Top 10 Things to Do in Mid-Coast Maine This Year

10 Memorable Activities to Enjoy in the Camden, Rockport, and Rockland Area

“From the Mountains to the Sea” is not only a local tourism slogan but an accurate description of Midcoast Maine’s topography. For those looking for things to do near Camden, Rockport, or Rockland, they will find an abundance of outdoor adventures await. The area is a paradise for climbers, cyclists, paddlers, hikers, offering a diverse range of activities that showcase the region's natural beauty and rich maritime heritage. From rugged coastline and pristine beaches to pine forests and charming coastal towns, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Here are ten unforgettable outdoor adventures to add to your bucket list.

1. Hiking in Camden Hills State Park

Midcoast Maine is a hiker's paradise, with a diverse range of trails showcasing the region's natural beauty and rugged coastline. One standout destination is the Camden Hills State Park, home to miles of scenic hiking trails leading to panoramic vistas of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding islands. From leisurely strolls along wooded paths to challenging climbs up rocky summits, hikers can immerse themselves in the park's tranquil forests and dramatic coastal landscapes, making it the perfect place to lace up your boots and hit the trails.

(Muscongus Bay)

2. Paddling in Muscongus Bay

Midcoast Maine boasts an array of pristine waterways perfect for paddling enthusiasts. One standout destination is Muscongus Bay, renowned for its calm waters, secluded coves, and abundant wildlife. Kayakers and canoeists can explore intricate coastal ecosystems, navigate through narrow channels, and paddle past picturesque islands teeming with seabirds and marine life. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned paddler, Muscongus Bay offers endless opportunities for scenic exploration and tranquil escapades on the water.

3. Walking the Rockland Breakwater

Walking the Rockland Maine breakwater is a journey through both natural beauty and maritime history. Stretching nearly a mile into Penobscot Bay, this granite jetty was constructed in the 19th century to protect Rockland Harbor from the fierce ocean currents. As visitors traverse the rugged pathway, they follow in the footsteps of countless sailors, fishermen, and lighthouse keepers who depended on this crucial structure for safe passage into the harbor. Along the way, walkers are treated to panoramic views of the bay, with sailboats gliding across the shimmering waters and seabirds wheeling overhead. At the end of the breakwater stands the iconic Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, a beacon of maritime heritage that has guided ships to safety for over a century. Steeped in history and surrounded by natural splendor, walking the Rockland Maine breakwater is an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into the rich maritime heritage of Midcoast Maine.

(Canoeing)

4. Canoeing the St. George

A spring canoe trip paddling the St. George River from Appleton to the Rt 105 bridge can be a quiet journey through the heart of Maine's natural splendor. (It can also, depending upon the water levels, be a thrilling whitewater ride.) As the river meanders lazily through the picturesque countryside, paddlers are enveloped by the vibrant sights and sounds of spring awakening. New shoots of greenery line the banks, with budding trees casting dappled shadows on the shimmering water below. Along the way, paddlers will be serenaded by a small symphony of bird songs as they glide past tranquil marshes and wooded groves. The gentle current will carry you effortlessly downstream, providing ample opportunity to soak in the tranquility of the surroundings. Wildlife sightings are common, with beavers, otters, and various waterfowl often spotted along the riverbanks. With its scenic beauty and peaceful ambiance, a spring canoe trip on the St. George River offers an enchanting half day immersion into nature that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Check out our Freshwater Tours to book an unforgettable trip on the St. George with a local guide.

5. Climbing Barrett's Cove

Barretts Cove Crag in Camden, Maine, boasts a variety of routes that cater to climbers of all skill levels. This striking 250 foot cliff, with an overall angle of about 70 degrees, provides the most accessible climbing in the Camden area, and its often quite warm even on cold days due to its southeast exposure. Plenty of thin routes offer challenging ascents up vertical faces characterized by small crimps and delicate footwork, testing climbers' balance and technique. For those seeking a more moderate climb, "Peregrine Crack" presents a classic trad route featuring sustained hand jams and finger locks as climbers navigate their way up a prominent crack system. With its solid granite rock and stunning views of Penobscot Bay, Barretts Cove provides an idyllic setting for a day of vertical adventure. It is recommended that inexperienced climbers go with a guide. Check out Equinox Guiding Service, a local climbing guide company.

(Camden Harbor)

6. Kayaking from Rockport to Camden

Sea kayaking from Rockport Harbor to Camden Harbor offers kayakers a breathtaking coastal experience filled with diverse wildlife and iconic landmarks. Setting out from Rockport Harbor, paddlers navigate through deep waters sheltered by the protective embrace of Indian Island, where seals bask on rocky outcrops. Paddling towards Curtis Island Light, a historic lighthouse perched on a picturesque island, kayakers will see ospreys hunting for baitfish and harbor porpoises cutting through the waves. Rounding the granite shoreline heading towards Camden harbor, the Camden Hills fill the horizon, the scraggly alpine pines and rocky summits creating a dramatic backdrop for the bustling harbor below. Sea kayaking from Rockport Harbor to Camden Harbor promises an unforgettable adventure for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the beauty of Maine's Midcoast region from a unique perspective. It is recommended that this trip be taken with an experienced guide. Check out our affordable Harbor Tours or our overnight Paddle-Inn Tours.

7. Mountain Biking at the Camden Snowbowl

The Camden Snow Bowl isn't just a winter wonderland; it's also a mountain biking haven waiting to be explored. Nestled amidst the scenic Camden Hills, this outdoor recreation hub offers adrenaline-pumping mountain biking trails that cater to riders of all levels. From thrilling downhill descents to scenic cross-country routes, the Snow Bowl has it all. Riders can tackle technical single tracks like "Flying Monkeys" and "Black Hole" for a heart-pounding adventure, or opt for more mellow trails like "Roller Coaster" for a leisurely ride with stunning views of Penobscot Bay. With over 20 miles of trails winding through lush forests and rocky terrain, the Snow Bowl provides endless opportunities for two-wheeled exploration. Plus, with lift-accessed biking available during the summer months, riders can spend less time climbing and more time shredding. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, the Camden Snow Bowl promises an unforgettable mountain biking experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of coastal Maine

8. Biking around Vinalhaven

It takes 75 minutes or so on the ferry from Rockland to get to Vinalhaven Island, and its well worth the boat ride. Roundtrip ferry tickets for bikes and passengers are less than $25 and well worth it. There are several possible loops to do and each one will take you past farms, along fields and through fishing villages. Pedal out to to Geary’s Beach and enjoy a boxed lunch on the beach, or loop past the granite quarries for an impromptu history lesson on how Maine’s granite industry built the East Coast’s cities. Stop at the overlook, looking east across at Isle au Haut and Mount Desert Island. Ferries leave every hour or so catching a return ferry is pretty easy. Better yet, book a room in a B&B and extend your visit! Book a guided e-bike trip from Rockland to Vinalhaven.

9. Lobster Boat Tours

Get an insider's look at Maine's lobster industry with a guided lobster boat tour. Join local fishermen as they haul traps, learn about lobstering techniques, and sample fresh lobster right off the boat. These tours offer a unique opportunity to experience Maine's maritime culture firsthand while cruising through scenic coastal waters. Check out a Lobster Tour with Camden Harbor Cruises.

10. Birding on Monhegan Island

Situated about 12 miles off the coast of Maine, this small, remote island serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds, making it a hotspot for birdwatching year-round. With over 17 miles of well-maintained trails crisscrossing the island, birders can explore a variety of terrain, from lush forests and wildflower-filled meadows to dramatic cliffs and rocky shorelines. During the spring and fall migration seasons, Monhegan becomes a bustling hub of avian activity, with songbirds, raptors, and seabirds filling the skies. Common sightings include warblers, thrushes, and flycatchers, along with impressive numbers of hawks and falcons making their journey south. The island's diverse habitats, including dense forests, rocky cliffs, and lush meadows, provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of bird species to thrive, offering birders endless opportunities to observe and photograph their feathered subjects in their natural environment. Monhegan Island stands as a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about birds and the natural world. Book a guided birding experience on Monhegan, including a stay at the historic Monhegan House.

Find More Activities in the Mid-Coast

Maine Sport offers a huge selection of guided trips and tours in the Mid-Coast area. See all of our guided trips. Or check out even more activities, lodging, and dining options through the Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce.