Maine State Park Celebrated Among Top 20 in the USA

One of Maine's most popular coastal beauties is receiving some considerable national recognition.

The travel site Smarter Travel recently put together a list of the best state parks across America. The site singled out 20 of the country's top locations, and one of those just happens to be here in Maine. Coming in at 16 was the one and only Popham Beach State Park.

Located in the Midcoast town of Phippsburg, Popham Beach State Park is a 600+ acre bastion of beauty. One of the busiest parks in Maine, Popham Beach State Park is exactly what it sounds like, a vast and incredible beach. In fact, it might be the state's best beach, though that's up for debate.

Popham Beach's location is ideal. Visitors are able to truly enjoy Maine's coastal wonders while being just a short drive away from towns like Bath and Brunswick. This gives folks plenty of nearby dining and lodging options.

But let's not stray away from the true story, and that's the beach itself. It's one of the prettiest coastal stretches you will find in Maine. Sightseeing, water sports, or just plain old sunbathing are all first class at Popham. You can even walk out to an island when the tides are right.

Popham is also very accessible, being 25 minutes away from Route 1 and about an hour from Portland. It certainly sets up nicely for a day trip.

Popham Beach State Park was the only Maine park listed in Smarter Travel's list. However, it was not the only New England Park listed. Connecticut was also included with its beautiful Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam. You can see the entire list here.

Congrats to Popham Beach State Park for this recognition. It truly is one of Maine's great locations. It's nice to see it not playing second fiddle to Camden Hills or Baxter State Park, though you could certainly make a case for all three being on this "best of" list.