www.acadianationalpark.com/ottercliffs | Google map
The rocky shoreline of Monument Cove is nestled in just before Acadia National Park’s Otter Cliff, making the headland seem even higher than its 110 feet. Walk the Ocean Path and pass by powerful Thunder Hole on your way to the cliff where the views are unmatched.
Michael G. Seamans/Staff Photographer
Aimsel Ponti
Staff Writer
Aimsel Ponti is a music writer and content producer for the Portland Press Herald. She has been obsessed with – and inspired by – music since she listened to Monkees records borrowed from the town library when she was 6 years old. She bought her first Rolling Stones record at a flea market when she was in 7th grade and discovered David Bowie a year later. She's a huge fan of the local music scene and covers it along with national musical happenings in her column. You'll also find her out and about absorbing live music and shopping for vinyl at local record shops and flea markets. Aimsel regularly appears on the News Center Maine TV show “207” to preview upcoming concerts.
Cranberry Isles
www.cranberryisles.com | Google map
See the Cranberry Isles from Acadia National Park or visit them on a 30-minute ferry ride and look back on Mount Desert Island. Great Cranberry and Little Cranberry welcome visitors, but Bear, Sutton and Baker islands do not.
Fred Field/Staff Photographer
Crescent Beach State Park
www.maine.gov | Google map
This Cape Elizabeth location has a little bit of everything – sandy beach, salty coves, grassy dunes, rocky ledges and shady wooded areas. It earned its name from the shape of the mile-long beach and is a perfect spot to watch for sea birds and fishing boats.
Ben McCanna/Staff Photographer
Moxie Falls, The Forks
www.mainetrailfinder.com | Google map
Moxie Stream flows from Lake Moxie to the Kennebec River and the falls, one of the highest in the state, drop more than 90 feet into a deep pool. You’ll find several plunges, cascades and pools along the way during the 20-minute hike in. Several wooden observation platforms give visitors a variety of looks at the powerful plunging water. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
Mt. Battie
www.maine.gov | Google map
Located in Camden Hills State Park, a drive up the Mt. Battie Auto Road reveals sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay and surrounding islands. (Hike instead of drive and enjoy some nature along the way.) When the weather is clear, visitors can see all the way to Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park.
Photo by Scott Andrews
Height of Land
www.tripadvisor.com/heightofland | Google map
The Height of Land scenic overlook is a stopping point – and gawking point – on Route 17 near Rangeley. “Crowds can be found gathering at the Height of Land, where even on a hazy day the view pours over Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Toothaker and Students islands,” wrote Deirdre Fleming, staff writer at the Portland Press Herald. On a good day the site lets a visitor travel in their mind over Rangeley and Cupsuptic lakes, west to the White Mountains and east to Saddleback Mountain. Dusk draws locals to see a sky full of shades of purple and orange.
Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer
Gulf Hagas
www.northmainewoods.org/gulfhagas
Found in the 100-mile wilderness section of the Appalachian Trail, Gulf Hagas is known as the Grand Canyon of the East. You’ll understand why when you see the towering rock walls, the network of trails and the series of waterfalls that plunge as much as 500 feet past the rock formations. The three-mile-long gorge is home to the Pleasant River, and attracts both serious hikers – you’ll likely meet some AT thru hikers – and day-trippers admiring the falls. Your way in is past the Katahdin Iron Works, a state historic site dating to 1845.
Derek Davis/Staff Photographer
Monhegan Island
monheganwelcome.com | Google map
Located 12 miles off the coast, Monhegan Island is accessible by ferry from Boothbay Harbor, New Harbor and Port Clyde. Visit to walk the cliffs, view the lighthouses, chat with the islanders and observe the artists at work. Adjacent Manana Island is part of Monhegan Harbor.
Press Herald file photo
Kettle Cove
Google map
Sit on sand and gaze out to sea or sit on grass and take in the sights of Crescent Beach State Park. Sunsets are inspiring here and those relaxing can often watch local paddleboarders easing along atop the water.
Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Staff Photographer
Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
lighthouse.cc/pemaquid | Google map
The impressive lighthouse was selected by residents to represent Maine in the 50 State Quarters Program and is one of the most photographed on the Maine coast. The scenic landscape of the park includes exposed bedrock stretching to the sea and visitors can lounge on the rocks with the Atlantic below.
John Patriquin/Staff Photographer