Maine loves and welcomes people who want to paddle, canoe, or kayak

Maine's Atlantic coastline, many coves and inlets, and innumerable lakes and rivers make it a paradise for people paddling canoes and kayaks and related vessels

Cobscook Bay State Park

Route 1 Dennysville, ME 04628 Phone: 207-726-4412

This park offers visitors a bevy of activities: canoeing, fishing, a scenic drive, hiking trails, picnic areas, and cross-country and snowmobile trails in the winter. There is a public campsite available. Open May 15-Oct. 15.

Holbrook Island Sanctuary

Cape Rosier Brooksville, ME 04617 Phone: 207-326-4012

Pebbly beach on Smith Cove of Penobscot Bay, no lifeguard, launch for canoes and kayaks, open pit toilets, picnic area, walking trails, parking. No admission or parking fees.

Allagash Wilderness Waterway

Allagash, ME Phone: 207-941-4014

This preserve has 92 miles of lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers that cut a swathe through Maine's northern forestland. This park is the most remote in the state, and is available for those who truly wish to "rough it." Swimming, boating, fishing, and canoeing are all part of the experience. This is also a popular seasonal hunting area. Hiking trails lead to fire towers throughout the Allagash. It is important to note that there is no public transportation, nor are there any permanent residents in the park. Any visitors who plan to camp or travel through the park will be relatively isolated, and should be experienced in dealing with a primitive outdoor environment.

Aroostook State Park

87 State Park Road Presque Isle, ME 04769 Phone: 207-768-8341

The northernmost of all Maine state parks is set alongside Echo Lake. 577 acres offering hiking and cross-country ski trails, fishing, swimming areas and picnicking. Boating and canoeing are permitted in the lake. Public campgrounds are available for a fee. Reservations are suggested.

Swan Island

Intersection of Routes 197 & 24 Richmond, ME Phone: 207-547-5322

Come visit Swan Island in the Kennebec River - an island in time - with unique river, forest and meadow habitats for native wildlife like eagles, white-tailed deer, songbirds and wild turkeys. A state-owned Wildlife Management Area and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, there are 6 historic buildings still standing along the central island dirt road, hiking and mountain biking trails, an overnight campground and spectacular scenery. A fabulous wildlife and nature photography site! Kayak and mountain bike rentals are available. Ferry service provided. Admission fees. Open daily May 1- Labor Day by reservation only. Take Exit 43 off I-295 and follow Route 197 East to the intersection of Routes 197 and 24.

Scarborough Marsh Nature Center

Scarborough, ME

This wetlands wildlife refuge offers two ways for visitors to observe the surroundings: A traditional network of walking trails (including guided tours), and scheduled canoe trips.

Baxter State Park

64 Balsam Drive Millinocket, ME 04462 Phone: 207-723-5140

A wilderness of more than 200,000 acres, Baxter State Park is a hiking and mountain climbing paradise. Within the park borders are 46 mountains, 175 miles of hiking trails, and 10 public campgrounds. Ample fishing is available in the parks many lakes and streams, and hunting is permitted there also. Canoers will enjoy the parks many waterways. Baxter is also the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. Wintertime offers both cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and limited snowmobiling.

Eastern Branch of the Penobscot River

Along Route 11 Medway, ME

Fishermen will enjoy this river with its supply of Atlantic Salmon and large mouth bass. The scenery along the river makes it a great canoeing spot.

Lily Bay State Park

Greenville, ME 04441 Phone: 207-695-2700

This park om Moosehead Lake has facilities for fishing, canoeing, lake swimming, in addition to hiking, cross-country ski, ice fishing, and snowmobile trails. A public camping facility is available. Open May 1-Oct. 15, but available for winter activities.

Peaks-Kenny State Park

Sebec, ME 04481 Phone: 207-564-2003

Set along the banks of Sebec Lake, this park offers terrific fishing, canoeing, boating, swimming and hiking trails. Public campsites are available.

Pemaquid Colonial State Park

Pemaquid, ME Phone: 207-677-2423

One of Maine's oldest historic sites, this state park offers visitors a look at life in Colonial Maine, in addition to scenic water views, and areas for fishing, boating, and canoeing. A snack bar is available for visitors during operating hours. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day. A fee is charged.

Reid State Park

375 Seguinland Road Georgetown, ME 04548 Phone: 207-371-2303

This oceanfront park features a saltwater lagoon and Mile Beach. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, and picnic areas. Open year-round.

Warren Island State Park

Warren Island, ME Phone: 207-941-4014

Accessible only by boat, this state park offers visitors remote camping, fishing areas, hiking and cross-country ski trails, in addition to picnic areas.

Bigelow Preserve

Route 27 Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947 Phone: 207-778-8231

Set on 35,027 acres, this preserve is along Flagstaff Lake. There are numerous mountains within the preserves. Extensive trails for both hiking and cross-country skiing are for experienced hikers and skiers. There is also swimming, paddling, fishing, and hunting. Snowmobile trails travers the park.

Mount Blue State Park

Weld, ME Phone: 207-585-2347

This park along the shores of Lake Webb features activities throughout the year. Warmer weather visitors will enjoy fishing, swimming, canoeing, and hiking trails. In the winter, trails are open for both cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. A public campground is available.

Rangeley Lake State Park

Rangeley, ME Phone: 207-864-3858

Small state park features fishing and swimming areas, canoeing, and snowmobile trails in the winter. There is public camping available.

Sebago Lake State Park

Route 302 Naples, ME Phone: 207-693-6613

This 1,300-acre park features relaxation on beautiful Sebago Lake. Visitors will enjoy fishing, boating, canoeing, and swimming on the lake. There is a public campsite available. Open May 1-Oct. 15 for full use. Wintertime trails are available for cross-country skiers.

White Mountain National Forest

Bethel, ME Phone: 207-824-2134

Although most of this forest is in New Hampshire, this portion of the forest features camping areas, hiking trails, fishing, and canoeing. Cross-country ski trails are available in the winter.