This post was written by BoomerTECH Adventure’s Ed Brazee
Starry Night in Maine
Everyone knows that Maine is well known for a number of spectacular places like Old Orchard Beach, Ogunquit, Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, Aroostook County, and many more.
But Maine has many other somewhat lesser known spots that are amazing in their own right. Last month BTA guide Chris Toy wrote about macro photography and the many opportunities to explore it in Maine. We’ll open up our lens a bit to the entire state and focus on these unique spots (out of the many available) with Pro Tips for using your mobile phone’s camera and a link for more information.
1. Monhegan Island This car-free island 10 miles off the coast is accessible only by ferry and has been an artists’ colony for over a century. The island features dramatic 150-foot cliffs, historic charm, and some of the most pristine hiking trails in coastal Maine. With only about 60 year-round residents, it offers a glimpse into old Maine island life, plus incredible lighthouse views and artist studios you can visit. Pro Tip: This is a great place to experiment with the pano feature; also try using the exposure scale to tone down too bright light or brighten up a darker image. https://www.visitmaine.net/monhegan-island/
Foggy day on the way to the island
2. Step Falls (Newry) A series of natural granite pools and waterfalls along the Wight Brook that create perfect swimming holes. Unlike the crowded swimming spots, Step Falls requires a moderate hike through beautiful forest, rewarding visitors with crystal-clear pools carved into smooth granite. It’s especially magical in early fall when the leaves are changing. Pro Tip: In your Photos App try the long exposure feature to create a dreamy image. https://www.mahoosuc.org/step-falls-preserve
Dew kissed daisy somewhere in Maine
3. Reversing Falls (Pembroke) A fascinating natural phenomenon where the extreme Bay of Fundy tides create waterfalls that literally reverse direction. At low tide, water cascades one way; at high tide, it flows the opposite direction. It’s a dramatic display of tidal power that few visitors know about, located near the Canadian border. Pro Tip: Try time lapse or slo-mo features to capture the movement of the falls. https://downeastcoastalconservancy.org/dcc-trails/reversing-falls/
4. Owls Head Transportation Museum While technically a museum, this place comes alive with regular demonstrations of vintage aircraft, cars, and engines. You might catch a 1903 Wright Flyer replica in flight or see a Model T Ford being driven around the grounds. It’s interactive history that appeals to all ages and showcases Maine’s role in transportation innovation. Pro Tip: Experiment with the portrait mode—it’s not just for people! Blur the background, try different lighting features. https://owlshead.org/default.aspx
Rock-bound coast at Schoodic
5. Schoodic Peninsula (Part of Acadia National Park)
While Acadia National Park is a major tourist destination, the Schoodic Peninsula, located about an hour’s drive from the main section on Mount Desert Island, is often referred to as the “Quiet Side of Acadia.” This area provides the same stunning, rugged coastline and natural beauty as the rest of the park but with significantly fewer crowds. Visitors can enjoy dramatic views of the Atlantic waves crashing against the rocky shore, hiking trails, and the scenic loop road. Pro Tip: Another great location to try pano feature or take pictures from different angles and perspectives—waist level, ground level. Look for interesting patterns in the rocks or a lonely flower surviving in harsh conditions. https://www.nps.gov/acad/planyourvisit/schoodic.htm
Looking at Mt. Desert Island across Frenchman’s Bay
6. The Desert of Maine (Freeport)
This unique geological oddity in Freeport is a 40-acre expanse of glacial silt that resembles a desert. Once farmland in the late 1700s, poor farming practices and overgrazing led to the topsoil eroding, revealing the sand beneath. The Desert of Maine is now a historical landmark and a peculiar sight, offering a different kind of natural experience in the heavily forested state. Pro Tip: Create a video with voice over that explains the unique features of this very different place. https://www.desertofmaine.com/
Maine’s most remarkable places often hide in plain sight, waiting for curious travelers willing to venture beyond the beaten path. Pack your sense of adventure along with your camera—you never know what surprising landscape you’ll stumble upon next.
This article was written with assistance from AI for research background.