birding
It’s not an easy task for birders to explain the allure of seeking out and observing wild birds in their natural habitat. Our advice is to give it a try in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, the ideal setting for experiencing the thrill of birdwatching.
Our forests, fields, and wetlands are worth the investment of time and energy. We recommend a visit to Sebago Lake State Park and the Brownfield Bog or the highly prized boreal forests of Grafton Notch State Park. Come in early July for the Rangeley Lakes Birding Festival and a chance to see and learn about birds that are difficult to find in other parts of Maine.
popular birding spots
- Bald Mountain, Oquossoc, Numerous boreal species
- Bigelow Preserve, Stratton, Bicknell’s Thrushes (above 3,000 feet)
- Boy Scout Road, Oquossoc, Boreal Chickadees, Gray Jays, and other northern birds
- Brownfield Bog, Brownfield, Yellow-throated Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Least Bitterns, Wilson’s Snipes, and Virginia Rails
- Grafton Notch State Park, Newry, Philadelphia Vireos, Peregrine Falcons, Boreal Chickadees, Black-backed Woodpeckers, and Spruce Grouse
- The Greater Lovell Land Trust, Lovell, Common Warblers, Woodpeckers, and Flycatchers
- The Heald Pond Preserve, Lovell, Common Warblers and Thrushes
- Hunter Cove, Rangeley, Boreal Chickadees, Cape May and
Blackburnian Warblers - Mingo Springs Trail & Bird Walk, Rangeley, Spring Warblers, Vireos, Woodpeckers, and Owls. Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary
- Mt. Blue State Park, Weld, Hermit Thrushes, Winter Wrens, and Scarlet Tanagers
- Rangeley Lake State Park, Rangeley, A variety of Maine’s common songbirds
- Sabattus Pond, Sabattus, Semipalmated, Least, White-rumped Sandpipers, Ruddy Ducks, Killdeer, and more
- Saddleback Mountain, Rangeley, Bicknell’s Thrushes
- Thorncrag Nature Preserve, Lewiston, A variety of Maine’s common songbirds
- White Mountain National Forest, West Bethel, Moose, birds, and waterfowl
birding resources
Maine Birding Trail
The Maine Birding Trail supports and tracks birding opportunities, tours, festivals, vacations, rare sightings, and more. Because Maine is more forested than any other state, with a rugged coastline longer than California’s, there are so many places to experience the joy of spotting a rare species. Visit their site for trail sites, guide books, the Maine Bird Atlas, checklists, information on tours and festivals, and more resources to help you get the most out of your birding adventure in Maine.
Maine ebird
Maine eBird is a collaborative project managed by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, in partnership with Maine Audubon, and powered by eBird and The Cornell Lab. This state-specific version customizes the features, resources, and benefits of eBird to the Pine Tree State for local and visiting birders. Explore, post sightings, and read reports on the site.
Maine Audubon
Maine Audubon works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people in education, conservation, and action. The oldest and largest Maine-based conservation organization provides hands-on, experiential nature programs, promotes public awareness, instills an understanding of conserving our natural resources, and advocates for local, state, and federal public policies that benefit wildlife and protect critical habitat. Visitors can find even more helpful resources on their website.
Ways to Adventure
On the trail
hiking
Maine’s Lakes and Mountains is filled with spectacular ways to hit the trail. Whether it is remote backcountry hiking, hoofing it up to the summit of Jockey Cap for the views, or just a leisurely walk in the woods, we’ve got a trail for you.
On the trail
Mountain Biking
Though you do not have to be in the mountains to enjoy this sport, the Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region offers the perfect setup for bikers looking for the challenge of single-track.
On the trail
fat Biking
If you love mountain biking and winter, fat biking might be your new favorite sport. Fat bikes use huge, grippy tires that allow riders to take to trails typically used by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers.
On the trail
Nordic Skiing
On a crisp, sparkling winter day, one of the best ways to take in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains snowy landscape is to venture out on cross-country skis.
On the trail
snowshoeing
Snowshoeing enthusiasts have options lots of options here. With over 250-miles of groomed trails across the region
On the trail
ATV Riding
Take on terrain from rocky climbs up a mountain, to smooth cruises through open plains as you explore extensive miles of ATV trails spanning mountains, forests, and meadows.
On the trail
snowmobiling
With over near-endless miles of groomed trails maintained by local riding clubs, you’ll always find new places to explore amid the incredible scenery, fragrant pine forests, and wide-open plains.
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.
Adventure Respectfully
Our lakes, mountains, and forests are worthy of respect. Whether you’re venturing out into our vast public or private lands or parks, here’s what you can do to conserve the area’s natural resources for all.
other resources
Take Care of the Land
Tread lightly and leave no trace. Keep this place as pristine as you found it.
Where ya headed?
Check if you’ll be on public or private land and if there are any restrictions or fees. Always research your destination ahead of time.
Stick to established trails & roads.
Whether hiking, biking, angling, or ATVing, always stay on a designated trail.
DON’T DAMAGE TREES
To protect the forest, only build fires in approved sites, don’t leave them unattended, and extinguish them thoroughly.
Avoid spreading invasive species.
Don’t transport firewood, brush your boots, and wash and dry your boat before heading to your next adventure.
Avoid peak hours
Plan around peak hours midday to avoid crowds. Have a Plan B in case the parking lot is already full.
No litterbugs allowed
If you pack it in, pack it out, including food waste like apple cores. Bring bags for pet waste.
When nature calls
If you have to go, pick a spot at least 100′ off the trail or away from a body of water, and bury your poop 6″ deep.
