Maine is in a unique geographical position compared to most the rest of the United States, for the sole fact that it is both the easternmost and among the northernmost. Maine is one of the most beautiful states on the east coast, with stunning rivers, impressive mountains, and miles of tranquil, rocky coast. The only US National Park in New England can also be found there. There are many natural outstanding features in Maine, but below are three of the most well-known.
1. The Hermitage
Located within hiking distance of the three-mile long Gulf Hagas gorge, the Hermitage is special because of its old growth. Stretching across the bluff which overlooks the Pleasant River are over thirty acres of white pines. These pines are 150 years old and represent a small population of old growth in the eastern United States. Spend an afternoon here to enjoy the sounds of rushing water, chirping birds and rustling leaves.
2. Monhegan Island
This small getaway truly is one of the outstanding features in Maine. Located ten miles from the state’s main coastline, Monhegan Island is a largely undeveloped haven for fisherman. There are no paved roads and each evening the electricity shuts off in the few hotels that are present. If you don’t mind hiking, there are twelve miles of established trails that will take you across the face of this one square mile dot in the ocean. Without many manmade attractions to distract you, Monhegan Island is a wonderful plunge into nature.
3. Mt. Katahdin
At the end of the nearly 2,200 mile footpath called the Appalachian Trail is the peak of Mt. Katahdin. It towers over the surrounding land of Baxter State Park. This impressive mountain is over 5,200 feet tall and is the highest point in Maine. An interesting feature of Mt. Katahdin is its glaciated topography. Because the mountain was influenced by the presence of glaciers for Pleistocene period (a window of roughly 1.8 million years), it exhibits many yawning cirques. The mountain is an iconic hike worth taking, an excellent example of Maine’s wilderness.
Featured Image from asap rocky/Unsplash
