Best Outdoor Attractions in Maine | 2015 Editors’ Choice Awards

The Pine Tree State has plenty to offer in the Great Outdoors. Read our picks for the best outdoor attractions in Maine for 2015.

Best Coastal Farm Wells Reserve at Laudholm , Wells A National Estuarine Research Reserve, based at historic Laudholm Farms, known in the 1920s for its progressive agricultural practices. Hike seven miles of trails winding through 2,250 acres of woods, beach, and coastal salt marsh; explore exhibits at the Maine Coastal Ecology Center and the Laudholm farmhouse; and take part in programs ranging from lectures to nature walks. $4 adults; maximum $12/car. 342 Laudholm Farm Road. 207-646-1555; wellsreserve.org Historic Highlight- Best Coastal State Park Reid State Park, Georgetown (1946) Crashing surf, two beautiful sand beaches, a lagoon (10 to 15 degrees warmer than the open ocean), tidepools, hiking trails, sand dunes, and marshlands—Midcoast’s 610-acre Reid State Park, on Georgetown Island, has it all, along with shower rooms and picnic tables. Don’t miss Griffith Head, a rocky outcrop overlooking the park, and a great vantage point for viewing lighthouses, islands, and sweeping sea vistas. Birdwatchers will note that portions of Reid’s beaches are also nesting areas for least terns and piping plovers, as well as stopover spots and feeding areas for other shorebird species as well. 375 Seguinland Road. 207-371-2303; maine.gov/dacf/parks/index.shtml Best Town-owned Wilderness Park Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park, Mattawamkeag Hike, camp, swim, paddle, mountain-bike, picnic, fish, and play at this 1,000-acre park on the Mattawamkeag River, complete with recreation hall, camp store, hot showers, playground, and laudromat. Day use $3 per person or $7 per car. Campsites: from $22. 1513 Wilderness Park Road. 207-290-0205; mwpark.com Best Mountain Playground Sunday River Adventure Park, Newry Play for an hour or all day, choosing from lift-assisted mountain biking, scenic lift rides, zipline tours, twin zips, outdoor climbing wall, disc golf, and a bungee trampoline. Day pass: $25. 15 South Ridge Road. 800-543-2754; sundayriver.com Best Family Hike Bald Mountain, Oquossoc Moderate effort is required to reach Bald Mountain’s 2,443-foot summit, capped by an observation tower delivering spectacular 360-degree lake and mountain views. Find the trailhead on Bald Mountain Road, 0.8 mile off Route 4, across from Bald Mountain Camps. mainetrailfinder.com

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