The great majority of visitors to Acadia National Park will arrive via U.S. Hwy. 1, which runs along the Atlantic coast. If you’re one such visitor, you may want to take some time to visit a few of the great Maine State Parks along the way. Some of those state parks offer unique sights that you won’t find in the national park. You’ll also find they aren’t crowded like Acadia.
Here are four of my favorites.
Fort Point State Park
Located south of Stockton Springs, the park includes several great sights. Fort Pownall dates to 1760, though much of it is now overgrown. Fort Point Lighthouse in 1836 became Maine’s first river lighthouse. Beaches along beautiful Penobscot Bay and a tidal sandbar separating it from Penobscot River also can be found. Footpaths link the various sights. To reach the park, from U.S. 1 in Stockton turn onto West Main Street then go southeast on Cape Jellison Road and finally left/east onto State Park Road. The park is open May 15-Oct. 15; dogs on leashes are allowed.
Moose Point State Park
An evergreen grove and tidal pools await at this park east of Belfast. The 0.5-mile Big Spruce Trail offers fantastic views of Penobscot Bay. The park sits right off of U.S. 1 and is open Memorial Day to Oct. 1.
Camden Hills State Park
Located north of Camden, the park is a mini-Acadia, featuring shoreline, mountains with great ocean views, and even a carriage road trail. The 0.3-mile Shoreline Trail is an easy walk along Penobscot Bay. U.S. 1 runs right through the park, with most of the protected land on the highway’s west side.
Birch Point State Park
A little farther way from U.S. 1 than the other parks, Birch Point is worth the drive for an intimate experience with the ocean. Sandy, crescent-shaped Lycia Beach sits on Penobscot Bay and features swimming as well as tide pools. From U.S. 1 in Rockland, take Main Street/Ingraham Drive (Maine 73) south. Go left/east onto Dublin Road, then right/south onto Ballyhac Road, and finally left/east onto Birch Point State Park Road. There are no trails – just walk the beach south of the parking lot. The park is open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
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