Maine is one of the great outdoor adventure destinations in the eastern United States. The state's 17 million acres of wilderness — more than 90% of the state is forested — encompass 6,000 lakes, 32,000 miles of rivers and streams, and a coastline of extraordinary beauty. The combination of the Maine woods, the Maine coast, and the state's commitment to conservation creates an outdoor adventure destination that is genuinely unmatched in the East.

Maine's coast — with its 3,500 miles of rocky shoreline, its hundreds of islands, and its protected coves and harbors — is one of the finest sea kayaking destinations in the world.

Penobscot Bay — the heart of the Maine coast, with dozens of islands, excellent camping, and beautiful scenery. The bay's combination of protected water and open ocean makes it suitable for kayakers of all skill levels.

Acadia National Park — the park's rocky shoreline, its protected coves, and the extraordinary scenery of Mount Desert Island make it one of the finest sea kayaking destinations in the East.

The Deer Isle Archipelago — a beautiful collection of islands in Penobscot Bay, with excellent camping and some of the finest sea kayaking in Maine.

Guided Tours: Several outfitters offer guided sea kayaking tours along the Maine coast, ranging from half-day paddles to multi-day expeditions with camping on remote islands.

The Allagash Wilderness Waterway — a 92-mile canoe and kayak route through the remote forests of northern Maine — is one of the great wilderness paddling trips in America. The route passes through a landscape of lakes, rivers, and forests that has changed little since the days of the Maine logging industry.

The Route: The Allagash begins at Telos Lake and ends at the confluence of the Allagash and St. John rivers, passing through a series of lakes and rivers that require portages around several waterfalls and rapids.

Camping: The waterway has a network of designated campsites along the route, maintained by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Best Time: July and August for the best weather; June for higher water levels.

Permits: A permit is required for overnight camping on the Allagash. Permits are available from the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Baxter State Park — a 209,000-acre wilderness preserve in northern Maine — is one of the finest wilderness destinations in the eastern United States. The park was donated to the state of Maine by former Governor Percival Baxter, who spent decades acquiring the land and donating it to the public.

Mount Katahdin — the highest peak in Maine (5,267 feet) and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail — is the park's centerpiece. The mountain's dramatic profile and its position as the end (or beginning) of the AT make it one of the most significant hiking destinations in America.

The Knife Edge — a dramatic ridge connecting the summit of Katahdin to Pamola Peak — is one of the most challenging and most exhilarating hikes in the East. The ridge is narrow (in places only a few feet wide) with dramatic drops on both sides.

Camping: Baxter State Park has a network of campgrounds and backcountry campsites. Reservations are required and fill up quickly for summer weekends.

Reservations: Baxter State Park has strict reservation requirements and visitor limits. Book as early as possible — reservations open in January for the summer season.

Moosehead Lake — the largest lake in Maine and the largest mountain lake in the eastern United States — is one of the finest wilderness lake destinations in the country. The lake's 117 miles of shoreline, its remote setting in the Maine woods, and its excellent fishing and paddling make it a destination for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Moose Watching: Moosehead Lake is one of the best places in the eastern United States to see moose. The lake's extensive wetlands and the surrounding forests support a large moose population, and guided moose watching tours are available from Greenville (the gateway town).

Fishing: Moosehead Lake offers excellent fishing for lake trout, brook trout, and landlocked salmon. The lake's cold, deep water provides ideal habitat for these species.

Paddling: The lake's 117 miles of shoreline and its numerous coves and inlets provide excellent paddling for canoeists and kayakers. Several outfitters in Greenville offer canoe and kayak rentals.

Maine's rivers and streams offer excellent fly fishing for wild brook trout, landlocked salmon, and brown trout. The state's cold, clean waters — fed by snowmelt from the mountains and springs from the forest floor — support healthy populations of wild fish.

Best Fly Fishing Rivers:

• The Kennebago River — one of the finest brook trout rivers in the East, with wild fish in a beautiful wilderness setting
• The Rapid River — a remote, challenging river with excellent landlocked salmon fishing
• The West Branch of the Penobscot — a beautiful river below Ripogenus Dam, with excellent landlocked salmon and brook trout fishing

Guided Trips: Several fly fishing outfitters in Maine offer guided trips on the state's finest rivers. The guides know the rivers intimately and can dramatically improve your catch rate.

While Acadia National Park is Maine's most famous hiking destination, the state has excellent hiking opportunities throughout.

The Appalachian Trail in Maine — the Maine section of the AT (281 miles) is the most challenging in the entire trail, with remote wilderness, difficult terrain, and the dramatic finale of Mount Katahdin.

Grafton Notch State Park — a beautiful state park in western Maine with excellent hiking, including the challenging Old Speck Mountain (4,170 feet) and the beautiful Screw Auger Falls.

Camden Hills State Park — excellent hiking in a beautiful coastal setting, with views of Penobscot Bay from the summit of Mount Battie.

Maine's wilderness supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, loons, and Atlantic puffins.

Atlantic Puffins: Maine is the only state in the eastern United States with nesting Atlantic puffins. The puffins nest on several offshore islands, including Seal Island and Matinicus Rock. Boat tours from Rockland and Bar Harbor offer excellent puffin viewing.

Moose: Maine has the largest moose population in the continental United States. The best moose watching is in the northern part of the state, particularly around Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park.

For more Maine adventures, see our Maine Coastal Guide, Acadia National Park Guide, and Maine Lobster & Seafood Guide. Also see our Best National Parks for First-Time Visitors.