in Maine is a matter of picking the freely available natural resources: streams and lakes for canoeing, nature preserves and mountains for hiking, rivers for rafting on the Penobscot River’s West Branch and the Magalloway River, forests and parks for camping, among the many non-motorized options. Not to mention hunting and fishing opportunities.
The Appalachian Trail draws day trippers and through hikers (Maine-to-Georgia) alike. Beginning in the north at Baxter Park, it winds past Gulf Hagas, Bigelow Mountain, to Mahoosuc Notch and south out of the state.
Raft and canoe trips can range from several days in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway or on the Kennebec River, to pleasant day trips often close to home.
A visit to a waterfall, such as Moxie Falls, is always a treat.
Of course touring coastal communities is not to be missed, but visiting the many accessible lighthouses is yet another attraction.
Additional resources
Arlen, Alice. In the Maine Woods: An Insider’s Guide to Traditional Maine Sporting Camps. Woodstock, VT. The Countryman Press. 1998.
Gibson, John. 50 Hikes in Southern and Coastal Maine. Woodstock, VT. Backcountry Publications. 1996.
Heinrich, Bernd. A Year in the Maine Woods. Reading, MA. Perseus Books. 1994.
Wilson, Alex and John Hayes. Quiet Water Canoe Guide, Maine. Boston. Appalachian Mountain Club. 1995.