Maine’s famous places are famous for good reason, but the state is large, and many of its best spots see a fraction of the crowds. After three decades running Maine’s resource guide, these are the hidden gems we send people to: islands you reach by ferry, trails with almost no other hikers, quiet waterfalls and wilderness most visitors never see. “Hidden” here means places that are real and worth the trip but often skipped.
The best hidden gems in Maine are the islands of Monhegan and Vinalhaven, the Bold Coast Trail in Cutler, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Campobello Island, and the quiet waterfalls of western Maine. Each is covered below with a link to our full guide.
Hidden Gems on the Coast and Islands
1. Monhegan Island
Monhegan rewards every visit differently – the light changes, the birds change with the season, and the art in the galleries rotates. It is reached by ferry from the midcoast, and the boats fill, so book early. See our Monhegan Island day trip guide.
2. Vinalhaven
Vinalhaven is for visitors who want the real thing instead of the postcard: the Booth Quarry, a working harbor and a granite heritage, and most tourists never make it this far. The island is reached by ferry from Rockland. See our Vinalhaven day trip guide.
3. Campobello Island and Eastport
Campobello is a cross-border gem that most Maine visitors never find: the FDR estate, coastal scenery and the novelty of walking into Canada. Bring your passport. See our Campobello Island day trip guide and things to do in Eastport.
4. Lubec and West Quoddy Head
Lubec is the gateway to the easternmost point of the lower 48, where the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Light stands. See things to do in Lubec and our best lighthouses in Maine.
5. Maine’s Hidden Beaches
Everyone knows Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach and Pemaquid, but scattered along Maine’s coast are dozens of beaches that see a fraction of the crowds. See our guide to Maine’s hidden beaches.
6. The Bold Coast Trail (Cutler)
The Bold Coast Trail in Cutler is the finest coastal hiking in Maine: cliff scenery, real exposure and an almost complete absence of other hikers. See our Bold Coast hiking guide.
Hidden Gems in the Mountains, Lakes and North Woods
7. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Katahdin Woods and Waters is the least visited national monument in the Northeast, designated in 2016, and its wilderness character is intact. The eastern view of Katahdin from within the monument is something few people see. See our Katahdin Woods and Waters guide.
8. Gulf Hagas
Called the Grand Canyon of Maine, Gulf Hagas is a slate canyon with a series of waterfalls along the West Branch Pleasant River in the 100-Mile Wilderness. It is a remote, rewarding day hike. See our best waterfalls in Maine.
9. Houston Brook Falls and Angel Falls
Houston Brook Falls is a 40-foot cascade with a deep pool, reached by a flat ten-minute walk, and a locals’ favorite. Angel Falls near Rangeley is a roughly 90-foot plunge deep in the mountains, reached by a wooded hike. Both are in our best waterfalls in Maine.
10. Mount Kineo (Moosehead Lake)
Mount Kineo is a sheer cliff rising from Moosehead Lake that you reach by boat, which keeps the crowds small. See our best hikes in Maine.
11. Lazy Tom Bog
This expansive wetland near Rockwood is the most reliable moose watching location in the state, and many visitors drive right past it. See our Lazy Tom Bog guide and where to see moose in Maine.
12. Attean Lake and the Sporting Camps
Attean Lake Lodge stands on an island in Attean Pond near Jackman and has been family-run since 1900. It is the starting point for the Moose River Bow Trip. For the whole tradition, see our guide to Maine sporting camps.
13. Aroostook County
Maine’s vast northern county is lightly traveled and heavily wooded. Moose are common, but sightings take patience and dirt-road driving. See our Aroostook County guide.
14. Bingham and Moxie Falls
Bingham is a quiet Kennebec River town with whitewater rafting outfitters, and the trail to Moxie Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Maine, is nearby. See our Bingham guide.
Tips for Visiting Off-the-Beaten-Path Places
- Book ferries early: boats to the islands fill, especially in summer.
- Plan for little or no cell service in the North Woods and on the Bold Coast, and carry a paper map.
- Bring a passport for Campobello Island.
- Go early or late: the quietest hours at any hidden gem are first thing and near sunset.
- Leave no trace: these places stay hidden because visitors take care of them.
Hidden Gems in Maine: FAQ
What is the best hidden gem in Maine?
It depends on what you want. Monhegan and Vinalhaven are the best island hidden gems, the Bold Coast Trail is the best for hiking, and Katahdin Woods and Waters is the best for wilderness.
What are the best hidden gems on the Maine coast?
Monhegan Island, Vinalhaven, Campobello Island, Lubec and West Quoddy Head, the Bold Coast Trail in Cutler, and Maine’s lesser-known beaches.
What are the best hidden gems in Maine for hiking?
The Bold Coast Trail in Cutler, Gulf Hagas and Mount Kineo are the best hidden hikes. All three see far fewer people than Acadia or Katahdin.
When is the best time to visit Maine’s hidden gems?
Summer through early fall is best for most of them, since island ferries and northern roads are most reliable then. See our guide to the best time to visit Maine.
More Maine guides: Best Islands · Best Small Towns · Best Hikes · Best Waterfalls · Best Lakes · Best Kayaking · Best Cabins · Best Lighthouses · Best Wildlife Watching