beaches
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains overflows with freshwater beaches in state and local parks, campgrounds or town lakes . Enjoy the easy refreshment of a dip in crystal-clear lakes set like jewels amid lush green forests. Small, private beaches may be found near lodging and vacation rentals.
Near many of the lake beaches adventurers can find public launches for canoes, kayaks and motor boats. While some of the larger parks or beaches offer picnic areas, restrooms and changing facilities, and lifeguards, it is important to check ahead to see what is offered. Even if there are lifeguards on duty, play it safe: always swim in a lifeguarded area whenever possible; never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills; keep within your fitness and swimming capabilities; be aware of weather and water conditions and heed warnings.
State park Beaches
Mt. Blue State Park
Mt. Blue State Park’s Webb Beach is a truly family-friendly sand beach with clear cold water, and stunning mountain views.
The park also offers hiking, trail riding, biking, and picnicking. Anglers and campers will enjoy this area throughout the warm-months, as will snowmobilers, Nordic skiers, snowshoers, and ice-skaters in winter.
Range Pond State Park
Just a short drive from Lewiston-Auburn, the park welcomes visitors who enjoy the wide sandy beach as they swim, picnic and play. Most activity centers on the waterfront which is easily accessible because of the smooth, surfaced promenade that parallels the pond for 1,000 feet immediately next to the beach. Small boats, canoes, kayaks and windsurf boards dot the water’s surface.
Rangeley Lake State Park
Rangeley Lake State Park covers nearly 900 acres deep in Maine’s Western Mountains. Families will enjoy swimming at the beach, hiking, picnicking, camping, and wildlife observation. Meanwhile, sport anglers know that the lake’s pristine waters are home to a world-renowned population of landlocked salmon and trout. The campground has a spectacular view of Saddleback Mountain.
Sebago Lake State Park
One of Maine’s first and, by far, one of the state’s most popular parks is Sebago Lake State Park, set on the lake’s north shore. In addition to extensive recreational day use, the park’s campground is popular with families.
Its sandy beaches, sheltered wooded areas, picnic areas and boat launches, make it a favorite summer spot to spend a day.
Local and Town BEaches
Ways to Adventure
On the Water
Paddling
Paddling is an exceptional way to explore, whether you canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Regardless of your skill level, there are various ways to grow your passion for paddling in the region.
On the Water
Fishing
An endless supply of cold, swift-running streams and rivers, and nearly every pond or lake offers up a fishing challenge, whether summer or winter, from the shore, in waders, on a boat, or through a hole in the ice.
On the Water
Beaches
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains overflows with freshwater beaches in state and local parks, campgrounds or town lakes. Enjoy the easy refreshment of a dip in crystal-clear lakes set like jewels amid lush green forests.
On the Water
Canoe Trips
Canoers will discover adventure, solitude, and camaraderie on western Maine’s waterways. Plus, they’ll experience the joy of dipping a paddle in a clear pond that reflects the sky, clouds, and mountains.
On the Water
Boating
The region’s hundreds of lakes and ponds offer myriad freshwater experiences, whether a casual jaunt aboard a pontoon boat to view wildlife, a scenic lake cruise, or the high-speed excitement of water skiing.
Nature and Wildlife
Moose Spotting
You can spot moose throughout most of Maine, but their population is most significant in more secluded areas, including much of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains.
Nature and Wildlife
birding
The forests, fields, and wetlands of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains are the ideal setting to experience the thrill of birdwatching. Many highly coveted species can be found in the area’s boreal forests, including woodpeckers and Bicknell’s Thrush.
Plan Your Trip
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains offers a variety of resources to help you plan your next visit, including an annual visitor’s guide, stand alone map, and the new Adventure Guide App.
Visitor's Guide
Our Free Visitor's Guide will help inspire your next adventure along our mountain trails, lakes, scenic byways, bustling towns and more.
Map of the Region
Companion to the Visitor Guide, our dual-sided planning map will help you find your way to adventure in every season throughout the region.
Adventure Guide App
The App will point the way to all kinds of adventures, experiences and destinations in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains with GPS location maps and alerts.
