Maine Summer Activities
Maine has some of the best outdoor summer activities in all of New England. Since the summer is so short we pack each weekend full of awesomely fun stuff. However given the state of the economy we can’t always spend a lot of money. It’s a good thing fun doesn’t always have to cost a bundle. Here are a few things to do this summer that are free or nearly free.
Acadia National Park is located in Bar Harbor Maine. There you can hike granite mountains, bike through some amazing trails and take in the natural beauty of Maine’s rocky coast. Plan a weekend getaway for almost nothing. There is a nominal park entrance fee of $20.00 and a camp site is only $20.00 per night. Plus nearly 80% of all fees go directly to maintaining the park. While you are there you can participate in a Ranger-led walk and learn about the local ecosystem, drive the 20 mile loop for supurb views of the coast, bike some of the 45 miles of carriage roads, or hike through over 120 miles of historic trails. Check out their website for details. http://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/index.htm
One of the most fun group adventures I have taken is a canoe trip down the Saco River. It’s almost like a real life lazy river. With the bright July sun shining down, a slow moving current taking you down stream, and precarious looking rope swings, it’s Maine’s original water park. Kids are splashing in the shallow waters along the shore, and strangers stopping to have lunch on the same beach become quick friends. There are a few canoe rental places but the one we always go with is Saco River Canoe and Kayak. You start your morning by parking at the end location, they pick you up and bring to the start of your trip load your canoes into the water and wish you luck. There are several trips you can choose from based on how long you want to paddle. And at about 45.00 for a rental it is certainly cheaper than a water park. For details check them out http://www.sacorivercanoe.com
Perhaps an adventure filled weekend isn’t really your thing, maybe you like to relax on the beach with an umbrella drink in hand. Not to worry Maine can help you out with that too. You can enjoy some beautiful sand sculptures at the Annual Sand Sculpture Contest in Old Orchard Beach. This usually happens July 4th weekend and there are some very cool sculptures to see, plus it is totally free. Then you can walk the beach to the Brunswick and enjoy a drink on their outdoor patio while listening to a great local band.
One totally free thing you can do is walk or bike the Eastern Trail. The Eastern Trail Alliance is part of the East Coast Greenway that goes from Calais Maine to Key West Florida. On any given day rain or shine you will find people running, biking, or just casually strolling along the paths. For a list of trails and activities visit here, http://www.easterntrail.org.
Any way you choose to spend your precious few sun filled weekends is up to you. Just make sure that you have a great time because won’t last forever!