Maine
Very few states can top Maine as the ultimate outdoor destination. With eighty percent of its land forested and unclaimed, what Maine offers to adventurers is top to beat. From its coast to its inner forests, it is impossible not to fall in love with Maine right away.
Geography
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, New Hampshire, and Canadian provinces, Maine is a small state in the New England region of the United states. It is the 12th smallest state and the 9th least populated state in the country. It is also the 13th least densely populated one. Over 80% of the whole state is, in fact, uninhabited, unclaimed, and forested. Deep luscious forests cover most of the state’s total land area.
Maine features spectacular landscapes from its rocky and jagged coastlines, mountains and hills, to its inner forests. Its waters are incredibly picturesque too. The state features over 400 kilometers of coastline so you could expect plenty of beaches, fishing villages, and iconic lighthouses dotting it.
There are parts of Maine where forests and the sea literally cut into each other. This has been described as drowning coasts or drowned coasts. This intersection will continue as the sea level continues to rise. It basically transforms valleys into bays and makes islands out of what used to be mountain tops.
The scenery and the landscape this drowned coasts create are spectacular. Maine is also known for these conjuring images of crystal clear lakes enclosed by luscious and green forests. It is a scene you would want to see for yourself.
History
Unlike most states in the country, the history of the name ‘Maine’ remains unclear and debated. Of course, the popular explanation is that it is named after a province of France back then called ‘Maine’, but there are other theories, too. Some say the name refers to it being a nautical reference to the mainland.
Maine was studied to be inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years until the first Europeans arrived in 1604. The French Explorers would then establish their first settlement area by 1607. These settlements are rarely successful though due to conflict with the locals and the cold climate that then lead to deprivation.
For years to come after the first European settlement, Maine would continue to be fought over and fawned over by colonizers. The French, English, and Natives’ conflict would go on for years. Maine would not be pronounced as a state of the United States until 1820.
Weather
The climate in Maine is generally categorized as humid continental. This means warm and humid summers. It does not get extreme heat waves, but it does get long, very cold, and very snowy winters. Of course, the parts of Maine that fronts the Atlantic Ocean are typically warmer even in winter. The coastal parts also have cooler summers than the inner parts of Maine.
Tourism
Maine is the definition of a true nature wonderland. From its mountains, forests, to its coasts — it is impossible not to fall in love with this gorgeous state. Camping would be one of the best ways to really get to know its terrain. Do not miss some of the best campgrounds in Maine.
Even if you are not one to enjoy the great outdoors though, Maine still has a lot in its bag for you. To name a few, there is the Portland Museum of Art, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, and Victoria Mansion waiting.
Key information about Maine
📍 Area: 91,646km2
👥 Population: 1,344,212
🏛️ Capital: Augusta
🏢 Major cities: Portland, Salem, Eugene
🔢 Number of counties: 24
📋 Postal Abbreviation: ME
📖 Primary language/s: English, French
📌 Nearby states/country: New Hampshire, Canada
Adventure Guides In Maine
