GO OUT AND EXPLORE MAINE

When summer comes, many Maine residents head out of state for a retreat. But, Maine is not called Vacationland for nothing and many of the state’s parks, public reserved land and historic sites offer great getaways close to home.

Want to camp next to the ocean? Head to Cobscook Bay State Park in Washington County. You can watch the sun rise over the bay from your tent door at secluded walk-in campsites. Spend the day kayaking along the coast then dig up clams for dinner. For great views of the ocean, Camden Hills State Park offers 30 miles of hiking trails including several routes to the top of Mount Megunticook or Mount Battie, both of which offer stunning views of Camden Harbor, coastal islands and the mountains of Mount Desert Island.

A weekend at the lake more to your liking? Lily Bay State Park on the shore of Moosehead Lake has two campgrounds, boat launches, a lakeside trail and swimming area. The park offers a great jumping off point for exploring the largest lake in New England. Aroostook State Park, the state’s oldest, is on the shore of Echo Lake, which is stocked with brook trout. Canoe and paddle boat rentals are available and campsites are scattered on the side of Quaggy Jo Mountain.

Although typically offering fewer amenities than state parks, the state’s 28 public reserved lands also offer varied recreational opportunities. The lengthy hiking trail along the bluffs at the 12,000-acre Cutler Coast unit provides breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Canoeists paddling the West Branch of the Penobscot River can enjoy a water-access campsite on Gero Island in Chesuncook Lake. The 3,800-acre unit also includes the historic Chesuncook Village.

The 43,000-acre Nahmakanta unit is the largest in the public reserved land system and offers the experienced hiker the opportunity to explore low mountains and remote ponds. The unit has vehicle accessible campsites and lakeshore campsites accessible by canoe.

You can learn about Maine’s past at the state’s 12 historic sites, many of them forts. The sprawling Fort Knox on the Penobscot River in Prospect was constructed between 1844 and 1864. Although it never saw combat, Fort Knox was garrisoned during the Civil and Spanish American Wars. About 500 troops from Connecticut were stationed here during the Spanish-American War. Today, you can stroll the grounds and explore the dark nooks of the granite fort.

So, when the kids say there’s nothing to do, pack them in the car and head to a state park or historic site and show them otherwise.