5 Places to Visit in Maine If You Want to Avoid Tourists

There's generally two types of people in Maine you'll find during the heightened tourism season statewide.

You'll find many that welcome the uptick in people with open arms. Tourism means money, excitement and takes some sleepy towns and transforms them into being awake.

But the other group of Maine people still want to be left alone or as close to it as they can possibly be. Forget standing shoulder to shoulder with someone, some people don't want to be able to see you with a set of binoculars.

So if you're amongst the group that would rather avoid tourists this summer but still venture out and do things, here's 5 great places to visit across Maine.

Rangeley

In the winter, Rangeley is booming with tourism thanks to its world class ski mountains. But the summer is a different vibe and that vibe is less people.

Summer Rangeley has that quintessential small New England town vibe with plenty of outdoor activities to be had at surrounding lakes. Or just sit back, sip a cocktail and wave at the occasional car that passes by while taking in the scenic mountain views.

Lubec

Lubec should be a tourism paradise but there's just one really big problem. It's in the middle of nowhere. For those that visit Maine from Massachusetts, New York and beyond, an all-day venture to Lubec is too much work.

For a native Mainer, it's a treat. The candy cane lighthouse, the incredible trails and some sneaky good eats at local restaurants make Lubec a hidden gem for those that want a Maine experience without too many people.

Baxter State Park

Some might find Baxter State Park being included on this list as odd since hiking Katahdin is absolutely a tourism draw.

The truth is, Baxter State Park is massive and if you're looking for a wilderness getaway while avoiding people, you can find it at Baxter. The park actually caps the amount of visitors and if you're really looking to be unbothered, there's minimal to no cell service available.

Grafton Notch State Park

Another popular skiing area that is flooded with tourism in the winter is the Bethel/Newry region of Maine. In the summer, there are far less people and plenty of chances to explore.

Grafton Notch State Park boasts great roadside trails, a fantastic waterfall to hike to with plenty of peace and quiet. There's also nearby river tubing and some wonderfully charming restaurants to grab a bite.

Cobscook Bay State Park

If you've lived in Maine your entire life and this is the first time you've heard about Cobscook Bay State Park, you're not alone.

Located in the town of Dennysville, Cobscook Bay State Park is actually one of the least-visited state park in Maine. But its home to a bay with dramatic high and low tide swings and features serene campsites right on the water.