryce Canyon National Park Guide
Getting there is just as beautiful as being in the park. Nine miles outside of Bryce Canyon on Scenic Byway 12 is Red Canyon. It should be added to your “must see” list, and simply driving through could be good enough. This is where you …
Baxter State Park Guide
Baxter State Park is a gem for Maine. It is not the typical “state park” as most state parks are run and funded entirely by the state, but Baxter State Park has a different history. Baxter State Park was created by Percival Baxter, when he bought the first 6,000 acres and turned it into a park in 1930. In 1931 he donated it to the state with a 7 million dollar trust and therefore is not taxpayer funded. As of now the park is 201,018 acres, governed by the Attorney General, Director of the Maine Forest Service and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. For a majority of this post I’ll be referring to Baxter State Park as BSP. BSP follows the “Wilderness first, recreation second” way of being, which you may notice during your visit with natural trails, dirt roads and minimalist infrastructure.
Baxter State Park has some interesting rules, and most are for good reason. It is always worth it to read through the full set of rules before planning a trip. BSP keeps firm to their rules, so keep that in mind for your visit.
Park Hours:
The park is open for day use from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Camping:
- Campgrounds are open May 15-October 15. See their website for specific details and conditions for certain campsites and campgrounds.
- You must register at the gatehouse no later than 8:30 p.m. Camping by groups of more than 12 people is permitted only at designated group camping areas
- Check in time: 1:00 pm on arrival day, except 2:00 pm for cabins.
- Check out time: 11:00 am on departure day.
- Quiet hours in the park are 9 pm – 7 am
BSP has an array of options for camping, including cabins, wilderness sites, lean-tos, bunkhouses and campgrounds.
There are cabins at Kidney Pond and Daicey Pond available for rent if you’re looking for more structure. Each one is sighted beautifully and you’ll have a wonderful view the whole time. You will need to bring everything for yourself though, they are “wilderness cabins” not curated.
In previous seasons Bunkhouses were shared, but for the 2022 season they are private based on single party reservations. Bunkhouses have wooden bunks with no mattresses, no cooking facilities and no running water. So keep that in mind.
Lean-tos are hiked to, and mostly first come first serve. Davis Pond and Wassataquiok must be reserved. Each Lean-to has a maximum capacity, make sure to check that out when scouting out your lean-to.
There are a few campgrounds at trailheads, with easy access and parking, which include Abol, Katahdin Stream and Roaring Brook. These campgrounds tend to fill up fast. You have to hike into Chimney Pond, Russell Pond and Katahdin Lake. Chimney Pond has 9 lean-tos and a 10 person bunkhouse. Russell Pond has 5 lean-tos, 3 tent sites and an 8 person bunkhouse.
There are many backcountry sites scattered throughout the park. Check out the park’s website for the exact location and details of each site. Each one has it’s own maximum capacity and differing amenities.
The park has group camping sites at Bear Brook, Foster Field, Nesowadnehunk Field and Trout Brook Farm. Reservations must be made in advance.
Getting Around:
Traveling around the park is slow going, the roads are narrow, winding, and dirt. The park is broken up into a few different areas, and they’re all pretty far apart. There are the SFMA, Trout Brook Farm, South Branch Pond, Russell Pond, Roaring Brook, Katahdin, and Kidney-Daicey areas. Each area has something unique to it, and each is worth a visit. Don’t try to overschedule yourself during your visit, each hike takes time and getting around is slow. For instance, it takes two or more hours to travel between the Togue Pond Gate and the Matagamon Gate. Most people opt to travel around the park to get to the north end instead of traveling through it.
Parking:
Parking inside of the park is limited. This is what could make or break your trip if you have your heart set on a specific trail. You need a parking reservation for the Roaring Brook, Abol and Katahdin Stream parking areas if you intend to hike Mt. Katahdin. All other trailheads are first come, first serve. Once they fill up there is no getting around it unless you come back later in the day.
Parking Passes (DUPRs):
Maine residents can reserve their parking pass anytime after April 1st of that year.
Non-residents can only reserve up to two weeks before their trip.
If you have a parking reservation the gatehouse opens for you at 6am. If you do not have a parking reservation and there are unreserved spots you may also be able to get in at 6am. Reservations expire at 7:00 am, and the park begins letting people in on a first come first serve basis at 7:05am.
Often the line for parking begins to form around 5:00am. If you show up to the gatehouse at 7:00 expecting parking without a reservation, you may be out of luck for those parking areas. I would also advise to be early for the other major parking areas as well.
Best Things to Do in Baxter State Park:
1)Hike
Hiking is the number one activity at Baxter State Park. There are so many trails you could spend your whole trip hiking and not cover a fraction of them. Check out my in depth post about the best hikes at BSP. I cover everything from little ones like Little Abol Falls to Mt.Katahdin.
2)Stargaze
If you’re camping in the park, stargazing is phenomenal. Even if you’re not inside the park it is some of the best in Maine. I would highly recommend picking an open area near you to sit outside. The smaller walks to the ponds would also be a good pick. The hike to Sandy Stream Pond is phenomenal as well, just watch your step in the dark.
3)Moose Watch
Moose are out and about in the park, with the best viewing times being dawn and dusk. Moose sometimes walk down the roads around these times, or you could find them over at one of the ponds. Sandy Stream Pond is a short hike and has multiple viewing points where you may be able to catch a moose hanging out. Be cautious of moose and courteous to other people when out there. The best way to see a moose at one of the ponds is to sit for a while, still and quiet. If you stumble upon a quiet group of people watching for moose, don’t ruin their quiet by being loud.
4)Canoe
Canoeing is amazing in the park. Most of the ponds have great views of the surrounding mountains and Maine landscape. You can bring your own canoe or borrow one from BSP. Most canoes are locked, and you can get the key by the nearest ranger station. There is a chart on Baxter’s website showing where exactly you can get the key to specific canoes. Canoe rentals are done on the honor system of $1 per hour or $8 a day.
5)Bike
I have seen many cyclists on our trips to BSP. There are specific rules that the park has about biking-ie no mountain biking on trails. They are mostly restricted to the roads. Check out where you can bike in the rules section. Beware if you do choose to bike on the roads that people tend to drive faster than they should and the roads are narrow.
6)Fishing
Maine fishing laws apply, so give those a read before heading out fishing. BSP hosts some great fly fishing with Kidney Pond being a really popular and easily accessible spot.
7)Rock Climbing
BSP allows rock climbing as long as it is done in the most leave no trace ways. “Baxter State Park does not allow practices such as placing bolts on existing routes or establishing new bolt-intensive routes and chipping or gluing new holds.” The beauty of the mountains here is enough to keep you occupied on your scramble.
8)Photography
BSP is so photogenic, no matter where you are in the park you’re sure to find a spot to spend some time snapping shots. Some of the more popular spots to spend time in are Kidney Pond, Sandy Stream Pond, Stump Pond and if you’re up for the hike, Chimney Pond.
9)The Junior Ranger Program (for kids)
You can pick up a Junior Ranger Book at the gatehouses, campgrounds and visitor center. There are fun activities to familiarize yourself and your family with the park and it’s ethics.
10)Hunting
Hunting is allowed in a few areas in the park, though there is no Moose hunting or baiting allowed. All Maine hunting laws apply, I’m sure if you’re up here for hunting you’re well aware of those so I will spare you the details.
Park Rules of Note: (See their website for full set)
- No dogs are allowed in Baxter State Park.
The maximum group size of hikers is 12 people. They consider groups on the same trail “separated by less than one mile shall be considered one group” - The park has the right to turn away unprepared hikers within reason.
- No children under the age of 6 are allowed above timberline.
- Hikers must carry a working flashlight
- Fires or other cooking or heating devices are permitted only in designated campsites or
- picnic areas.
- All trash, and materials carried into the park must be carried out. There are no trash cans.
- No vehicles over nine feet high, seven feet wide, or twenty two feet long (single) or forty four (combined) may enter the park.
- No ATVs, Motorcycles beyond the Togue and Matagamon gatehouses.
- Bicycles are only allowed on the road and Dwelley Pond Trail. December 1st to April 1st they are also allowed on the Abol Stream Trail.
Pack:
Water “Potable water is not available in the park. All water sources in the Park should be considered suspect and all water should be treated.”
If you are camping in BSP, bring everything that you think you will need. There is a Hannaford and hardware store in Millinocket but that is a ways out if you forget something. Make sure to double check your gear before you leave for your trip.
Don’t Pack:
Firewood: They will not let you bring your own firewood into the park.
Generators-they don’t allow them to be used in the park.
