pink sky and lobster boat on Downeast Maine outdoor adventures

Outdoor Adventures of Downeast Maine

When people talk about Downeast Maine outdoor adventures they often refer to Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. However, there are many remote and stunning areas beyond Acadia.

Don’t get me wrong, Mount Desert Island is gorgeous and I’ve enjoyed many days biking the carriage roads, hiking the precipices, and sea kayaking the bays. Yet, Acadia is often crowded in the summer. Therefore, try some of my favorite outdoor adventures beyond Acadia. Just in case you are interested in visiting Acadia, here are some fun things to do in Acadia National Park.

These undiscovered destinations for outdoor activities range from the town of Stonington extending to the Canadian border. They lack the crowds of Mount Desert, and moreover, are some of the most striking remote natural areas of Maine.

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Where is Downeast Maine?

Downeast is the eastern coastal area of Maine starting in Ellsworth and stretching to the Canadian border. It encompasses Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park then runs all the way to the waters of Lubec, the easternmost town in the United States. The term Downeast comes from the early days of northeasterly bound schooner ships heading downwind as they sailed the East Coast.

The Islands off Acadia for Maine Downeast Outdoor Adventures

Remote gems beyond Acadia National Park entice outdoor adventurers looking for an alternative to the favored haunts of Mount Desert Island.

mountain and water Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
Mount Desert in the distance

Isle Au Haut

As you approach this remote island on a mailboat ferry from Stonington, you will notice the mountains rising from the mist. Isle Au Haut means High Island for this reason. About half the island is part of Acadia National Park.

The passenger ferry stops at the town landing but if you are hiking or camping remain on the boat until the Duck Harbor landing. The national park manages a 5 site primitive campground tucked in the woods above Duck Harbor. The landing is also where the trailheads to the best hikes on the island start.

Duck Harbor Campground has 3 sided lean-tos, a water pump, and a composting toilet. The season is from May 15 through October 9. The scenic campsites in a magical fir forest are popular so book early.

Hiking on Isle au Haut

Isle au Haut boasts 18 miles of magnificent hiking trails through fir trees dripping with goat’s beard and by cobbled beach coves. While you can hike on the pleasant Duck Harbor Trail to Deep Cove from the town landing, the most outstanding trails leave from Duck Harbor. My favorite loop is to take the Duck Harbor Mountain Trail to the Goat Trail and then trace the southern point of Isle au Haut on the Cliff and Western Head trails. You climb Duck Harbor Mountain to start. Next, the section around the Western Head is rocky and strenuous requiring good hiking boots. However, you may end up doing the most scenic hike in Maine when you are finished. This rugged loop is just under five miles long.

For a bit more moderate hike, take the Duck Harbor Mountain Trail to Sneaker Cove and use the Goat Trail to explore the wild beaches on the east side of the island. Return the same way or by the road. The sea-swept coves looking out to the open ocean are what Downeast Maine outdoor adventures are all about.

Sea kayaking around Isle au Haut

sea kayaker with red boat-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures

Sea kayaking in the islands around Stonington on Deer Isle is some of the best paddling in Maine. The Merchant’s Row archipelago has remote islands for exploration and camping. A membership in the Maine Trail Island Association (MITA) will give you information and access to these magical islands. Some of the islands have impressive old granite quarries with swimming holes. Others are covered with beach roses, lined with granite ledges, with tiny pocket beaches to land. Campsites tucked under firs at the ocean edge are available on MITA or Maine Coast Heritage Trust islands.

Isle au Haut is a sea kayaker’s destination for experienced paddlers. I’ve paddled out to Isle au Haut a few times as part of a camping trip on the Merchant’s Row Islands. While the paddle is only about 6 miles, it is nice to split it up into two days so you have time to hike on the island. I’ve camped on nearby islands such as Harbor or Wheat Islands to stage a paddle to Isle au Haut. You can also camp at the Duck Harbor campground with prior reservations.

A circumnavigation paddling trip around Isle au Haut rates as one of the best outdoor adventures in this area of Down East Maine. When the winds and seas are calm, a trip around Western and Eastern Heads and then along the island’s wild side is a day trip to be remembered.

You can find sea kayak rental in Stonington to outfit you for a trip through the island paradise of Merchant’s Row.

Related post -> Sea Kayak Camping on the Islands of the Maine Coast

Swan’s Island

Swan’s Island is a remote Maine island located 6 miles southwest of Mount Desert Island and the bustling activity of Acadia National Park. It is a prime destination for Down East Maine outdoor adventures.

The Swan Island ferry transports passengers and cars across Blue Hills Bay from Bass Harbor. Run by the Maine state ferry system, the 40-minute crossings occur about 6 times a day in the summer. Check here for the ferry schedule and fares.

Sea Kayaking around Swan’s Island

sea kayaker and lighthouse-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
Burn Coast Habor sea kayaking

Sea kayaking around Swan’s Island is a fantastic Downeast Maine outdoor adventure. Uninhabited islands, deep protected coves, and sandy beaches surround Swan’s island.

The islands of Buckle Harbor are magical. The centerpiece of this kayak journey is three islands in quiet Buckle Harbor surrounded by conservation land. Hen, Duck, and Buckle Islands offer a good half-day of exploring. Trails on Buckle Island wind through spruce glades past fairy houses that other visitors have built in a fit of whimsy. The put-in for this area is described in detail in my post, The Most Amazing Sea Kayaking Adventures of Swan’s Island Maine.

For a day trip, it’s possible to put in at the all-tide boat ramp beside the Swan’s Island state ferry dock in Mackerel Cove. From here you can paddle in the north islands of Orono and Phinney among others. Further north, Pond Island is available for sea kayak camping.

Another fabulous paddling trip is in Burnt Coat Harbor. Picnic on the sandy beach of Big Baker Island then hike the trails of the uninhabited island. Venture further by kayak into Burnt Coat Harbor to view a classic Maine coast lighthouse. The put-in for this paddle is the town wharf located on the Minturn side of Burnt Coat Harbor.

Related post -> The Best Gear for Fantastic Sea Kayaking Camping Adventures

Other Downeast Maine outdoor adventures on Swan’s Island

Swan’s Island has so many low-trafficked roads that it’s perfect for biking. Explore down some of the gravel roads and you might just find a beautiful beach all for yourself. A bike trip out to the Burnt Coat Harbor Lighthouse is a wonderful ride. Besides it’s an interesting and scenic destination. A tour of the lighthouse is a highlight. You will need to bring your own bikes as there is no rental on the island, however, you can rent them on Mount Desert Island and take them on the ferry.

The Quarry is the island’s freshwater swimming hole, Surrounded by huge granite blocks to sun on, the deep cold water is refreshing on a hot day. Find the Quarry on the one-way Minturn loop road just past the town wharf.

swimmer and dog-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
The Quarry

Downeast Maine Outdoor Adventures on the Schoodic Peninsula

The Schoodic Peninsula is part of Acadia National Park known as a hidden gem. While summer brings a beehive of activity to Mt. Desert Island, the Schoodic Peninsula is a secluded wilderness area far from the maddening crowd. It’s located about an hour’s drive Downeast from Bar Harbor. You can also take a ferry from Bar Harbor to Winter Harbor and take the free Island Explorer shuttle bus through the park.

Our family camped for a week or two every year from when the kids were toddlers until they were teenagers. The pink granite rocks, tidepools brimming with sea life, biking on quiet roads, blueberry fields, and sea kayaking to uninhabited islands brought us back every year. We fell in love with the wild beauty of the Schoodic Peninsula as our kids had some of their first outdoor adventures there.

sun rays over ocean and mountain-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
View of Mount Desert Island from Schoodic Point

Biking on the Schoodic Peninsula

There are 8.3 miles of designated gravel paths for biking on the Schoodic Peninsula. The bike trails start in Winter Harbor and wind through the woods and along the shores of the area. In addition, the 6-mile one-way loop road is open for biking past scenic ocean vistas with turnouts to enjoy the scenery. Be aware that the loop road is narrow so ride cautiously.

Camping on the Schoodic Peninsula

Schoodic Woods Campground is a rustic campground on the peninsula 1.5 miles southwest of Winter Harbor. The 89 reservation-only campsites are spacious and wooded. There are ADA-accessible sites and restrooms. A walk-in tent area is perfect for bike campers.

Hiking on the Schoodic Peninsula

The 7.5 miles of trails on the Schoodic Peninsula may not challenge the long-distance hiker, however, there are some spectacular hikes for everyone. Our favorite is the climb up Schoodic Head for a panoramic view of Frenchman Bay and Prospect Harbor. A scenic loop starts up the Alder Trail to the rocky Schoodic Head Trail and back via the Anvil Trail. The 2.5-mile loop traverses some of the best terrain in the area.

A hike out to Little Moose Island is a unique adventure enjoyed by visitors to the national park. Located on the southeast side of the peninsula, Little Moose Island can be accessed only at low tide by walking across a rocky land bridge revealed when the tide goes out. Timing is everything as you will be stranded overnight on the island if you forget about the tide. However, if you have ever wanted to visit a wilderness island without a boat, Little Moose is your chance. You will have about 2 hours on either side of low tide to explore the trail that circumnavigates the island. Expect to see wildflowers, sea birds, and incredible coastal scenery.

people walking on brown rocks-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
Little Moose at low tide

Sea kayaking near the Schoodic Peninsula

Currently, there is no place on Schoodic to rent kayaks for ocean adventures. However, if you can transport your own or rental kayaks from Lamoine, there are amazing sea kayaking routes around the Schoodic Peninsula.

Frenchman’s Bay between the Schoodic Peninsula and Mount Desert Island has rugged islands to explore. A family favorite is Long Porcupine Island and the Hop. The steep cliffs of Long Porcupine support nesting black guillemots, bald eagles, and ospreys. Hop Island adjoins it at low tide and is a great place for a lunch stop to watch the birds. Launch in South Gouldsboro at Bunker Cove.

The islands off of Grindstone Neck in Winter Harbor are a beautiful destination. Mark Island has a highly photogenic lighthouse, however, it’s privately owned so there is no landing there. Ned Island is a delightful stopping place amid the small islands off the point. The put-in for this trip is at Frazier Point on Grindstone Neck.

Finally, experienced paddlers can be challenged by a paddle around Schoodic Point. For years I heard stories of the extreme conditions around Schoodic Point–wild currents, refracting waves, wind, high surf, and changing weather conditions. If you have ever visited Schoodic Point, you know this is often true. So for my paddle trip around, I waited for a forecast with light wind and started at sunrise. I ended up gliding easily around the point, bobbing along with the sea birds accompanying me. It’s a good reminder that paddling skills are nothing without the ability to pay attention to marine weather and the patience to wait for a paddling window.

Related post -> 25 Best Kayaking Day Trips in the US

Other Water Activities on the Schoodic Peninsula

Tide pool exploration is one of our family’s favorite Downeast Maine outdoor adventures. My daughters with tongs and dip nets in hand have declared the tide pools of the Schoodic Peninsula to be the best in the state. Make no mistake, my kids are tide pool experts. They have spent countless hours collecting green crabs from under the rockweed, only to return the bucket full of the crabs to the ocean at the end of the day. Then the next day, the collecting starts again.

As you drive the loop road through Schoodic, stop at the turnouts on 1.5 hours on either side of low tide to find tide pools teeming with marine life. Our favorite pool is on a turnout on the west side of the peninsula across from an unnamed island. There we found our first brittle star, a unique species of sea star. Urchins, barnacles, sea stars, periwinkles, mussels, crabs, and a variety of seaweed will delight curious nature lovers.

Swimming in Jones Pond is another water activity on Schoodic. This freshwater pond is located on Route 195 in Gouldsboro. There are picnic tables, a playground, and a boat launch. Sea kayaks can be rented in Winter Harbor for use on Jones Pond.

Our family has enjoyed many years of swimming in the pleasant temperature water of Jones Pond. It’s a fantastic alternative to the cold water of ocean swimming. Besides, Schoodic doesn’t have a designated swim beach.

Downeast Maine Outdoor Adventures near Milbridge

boat and roses-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures

The Milbridge area is a quiet coastal region of Downeast Maine north of the Schoodic Peninsula. However, the scenery along the coast is splendid, the seafood is divine, and the wild Maine blueberries in season are worth a trip. This area is the blueberry mecca of Maine, so make sure to get a locally baked blueberry pie.

Hiking near Millbridge

Petit Manan Point near Millbridge has some excellent coastal hiking leading to panoramic views of Pigeon Hill Bay and Petit Manan Island and Lighthouse, the second-tallest lighthouse in Maine. Many rare plants and birds inhabit this section of the Downeast coast. Hiking areas can be accessed from Pigeon Hill Road off Route 1 in Steuben.

Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge hiking

lighthouse in distance-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
Petit Manan Lighthouse in the distance.


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Two separate trails leading to differing ecosystems can be hiked in the refuge. The Birch Point Trail is about 4.5 miles round trip. The trail follows old logging roads through spruce-fir forest to the salt marshes of Dyer Bay. A rocky beach at Lobster Cove can be found on the side loop trail. Watch for shore birds and bald eagles here.

The Hollingsworth Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail that explores the east side of the peninsula. The trail starts in a scrubby field with wild blueberries you can pick in season. Continuing into the woods, sphagnum moss-covered hillocks scrunched together between trees alternate with mountain cranberry and scattered blueberry bushes.

The trail eventually emerges at Chair Pond Head for a fabulous cobble beach and views of Petit Manan Lighthouse in the distance. On the return part of the loop, hike through a jack pine forest and look for warblers in the spring.

Want to climb the highest mountain in coastal Downeast East Maine? Then Pigeon Hill is your destination. Ok, it’s only 317 feet high, however, it packs a wallop in coastal views. Panoramic views of the islands of Pleasant Bay are stunning.

The 2.3 miles of trails make a figure eight so you can explore various vantage points. Remnants of an old silver mine can be seen along the trail.

Sea Kayaking near Milbridge

Outdoor explorers can visit scores of uninhabited islands that dot the bays near Milbridge by sea kayak. A thriving lobster fishing community works these waters to add to the quintessential Downeast Maine vibe. In our years of paddling the Maine coast, we have often bought lobsters directly from the lobster boats. On our paddling recent trip, we met a three-generation family pulling lobster traps on the waters near Petit Manan Point. We paddled over and secured our lobster dinner in the mesh bag I always carry for the purpose of buying lobsters off a boat. We had a nice chat before the boats went back to work. The next day, we chanced upon the grandmother in the grocery store for more colorful Downeast stories.

black dog and people on boats-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
Buying lobster off the boat

The public put-in for sea kayaking adventures in the greater Pleasant Bay archipelago is a boat ramp near the Pigeon Hill trailhead. From here, make sure to visit Bois Bubert Island. The feds own about 90% of this 1000-acre island and have opened it to hiking and camping. Camping is allowed on Bois Bubert with permission from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife office in Milbridge.

Hiking trails traverse the island through the sphagnum-covered forest floors. The island is sparsely used so the hiking here is pristine and remote. Cobble beaches make perfect landing spots to explore the island. I couldn’t find a map of the recently blazed trails, therefore it took some bushwhacking to find them. However, the beauty of the island’s interior is worth the effort.

Downeast Maine Outdoor Adventures near Jonesport

harbor with purple flowers-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures

Jonesport is a quiet fishing village in Downeast Maine with outdoor adventures for all ages. It is located on the coast mid-way between Acadia and the Canadian border. Nearby Roque Bluffs State Park, with its white sand beaches rare on the Downeast Maine coast, is a perfect day trip from Jonesport.

Hiking near Jonesport

Great Wass Island Preserve has 4.5 miles of trails through incredible jack pine forests and maritime bogs. Rare plants such as carnivorous pitcher plants and sundew are prominent. You can also rock-hop along the pink granite coast of the island on the Shoreline Trail. Add the Mud Hole and Little Cape Point trails to hike a loop with some of the best natural diversity you will see in Downeast Maine.

Pitcher plants-green and red
Pitcher plants on Great Wass Island

Great Wass Island can be reached by car over the bridge from Jonesport. Don’t miss this spectacular hike with breathtaking ocean views.

Sea kayaking near Jonesport

Jonesport sea kayaking always brings memories of fog to my mind. Given that this part of the Maine coast has the most days of fog, hearing a fog forn while kayaking is fairly common. On calm days it’s impossible to see the front tip of the kayak as the fog is so thick.

My sea kayaking adventure near Jonesport

On one sea kayak trip, I navigated by my compass between a chain of islands in the Roque Islarchipelago to get to the furthest one to camp. There was a dense fog that day and I needed to cross between the islands in the fog. I set a compass bearing that I followed until I could get close enough to see the island. Then, I followed another bearing through the fog until the next island revealed itself in the mist. I continued this process through the string of islands.

However, at the next to last island, breakers were so rough that I had to kayak out to sea to avoid them. Therefore, I unknowingly paddled around the island a bit before I could see it. Now, when I looked at my compass bearing it pointed behind me, which was totally opposite of the direction my intuition said to paddle. Yikes, I was in trouble in this dense fog. My gut said go straight ahead, my compass said turn behind me to continue, which seemed like paddling out to the open ocean. Caught in an impenetrable fog with no land in sight reved up my heart rate to top speed.

What would you do in this situation?

Here’s what I did. I stopped paddling and sat in my kayak in the fog. I calmed myself down and repeated the mantra that has worked in the past for me. “Trust Your Compass”. So I trusted my compass and paddled by the bearing until a huge sense of relief engulfed me when I saw the headwall of Halifax Island, my camping destination.

kayaker in yellow boat-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
Fog lifting on a kayak trip near Jonesport

Sea kayaking routes near Jonesport

Kayaking through Moosabec Reach to the uninhabited islands of Western Bay is prime wilderness paddling. Great Wass Island is a wonderful place to stop and hike the trails.

Jonesport Campground is a small seasonal Maine campground right on the ocean on Kelly Point. It’s an ideal starting point for paddling trips to the other-worldly splendor of the Roque Island archipelago. For more protected sea kayaking, start up in Mason Bay and go south to Roque Island. There is a perfect put-in off Flake Point Road on the east side of the peninsula. Look for the wild blueberries along the road as you drive into the put-in.

For this section of the coast, Sunrise Canoe and Kayak is a trusted outfitter for renting kayaks.

Downeast Maine Outdoor Adventures near the Bold Coast

Maine’s Bold Coast is on the Bay of Fundy, a huge body of water with the largest tides in the world. It runs from Cutler to Lubec along an uninhabited coast of cliffs and caves. Incredible scenery, birds, and sea life make up the Bold Coast.

Cutler Coast Hike

The Cutler Coast has 9.6 miles of trails with 4.5 miles tracing the gigantic cliffs next to the sea. As you hike through fir forests near mossy bogs the mist moves in and out over the ocean. From atop the seaside cliffs you might see whales spouting below in the bay. You may also see paddlers sea kayaking the Bold Coast.

The hike is a delightful two to three-day backpacking overnight trip or a day trip to just the coastal section. The trailhead is on Route 191 north of Cutler.

For a day trip, the Coastal Trail takes you to an ocean overlook in 1.4 miles. You can return the same way or make it a loop by hiking on the seaside cliffs on the Black Point Brook trail to Black Point Cove. You then return on the forested Inland Trail to the parking lot. The whole loop is worth the 6.3 miles. No permit is needed but carry water as there is none along the trail.

brown and white mushroom

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse is a popular destination on the Bold Coast. The historic lighthouse is painted in red and white candy stripe colors.

There are breathtaking views of the coast here, and I’ve seen whales spouting and feeding in the seas around the lighthouse. Hikes on the trails through the fragrance fir forests bring you to heath bogs with carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and sundew.

The 5 miles of trails around the lighthouse visit various ecosystems. Take the Coastal Trail to High Ledge for a commanding view of the open ocean and Grand Manan Island in the distance. The cliffs here boast a rock climb named Maniac, a 5.13d project only bested by a handful of climbers including Alex Honnold.

Sea Kayaking on the Bold Coast

kayaker in red boat-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
Kayaking along the Bold Coast

For experienced kayakers, the Bold Coast is a challenging paddle along a remote coast with few landing spots. Timing the tides and the weather is necessary to undertake the route. Starting in Cutler harbor, you ride the incoming tide along the 18-mile section of the coast all the way to Lubec. The 6 to 7-knot tide feels like you are riding on an escalator as you whiz along the rocky cliffs of the Bold Coast.

You can read more about my sea kayaking trip on the Bold Coast to learn about the logistics of attempting this awesome paddling expedition.

As you speed past the 150-foot cliffs of the Bold Coast, you can see the Canadian island of Grand Manan in the distance. Sea kayaking on Grand Manan is also awesome.

Downeast Maine Outdoor Adventures near Cobscook Bay

The picturesque town of Lubec is the gateway to Cobscook Bay. The waterfront streets of Lubec are the best place to immerse in the vibrant fishing community. You can sample luscious seafood, watch the huge tidal currents, or enjoy a craft beer at the local brewery.

Lubec is located on the Canadian border so take a trip across the international bridge to Campobello Island to visit the Roosevelt Campobello International Park. We have often biked across the border bridge to visit Campobello Island.

While on Campobello, you can visit Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt’s magnificent summer home on the waterfront. Park staff offers a wonderful program called Eleanor’s Tea, a special event where you learn the story of Eleanor Roosevelt’s life while enjoying tea and homemade cookies.

Large red house on green lawn
Roosevelt’s summer home

Biking near Cobscook Bay

The biking on remote roads on Campobello Island is packed with maritime scenery. Herring weirs, circular fish traps originally invented by Native Americans, can be seen in the waters off Campobello.

Another cycling destination on Campobello is the East Quoddy Head Lighthouse. You walk across the ocean floor at low tide to get out to the lighthouse. Just make sure you are keeping track of the tides so you can make it back.

Hiking near Cobscook Bay

The non-profit group Cobscook Shores has developed 20 public-access parks along Cobscook and Whiting bays. Many of the parks are road accessible and have miles of trails for hiking and biking. These natural area gems include undeveloped beaches, picnic sites, and remote forest trails.

All trails in the Cobscook region are located on Wabanaki ancestral lands, with 3500 Passamaquoddy people still living on these lands.

My favorite easy hike is a 1.1 round trip walk to Reversing Falls in Pembrook. You can watch the power of the tides as it rushes through the constricted channel at the end of Race Point. If you stay through a tide cycle, the water will race the opposite way. It’s a great place to watch seals cavorting in the turbulent waters.

There are five primitive backpacking campsites at Huckins Beach at the end of Denbow Neck. These walk-in sites are first come/first serve and also be accessed by water in South Bay.

Sea Kayaking in Cobscook Bay

The best way to see marine life is to sea kayak off Campobello Island. I have seen humpback, minke, fin, and right whales in the turbulent tides of Cobscook Bay. Launch on Wilson’s beach and explore around the islands between Campobello and Deer Island. Paddling around East Quoddy Head is a reliable spot to spot whales in season. Harbor porpoises, seals, and bald eagles are frequent visitors.

A word of caution is in order. The tides in this area are swift and the weather is often unsettled. Therefore, you need solid sea kayaking skills and a float plan that factors in the tides and weather to attempt this sea kayak venture. I paddled from my island campsite across the channel once after a marine radio alert of an advancing hurricane. After I made it to the mainland shore, I can tell you, in no uncertain terms, how fast storms move in here.

Sea kayaking routes near Cobscook Bay

For a bit more protected kayaking, you can rent kayaks at the Wharf in Lubec. There’s a great waterfront restaurant there and a perfect base for adventures at the Inn on the Wharf. You can launch the kayaks at the dock at the Wharf and explore the islands in the outer parts of Cobscook Bay. Treat Island is a favorite place to land to explore with beautiful hiking trails on the island.

Choice paddling experiences can be found in the many coves of Cobscook Bay. Launch at Cobscook Bay State Park and meander through the wilderness waterways. You are likely to see bald eagles, ducks, shorebirds, seals, and porpoises. Be aware that Cobscook Bay has the most extreme tidal range of any bay on the coast of Maine. At low tide, mudflats are revealed that prevent landing and squeeze navigable channels into small streams.

sunrise and low tide-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
Sunrise at low tide on the Bay of Fundy

Logistics for Downeast Maine Outdoor Adventures

The nearest airport to these Downeast Maine outdoor adventures is in Bangor. You will need a car to visit these regions of the coast. I use Rental.com for a wide choice of reasonably priced, reliable rental cars.

Lodging isn’t as abundant in Down East Maine as in other parts of the Maine coast. However, each town mentioned has simple local hotels to use as a base. I find Booking.com is the most comprehensive way to find lodging. In addition, we have stayed in an Air BnB or camped. Campgrounds on the Schoodic Peninsula or Cobscook Bay State Park are scenic choices.

Sea Kayaking Gear for Downeast Maine Outdoor Adventures

My recommended essential gear for a warm weather kayaking day trip with links to where to buy it.

Clothes

Wide brim hat or baseball cap

Long-sleeved synthetic shirt or rash guard for sun protection

Quick dry shorts

Teva or Chaco sandals

Gear

Waterproof phone case

Dry bags

Reef safe sunscreen

Water bottle

Sunglasses with floating retainer

Related Post -> The Best Gear for Fantastic Sea Kayaking Camping Adventures

Wrap Up of Maine Downeast Outdoor Adventures

yellow shed on ocean-Downeast Maine outdoor adventures
Lobster pound on the Downeast Maine coast

Downeast Maine beyond Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island is a taste of traditional coastal life. Tourists rarely venture here, therefore, remote venues for outdoor adventures can be found. Our family has spent over 40 years searching for pockets of wilderness to hike, bike, or paddle on this rugged coastline. We have continually been richly rewarded with remarkable beauty and outdoor activities.

If you are looking for the “real” Maine coast, this is it. I hope to see you on the trails, at a sea kayaking put-in, or exploring a tide pool.

Related post -> Amazing Sea Kayaking Adventures in the Cape Porpoise Islands

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5 Comments

Kelly · September 21, 2023 at 12:48 am

I’m personally not a huge outdoors person but these outdoor activities beyond Acadia sound like an interesting experience to try! Thanks for sharing your recommendations for outdoor adventures. I’ll be sure to check out these places for a future trip.

Travelling Tam · September 21, 2023 at 3:07 am

Looks like there are so many cool outdoor adventures to be had in Downeast Maine! Swan’s Island sounds great, I’d love to visit!

Angela · September 21, 2023 at 4:46 am

I love being outdoors, so all these places are like magnets to me! I would love to kayak around the bays even though I am pretty useless at it, but to see the scenery from the water would be amazing.

Danielle · September 21, 2023 at 8:52 am

I adore outdoor activities like hiking, camping and kayaking so Downeast Maine looks like the perfect place to do all of these! The summer home looks so pretty and picturesque as well!

Ashlea · September 22, 2023 at 5:55 am

Acadia gets all the hype but there is so much more to Maine. Thanks for sharing!

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