Rise and enjoy a hearty breakfast—it shouldn’t be any trouble finding the perfect meal to satisfy your tastes in downtown Portland. Hit the road on the early side so you can reach Reid State Park, about an hour north, for a morning swim, surf, or ski. No matter the season or pastime, this park is a local favorite for outdoor enthusiasts and birds alike. 

Grab a bite to eat on your way through Wiscasset en route to Rockland and the St. George Peninsula, where you’ll spend the rest of the day and overnight.

Rockland, Thomaston, and St. George offer up the coastal vibes a Maine holiday promises, be it decorated with sunshine, fall foliage, or frosted lighthouses. As you might have expected, lobster is in season year round here, whether you arrive during the Maine Lobster Festival or not. But you may not have expected to spend time celebrating puffins or biplanes as you make your way through these coastal communities. Spend the night in Rockland surrounded by art.

As you find yourself deeper in Aroostook County, slow down and notice how the scenery has changed to Maine’s Highlands. Though no less beautiful than the coastal vistas, the forests, lakes, and night skies are a marked difference from what you’ve seen and maybe what you’ve expected.

Upon your arrival at Eagle Lake (the name of the town and its waters), settle into lake time. In the spring, summer, and fall, toss a line into the lake, and in the winter try your hand at ice fishing. Paddling on Eagle Lake is a beautiful pastime unless it’s frozen, in which case you’ll want to hop on a snowmobile to continue your adventures. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready if you arrive in the fall, as the foliage will be putting on a show. This may also be the area where you’re most likely to spot a moose.

Enjoy your cabin and lake time and make the most of the day here. You may even spend a few days here if you’d like to really settle into lakeside comforts.

Rise and shine! The bad news is, you have to hit the road. The good news is, the mountain and lake life isn’t coming to an end. Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, in all its vastness and natural beauty, awaits. Be prepared for rugged and rustic experiences, and if you’d rather stay at Eagle Lake for some creature comforts, we support that decision!

Over 87,000 acres of woods, rivers, mountains, and ridges beckon in pristine, wild condition. Whether you’re snowmobiling from Aroostook County to Millinocket or following fall foliage through the forests, you’ll find plenty of adventure, Maine style. Plan ahead and prepare with appropriate vehicle choice and driving skills (especially in the winter), food, clothing, camping equipment, maps, and perhaps a Registered Maine Guide. Then go hike, paddle, fish, ski, snowmobile, and wildlife watch to your heart’s delight!

Spend the night camping under the Milky Way or in a nearby lodge.

If roughing it is your style more than lake time, give yourself a bonus day of wilderness instead of an extra day in Eagle Lake.

*Note seasonal routes may change your timing in the winter.

After so much discovery and fun, you’re probably tired, maybe ready to spend time sitting still. So make your way to a slightly different style of park today: Crescent Beach State Park. Simply stunning in all seasons, it’s the perfect place to sit and watch the waves, go for a mellow hike, or take a snowshoe stroll while reflecting on all you’ve seen in Maine over this epic 10-day journey.

Portland is just next door, so when you’ve solidified the memories and squeezed the last winter beach stroll, foliage photo, or summer sunshine on your skin out of the day, head into town to toast to it all.

During your final day back in Portland, savor some lobster, potatoes, brews, and views before heading home. The only thing left is to decide is in what season will you return to this route next time?