Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The 900-plus miles of coastline running northeast from Bar Harbor are sparsely popu-
lated, slower-paced and foggier than southern and western Maine. Highlights include the
Schoodic Peninsula
, whose tip is a noncontiguous part of Acadia National Park; the
lobster fishing villages of
Jonesport
and
Beals
; and
Great Wass Island
, a nature pre-
serve with walking paths and good bird-watching, including the chance to see puffins.
Machias
, with a branch of the University of Maine, is the center of commerce along
this stretch of coast.
Lubec
is about as far east as you can go and still be in the USA;
folks like to watch the sun rise at nearby
Quoddy Head State Park
so they can say they
were the first in the country to catch the sun's rays.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Interior Maine
Sparsely populated northern and western Maine is rugged outdoor country. River rafting,
hiking trails up Maine's highest mountain and the ski town of Bethel make this region a
magnet for adventurers.
Sabbathday Lake
The nation's only active Shaker community is at Sabbathday Lake, 25 miles north of
Portland. It was founded in the early 18th century and a handful of devotees keep the
Shaker tradition of simple living, hard work and fine artistry alive. You can tour several
adult/child $6.50/2; 10am-4:30pm Mon-Sat late May-mid-Oct)
. To get there, take exit 63
off the Maine Turnpike and continue north for 8 miles on ME 26.
Bethel
The rural community of Bethel, nestled in the rolling Maine woods 12 miles east of New
Hampshire on ME 26, offers an engaging combination of mountain scenery, outdoor es-
capades and good-value accommodations.
Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce
(
207-824-2282;
www.bethelmaine.com
;
8 Station Pl;
9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
provides information
for visitors.
Activities
Bethel Outdoor Adventure
KAYAKING
