It’s no secret that I love western and central Maine. There’s nothing better than getting away from the crowds on the coast and enjoying some of Maine’s most beautiful places. I hope these photos inspire you to plan a trip! Be sure to check out all these Instagram accounts for even more amazing images from around Maine.

Want help planning? Check out my in-depth responsible travel guide to western Maine for some great places to stay, eat, and things to do year round.

21 gorgeous photos that will inspire you to pack your bags for western Maine! #visitmaineClick To Tweet

 

One day ahead of the 100th anniversary of the @nationalparkservice, President Obama designated Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, an 87,500-acre parcel of mountains, rivers, and forests abutting the eastern edge of Baxter State Park. The land was donated by Burt’s Bees founder Roxanne Quimby, who has advocated for years to establish the site as a national park. President Obama’s executive action, allowed under the Antiquities Act, adds the unit to the National Park Service as a national monument, bypassing the need for Congress to authorize a new national park. Photograph: Probably best to portage: the majestic Grand Pitch on the East Branch of the Penobscot River — by @littleoutdoorgiants #Mainelife — with @nrcmenvironment. See more stunning video/pics featured on our website now.

A photo posted by Down East Magazine (@downeastmagazine) on Aug 24, 2016 at 8:50am PDT

 

Stow Corner Store woos locals and visiting outdoor enthusiasts with its contest-winning chili — not to mention a reliable supply of worms for those who want to try their luck in the brooks and rivers of the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness. See all 7 must-visit Maine General Stores on our website. Photographed by @jarrodrorymccabe. #Mainelife

A photo posted by Down East Magazine (@downeastmagazine) on Sep 12, 2016 at 11:09am PDT

 

Happy Friday! I am back from an amazing 3 days in Baxter State Park…hiked over 30 miles, saw incredible sights on Knife Edge trail to the summit of Katahdin Mountain and met some very awesome people….now it is back to work for me! This was from the sunset my first night there….have loads of photos to go through!

A photo posted by Susan Garver (@susangarver) on Sep 23, 2016 at 2:46am PDT

 

After a week of not using my camera, I had a great time going through the Rangeley area yesterday. By the time we hit Smalls Falls, the rain had stopped. I was in the water for this shot. . . . #water #waterfall #waterfalls #waterfallsfordays #woods #hiking #smallsfalls #rangeley #nature #naturelovers #water_brilliance #shotsofnorthamerica #longexposure #maine #igersmaine #visitmaine #mainething #scenesofnewengland #scenesofme #newengland_photography #igers #igersoftheday #wowshot #jaw_dropping_shots #nature_brilliance

A photo posted by Rick Neil (@rick.neil) on Jul 24, 2016 at 10:21am PDT

 

Stay cozy with us for a Fall/Winter getaway! Spotlight {room No. 5} inspired by the Northwoods, snowshoeing and ice fishing adventures. ? by @catherinefrost #visitmaine #travelmaine #getaway

A photo posted by The Mill Inn and Cafe (@themillinnandcafe) on Sep 19, 2016 at 6:44am PDT

 

A photo posted by Brian Donaghy (@briandonaghyphotography) on Jun 5, 2016 at 5:14pm PDT

 

?Happy first day of fall! ? I had a college professor that used to say “Calibrare diem” (celebrate the day) instead of “Carpe diem” (seize the day). He said he always likes to find things to celebrate and make the everyday a little more fun (like half birthday celebrations). I’ve always remembered that and try to celebrate the season changes (equinoxes and solstices)…even if I still haven’t totally accepted saying goodbye to summer. ? What’s your favorite part of fall?

A photo posted by Naomi Liz (@roamingtheamericas) on Sep 22, 2016 at 2:03pm PDT

 

Next time you’re stuck in traffic, juggling meetings, dinner plans, and deadlines, just remember: the Maine woods will be here, waiting patiently for you to come home. #mainehuts #mainething #flagstaffhut #llbeanmoment

A photo posted by Maine Huts & Trails (@mainehuts) on Aug 17, 2016 at 7:01am PDT

 

A photo posted by Ashley Schrauth (@schrawrth) on Oct 4, 2016 at 4:43pm PDT

 

Finally made it to Rattlesnake Flume/Gorge in Evans Notch. Definitely worth the trip. . . . #water #waterfall #waterfalls #waterfallsfordays #woods #hiking #rattlesnakegorge #evansnotch #nature #naturelovers #water_brilliance #shotsofnorthamerica #longexposure #maine #igersmaine #visitmaine #mainething #scenesofnewengland #scenesofme #newengland_photography #igers #igersoftheday #wowshot #jaw_dropping_shots #nature_brilliance

A photo posted by Rick Neil (@rick.neil) on Aug 28, 2016 at 10:11pm PDT

 

Good morning, summer! Soaking up every last minute and I don’t want it to end. #lakelife #thewaylifeshouldbe #vacationland #visitmaine #mainething

A photo posted by Naomi Liz Figueroa (@naomilizblog) on Aug 25, 2015 at 4:57am PDT

 

Days on the lake. All the best of Maine is found inland, in my opinion–the mountains, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. The coast is nice, but this is where I breathe deep. #thewaylifeshouldbe #onewithnature

A photo posted by Naomi Liz Figueroa (@naomilizblog) on Aug 11, 2015 at 4:56am PDT

 

The August image in our 2017 Maine Wall Calendar — “A beautiful summer day comes to a close at Burgess Tree Farm in Newport.” — By @cwiddisphoto. #Mainelife #farm #summer Available in our online store.

A photo posted by Down East Magazine (@downeastmagazine) on Aug 17, 2016 at 6:11am PDT

 

HIDDEN MAINE #1: Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary Photographed by @benjaminmwilliamson #Mainelife #mountain #view #wilderness #fishing At the southern end of the 100-Mile Wilderness is a rare mature forest, 1,639 acres uncut since the late 19th century, blanketing the slopes of Borestone Mountain. It’s the Maine Audubon Society’s largest and least-known preserve. Originally the rustic camp of a wealthy California family, the remote property has three stunning alpine ponds and a handful of turn-of-the-century lodges available for rent. Don’t Miss Peaks-Kenny State Park (401 State Park Rd., Dover-Foxcroft; 207-564-2003), on Sebec Lake, is known for its sand beach and gorgeous mountain views, as well as excellent salmon and trout fishing. Pitch a tent and spend the night or head over to The Inn (5 E. Main St., Dover-Foxcroft; 207-805-8839), which caters to tenderfoots with six luxurious guest rooms in an elegantly renovated mill complex alongside the Piscataquis River. In the same building is a café serving panini, soups, and Maine craft beers. ► Just north of Monson village, turn right onto Elliotsville Rd. After 8 miles, turn left after the bridge onto Bodfish Rd. Parking area is .7 miles on the left, after the railroad tracks. The gate and trailhead are on the right. Sanctuary: 207-631-4050, June–Sept.; 207-781-2330, Oct.–May.

A photo posted by Down East Magazine (@downeastmagazine) on Aug 31, 2016 at 5:42pm PDT

 

This is the kind of coffee shop that makes me swoon. Not pretentious, awesome atmosphere, local ingredients, good coffee. (Bonus points for lots of outlets that are well placed.) Did I mention it’s in an old mill on the water that’s been converted into an inn and café? Love this growing trend to take an important part of Maine’s history and incorporate it into revitalizing the local economy today. On your way to Moosehead or Peaks Kenney State Park? Check out @themillinnandcafe if you’re in the Dover Foxcroft, Maine area! #themillinnandcafe

A photo posted by Naomi Liz (@roamingtheamericas) on Aug 21, 2016 at 7:12am PDT

 

“Ahhh, the great indoors” – said nobody ever. Take time to get outside and enjoy this beautiful September weather! ?? (?: @reneedespres )

A photo posted by Bootmobile (@bootmobile) on Sep 27, 2016 at 4:23pm PDT

 

#optoutside

A post shared by D A K O T A (@dakota_agran) on Nov 24, 2017 at 7:31pm PST

 

A photo posted by Missy Brady (@missybradyy) on Sep 5, 2016 at 2:11pm PDT

 

A photo posted by Brian Donaghy (@briandonaghyphotography) on Jun 5, 2016 at 5:08pm PDT

 

RATTLESNAKE POOL: From our “12 Favorite Swimming Holes” piece (on the website now), photographed by @photocait. #Mainelife This stunningly clear and emerald-tinged basin is worth every step of the short hike near Evans Notch. From Fryeburg, follow Rte. 113 north for about 22 miles to Shell Pond Rd. Turn right and follow the road a little over a mile to the small parking area at the gate. Take Stone House Trail for about a mile to the short spur trail to the pool.

A photo posted by Down East Magazine (@downeastmagazine) on Jul 28, 2016 at 11:44am PDT

 

HIDDEN MAINE #4: Little Wilson Falls and Gorge Photographed by @benjaminmwilliamson #Mainelife #waterfall #gorge #pool #appalachiantrail #hike #trout Just west of Borestone Mountain, Little Wilson Stream tumbles over a mile-long series of falls and pools. At one end is the lower falls, where picnickers settle on the sun-warmed slate ledges and watch their children slide like otters down a moss-lined chute into a pool deep enough for swimming. At the other end is the big attraction — and a favorite stop for Appalachian Trail hikers: the upper falls, which plunge nearly 40 feet into a long, deep, and narrow canyon. Along the way are several small falls and rapids and a few pools where anglers cast for trout. Don’t Miss:Part natural history museum, part home store, part joke shop, Kamp Kamp Moosehead Lake Indian Store (3 Lily Bay Rd., Greenville; 207-695-0789) is the wackiest, most marvelous store in the North Woods. Curiosities include a taxidermy mount of a road-killed doe’s stillborn fawn. Lakeshore House (9 Tenny Hill Rd., Monson; 207-997-7069), on Lake Hebron in Monson, is an inn and restaurant catering to families, AT thru-hikers, and sportsmen. The living room is stocked with games, puzzles, and toys. The restaurant, which serves yummy pub-style meals, sums up the vibe on its menu: “If you’re in a hurry, this is not the place to be.” ► Just north of Monson village, turn right onto Elliotsville Rd. and follow it about 7.5 miles. Turn left onto the gravel road opposite the turnout for Big Wilson Falls (also worth a visit) and drive .8 miles to the Maine Forest Service camping area and the lower falls. The access trail to the upper falls begins above the campground.

A photo posted by Down East Magazine (@downeastmagazine) on Sep 3, 2016 at 6:02am PDT

 

Which of these would you most like to visit?

 

You might also like:

• Responsible Travel Guide: Western Maine
• Responsible Travel Guide: Central Maine Highlands
• Responsible Travel Guide: Burlington, Vermont