Exploring Maine by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
The scenic beauty of Maine unfolds in a fresh and thrilling way aboard the Downeaster train, which connects Boston with Portland, about 90 minutes north along the coast. Once in Portland, the historic Old Port district offers cobblestone streets lined with brick warehouses converted to shops and eateries, but the true charm begins when you venture onto the Casco Bay Lines ferry. This fleet of vessels sails from Portland’s waterfront to a constellation of islands dotting Casco Bay. The Peaks Island ferry ride lasts just 20 minutes, and once there, visitors can bike or hike the easy 3.5-mile loop trail around the island’s perimeter. The island’s quiet beaches and panoramic views of Portland Head Light keep it a delightful, less crowded retreat from the city’s bustle, especially vivid in summer’s long evenings or during early fall when the foliage begins to blaze.
Further inland, about two hours north of Portland in the heart of the Western Maine mountains, the narrow-gauge Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum in Portland itself offers a nostalgic experience to train lovers. Their restored locomotives and rolling stock trace back to Maine’s logging and coastal rail history. Beyond the museum, the nearby Lakeside Loop trail in the Bradbury Mountain State Park, roughly 40 minutes north of Portland, beckons hikers with gentle climbs to Bradbury Mountain’s summit at 1,217 feet. The trail, about 2.3 miles long, rewards visitors with sweeping views of the rolling hills and forests that define this part of southern Maine. This spot is especially stunning in late spring when wildflowers pepper the landscape or in fall when the woods ignite in colors.
To embrace Maine’s nautical heritage, a boat tour out of Boothbay Harbor, roughly an hour south of Augusta, reveals the rugged coastline, hidden coves, and abundant wildlife of the Midcoast region. Boothbay Harbor’s fleet includes lobster boat tours and puffin-watching excursions that glide through the waters toward the Farnsworth Art Museum’s coastal backdrop. The museum itself, located in downtown Rockland about 25 miles north of Boothbay, focuses on Maine’s artistic legacy, especially the works of the Wyeth family. From Boothbay’s docks, the sea air and changing tides make every journey unique, with summer’s calm waters ideal for photography and fall’s crisp air enhancing the sharp outlines of lighthouses and rocky shores.
For an elevated perspective, the skies over Camden, a picturesque town about 70 miles northeast of Portland, offer unforgettable hot air balloon rides that drift over Penobscot Bay and the Camden Hills State Park. The balloon tours launch near the harbor and float above the verdant, forested hills and sparkling waters below. Camden Hills’ 4.1-mile Mount Battie Trail is a popular hike that climbs to 800 feet, providing panoramic views of the entire bay and the town’s quaint harbor. The balloon rides often coincide with the morning’s golden light, making the experience magical at sunrise or early summer evenings when the breeze is calm, and the landscape is lush and green.
Down east near Bar Harbor, about three hours from Portland along the rugged coast, the Maine Central Railroad once connected this gateway to Acadia National Park. While the rail line no longer runs, the historic Bar Harbor Train Station building now serves as a visitor center, anchoring tours into Acadia. From here, boat tours depart to explore the surrounding islands and marine life in Frenchman Bay. One standout is the Nature Cruise, which offers close views of seals, eagles, and sometimes even whales. The park itself boasts the Ocean Path Trail, a moderate 4-mile route hugging the coastline from Sand Beach to Otter Point, revealing granite cliffs, tidal pools, and the pounding surf that defines Maine’s eastern seaboard. Summer and early fall are the best times to experience the full splendor of Acadia’s coastal vistas, with cooler temperatures and clearer skies.
Travelers seeking a peaceful riverside journey can board the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad’s special excursion trains in Portland that skirt the shores of Back Cove, a tidal basin just east of downtown. This short scenic ride provides a delightful contrast of cityscape and natural refuge, with glimpses of migrating birds and seasonal blooms. It’s a gentle introduction to rail travel in Maine and pairs well with a stop at the nearby Portland Museum of Art, where visitors can admire pieces by American masters and local artists inspired by Maine’s landscapes. The museum’s collection, including works by Andrew Wyeth and Winslow Homer, reflects the state’s artistic soul, complementing the serene views seen from the train.
West of the coast, the Androscoggin River flows through the town of Bethel, about 70 miles northwest of Portland. This area offers riverboat tours and kayak rentals that put visitors in direct contact with Maine’s wild interior. The nearby Sunday River Ski Resort transforms into a summer haven for river exploration and hiking the challenging yet rewarding 3.1-mile hike to Mount Willard’s summit in nearby New Hampshire’s White Mountains, a popular day trip for those based in Bethel. The river’s swift currents and lush forest backdrop create a striking contrast to the coastal scenes, especially during spring melt when the river swells with fresh mountain runoff, offering a lively and invigorating experience.
Whether gliding along coastal waters, chugging through historic rail lines, or soaring above verdant hills, Maine’s varied modes of travel reveal its layered landscapes and deep-rooted charm in uniquely vivid ways. Each journey invites visitors to see the Pine Tree State from fresh angles, making every trip a personal adventure through its storied terrain.