Find Your Summer
Summer in Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region is shaped by clear waters, forested peaks, scenic roads, and welcoming towns. Paddle across a quiet lake, hike to a waterfall or mountain summit, explore a local village, or end the day beside a campfire under the stars. Here, wild looks different for everyone. It might be an energetic day on the trail, a child’s first swim in a Maine lake, a peaceful morning watching wildlife, or an unhurried drive through the mountains.
However you spend your summer, there is a wild waiting for you.
Freshwater Adventures
With hundreds of lakes and ponds, a summer adventure often begins at the shoreline. Paddle the Rangeley Lakes, Flagstaff Lake, Sebago Lake, or escape to the quiet waters around Bridgton; spend the afternoon at a freshwater beach; or head out for boating and fishing on cold, clear lakes and rivers. Traditional sporting camps and Registered Maine Guides offer deeper connections to the region’s outdoor heritage, while state parks and local beaches make it easy for families to swim, picnic, and relax by the water.
Take to the Mountains
The region’s trails and bike networks offer everything from gentle nature walks to challenging climbs and lift-served mountain bike descents. Explore the Appalachian Trail, Grafton Notch, the Bigelow Mountains, Bethel Village Trails, Mt. Abram, or the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. More accessible experiences include Valentine Farm’s universally accessible trail in Bethel, while Maine Adaptive helps people with disabilities enjoy hiking, cycling, paddling, and other outdoor adventures. Whether you are chasing a summit, a waterfall, or a quiet walk beneath the trees, there is a trail for your kind of wild.
Follow the Winding Road
Follow the Winding Road Some of the region’s best experiences are connected by the journey itself. The Grafton Notch Scenic Byway, Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway, Pequawket Scenic Byway, and High Peaks Scenic Byway wind past mountain passes, lakes, waterfalls, overlooks, and inviting communities. Stop along the way for outdoor dining, independent shops, museums, farmers’ markets and stands, or make a village your base for exploring the landscape around it. Here, a scenic drive can become a full day of discovery.
Watch the Wild
From loons calling across quiet lakes to moose moving through forested wetlands, wildlife is part of the summer experience. Bring binoculars for a morning of birding, listen for warblers in the woods, or watch for eagles, herons, and waterfowl near the shore. Maine Wildlife Park in Gray offers families a closer look at native animals that cannot be returned to the wild, while Valentine Farm provides a welcoming place to enjoy birds, pollinators, and native plants. After sunset, lakeshores and mountain settings invite visitors to slow down and look up at Maine’s night sky.
Make a Summer of It
Turn a day outdoors into a summer getaway. Stay at a lakeside campground, traditional sporting camp, cozy inn, or mountain resort, and make time to explore the communities along the way. Browse local shops and galleries, eat outside, or stop at a farm stand, brewery, or ice cream shop. Throughout the season, festivals, concerts, fairs, and community celebrations bring the region’s towns to life. From garden tours to balloon festivals, there’s an event for everyone. It’s the people, places, and unforgettable experiences that make a trip to Maine’s Lakes and Mountains a tradition worth repeating.
Ways to Adventure
ON THE WATER
BEACHES
Swap the ocean crowds for crystal-clear freshwater beaches surrounded by forests and mountains. From family-friendly state parks to quiet local swimming spots, there’s a perfect place to relax and cool off all summer long.
EAT & DRINK
FARMERS’ MARKETS AND STANDS
Experience the region’s flavors at roadside farm stands and family-owned farms. Fresh produce, maple syrup, baked goods, artisan cheese, and locally crafted products make every stop worth exploring.
On the trail
HIKING TRAILS
Explore miles of scenic trails leading to mountain summits, waterfalls, peaceful forests, and breathtaking overlooks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely nature walk or a challenging backcountry hike, there’s a trail for every adventure.
NATURE AND WILDLIFE
MOOSE SPOTTING
Wildlife is part of everyday life here, and few experiences are more memorable than spotting a moose in its natural habitat. Keep an eye out for loons, eagles, deer, and other native wildlife as you explore the region.
Plan Your Trip
Find the resources you need to plan your visit to Maine’s Lakes and Mountains, from our Adventure Guide app and travel guides to local events and maps.
Event Calendar
Our Event Calendar highlights festivals, concerts, outdoor events, and seasonal celebrations happening year-round across Maine’s Lakes and Mountains.
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.
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.
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.