National parks in Maine

Maine doesn't have a long list of National Park Service units, but the ones it does have cover serious ground and rank among the best wilderness on the East Coast. Acadia National Park anchors the group, pulling visitors from around the world with its coastal scenery and a reputation that's genuinely well-earned. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail ends its long run in Maine, giving thru-hikers their final destination and letting day visitors get a real feel for what that trail culture looks like up close. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is the quietest of the three, far enough into Maine's interior that crowds thin out and the night sky stays actually dark. All three reward stargazers, serious hikers, and campers who want to sleep inside the landscape rather than at its edge. Come prepared for rough conditions and Maine tends to give you everything you need.