The Best View in Maine

Tourist season is well underway, and, like always, tourists are looking for things to do and places to go within the state. Tourism being a staple of the Maine economy, various government agencies and Chambers of Commerce are more than willing to offer suggestions. What one has to realize, however, is that tourism is a business, and a lot of the information that is offered freely to visitors to our fair state is, shall we say, a little bit less than objective in it's intent. Superlatives about a town or region flow like sap on a warm March morning in most of these publications, so the reader is cautioned to accept these superlatives with a grain of salt.

That being said, I boldly step forward to emancipate the tourists from this biased reporting by offering my own totally subjective and totally biased view of some of the most beautiful sites in Maine. The reader is cautioned to accept these recommendations with a shaker of salt. Well, actually, I have had occasion to see quite a bit of the land we call Maine over the past dozen years, so I feel at least a little bit qualified to tender my own "top ten" list. I wish I could provide pictures to go with these descriptions, but my digital camera is a relatively new purchase and most of my conventional photographs are in storage, so you'll just have to use your imagination or, better yet, seek out these "views" on your own. Some you can drive to, some require a little more effort - but, I think you'll find that none disappoint.

And, of course, you are free to offer your own additions to my "top ten" - if I recieve enough of a response, I'll share some of the reader's recommendations in a future essay.

So, let the journey begin.

10. Catapillar Hill - Rts. 15/175 in Sedgwick

Most of the driving down in the Blue Hill Penninsula and Deer Isle is delightful, offering a refreshing mix of blueberry fields, classic Maine farmhouses, woods, and more than a few fine glimpses of the surrounding waters. Catapillar Hill is a standout among this beauty, providing a breathtaking elevated view of Walker Pond, Eggemoggin Reach, and the farmlands and homesteads that dot the valley. I must admit that it has been several years since I've been here, so I can't guarantee that development hasn't spoiled this serene vista, but for everyone's sake, I hope that's not the case.

9. Sugarloaf Mountain

This view is relatively easy to reach in the winter, but requires a bit more exertion in the summer. One side of Sugarloaf is a ski resort, so, on those rare winter days when the wind is relatively calm and clouds are not encasing the summit, a chairlift will quickly wisk you to a seemingly endless view of mountains and rolling hills. This makes my top 10 because, along with the view, you get to enjoy some awesome skiing. An excellent combination.

8. Castine Common

Castine is a history-rich town a bit off the beaten path south of Rt. 1 out of the Bucksport/Orland area. The town was once occupied by the British, and many of the homes of that era are still standing. The Castine town common is particularly impressive - exhibiting the classic New England village green surrounded by well-kept clabboard-covered houses and the requisite tall-steepled church. There is no commercial development to distract from the scene - it looks much as it must have over 200 years ago.

7. Cadillac Mountain - Acadia National Park

This one is easy to get to, since a road runs to it's summit. The hard part, in July or August, will be finding a parking space onceyou've made it up there. If you luck out and happen to be there when it's not engulfed in fog, you will be treated to spectacular views of Mt. Desert Island, Frenchman Bay, various other islands, and the open Atlantic. If you really want to make this tripi worthwhile, hike up the mountain on one of the hiking trails rather than drive up it - then you'll get a sense of accomplishement to go along with your view.

6. Portland Head Light - Cape Elizabeth

Portland Head Light has been called the most photographed lighthouse in the world. Which makes this "view" rather unique, since even if you've never been there before, it will probably become instantly familiar to you.

5. Stonington

At the bottom tip of Deer Isle, Stonington has managed to escape the onslaught of "progress" and remains the consumate Maine lobstering village. Most of the boats in the harbor are lobster boats, and most of the houses dotting the granite coastline harbor a collection of lobster traps stacked on the lawn. The many fir tree-clad islands just off shore make this a popular launching off site for sea kayakers. For the freshest seafood, visit the Stonington lobster co-op.

4. Mt. Megunticook - Camden Hills State Park

While it's true that neighboring Mt. Battie offers an impressive view on it's own without requiring a climb (you can drive your car to the top), Mt. Megunticook is considerably taller and offers even more impressive views of the village of Camden and Camden Harbor, Lake Megunticook, and the outlying islands. Stick a lunch in a backpack, hike up to the ocean overlook, and set yourself down on a slab of granite and enjoy the scenery without the smell of exhaust fumes.

3. Quoddy Head - Lubec

You have to travel to the eastern-most point in the United States to enjoy this view. West Quoddy Head light, with it's alternating red and white rings, is an oft photographed lighthouse. But don't stop at the lighthouse - take the time to hike the paths the wind among the surrounding bluffs and cliffs. You'll be treated to long views of rugged coastline and crashing surf, and you'll more than likely be able to spot seals in the water and on surrounding rocks. And although I've never been privilaged to witness this event, it is said that a glimpse of a whale is not too uncommon from this venue.

2. Indian Hill, Squaw Mountain - Moosehead Lake region

As you approach Greenville on Rts. 15/6., you will suddendly find yourself on top of Indian Hill, overlooking Moosehead Lake in all it's glory. If you want to soak in the view, you can pull into the parking lot of the store or gas station that sit on top of the hill. Or, you can probably pull into the parking lot of the former McDonald's - one of two in Maine that have had to close for lack of business. If you travel through Greenville and continue heading up Rts. 15/6, you'll eventually come to Squaw Mountain on your left. During the winter, Squaw Mountain offers what is arguably one of the best views from a ski slope anywhere in the country - looking out over Moosehead Lake, with Mt. Katahdin rising majestically in the background. The view is worth a drive up to the parking lot in the summer as well, although the skiing at that time is nothing to write home about.

1. Mt. Katahdin - Baxter State Park

This one is not easy to get to, and that, perhaps, is what makes it so special. First of all, you need to get into Baxter State Park, which restricts the number of visitors that are allowed in the park each day. Then you need to climb to the top of Katahdin on some very challenging, and often steep, trails. But the reward is more than worth the effort, as you look off towards untold numbers of peaks, rivers, and lakes. It is said that you can see into Canada, New Hampshire, and the Atlantic Ocean from the summit, but from up there, there are no boundaries, so you'll just have to be satisfied with the fact that you can see what looks to be nearly forever.

That finishes up my top ten "views" in Maine, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention one outstanding view of Maine that actually takes place from New Hampshire. That's the view of the Piscataqua River Bridge that spans the river from New Hampshire to Maine. After taking a trip out of state, that bridge is the first sign that you are, indeed, home again.

Copyright ©1999 by Greg Closter (closter@acadia.net)