AMC Medawisla Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods. Photo by Jamie Malcolm Brown.
Looking for a getaway that blends wild beauty, outdoor adventure, and cozy cabin comfort? Welcome to Maine! Whether you’re craving the stillness of a remote pond, the thrill of a mountain summit hike, a campfire under starry skies, or a seaside escape along the rugged coast, AMC’s got something for everyone. Here’s your guide to planning the ultimate Maine outdoor vacation.
Discover the Maine Woods
AMC Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods. Photo by Corey David Photography.
Choose your own adventure with world-class cross-country skiing, fly fishing in Maine’s 100-mile wilderness, and gravel biking on historic logging roads–or simply relax in a wood-fired sauna or under a blanket of stars. Your stay supports the Maine Woods Initiative (MWI), AMC’s multi-use recreation and land conservation project, which has permanently protected more than 114,000 acres of critical forest environment in the area, with more on the way.
AMC’s Maine Lodges
Nestled deep in the 100-Mile Wilderness of Maine, our eco-friendly lodges are connected by more than 130 miles of hiking and skiing trails. Just get yourself here, and we’ll take care of the rest! Dinner, breakfast, and trail lunches are included (not to mention the legendary chocolate chip cookies), and AMC makes it easy to explore with complimentary canoes, kayaks, and snowshoes. Dog-friendly lodging is available.
Pricing: AMC members receive a discount of 20% on their stay.
Open January-March and May-October
AMC Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods. Photo by Cait Bourgault.
- Medawisla Lodge and Cabins: Built on AMC conservation land, Medawisla Lodge and Cabins is an ideal spot for exploring Maine’s famous 100-Mile Wilderness. Stay in a private waterfront cabin or communal bunkhouse with direct access to hiking trails, gravel biking routes, canoeing, fly-fishing, and world-class snowshoeing and cross-country skiing — all just outside your door.
- Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins: Enjoy hearty, homemade meals, friendly staff, and cozy private cabins in Maine’s backcountry, perfect for unwinding after hikes to Gulf Hagas and Third Mountain, a lodge-to-lodge ski tour, or a day of spent paddling or relaxing on the shore of Long Pond. The newly renovated main lodge offers expansive sunset views, a welcoming wood stove, and a family-style dining room — ideal for groups, families, or solo travelers.
- Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins: Originally built in 1874 as a traditional Maine hunting camp, Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins provides a year-round wilderness retreat in the heart of the Maine Woods. Cross-country ski on groomed trails, fly fish the West Branch of the Pleasant River, or hike to Laurie’s Ledge on Indian Mountain for panoramic views. Stay in a rustic but comfortable lodge with a fireplace and deck, with friendly staff who can assist you with trip planning, weather reports, and trail information. Dog-friendly accommodations are available year-round.
BOOK MEDAWISLA BOOK GORMAN CHAIRBACK BOOK LITTLE LYFORD
AMC Moose Point Cabin, Maine Woods. Photo by Jamie Malcolm Brown.
Moose Point Cabin
Moose Point Cabin is a rustic, off-grid Maine cabin rental reserved for exclusive use by a single party — up to seven guests and two dogs. Overlooking Long Pond in the heart of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness and surrounded by miles of hiking trails, lakes, and rivers, it’s a perfect retreat to unplug and reconnect with nature (truly–there’s no electricity!). Fill your days with hiking, paddling, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or simply relaxing on the large screened-in porch. Potable water and firewood are provided.
Pricing: AMC members receive a discount of 20% on their stay.
Mountain Brook Cabin
Mountain Brook Cabin
Mountain Brook Cabin is an off-grid wilderness retreat in Maine, reserved for exclusive use by up to nine guests. Deep in the Maine North Woods, this secluded property includes two rustic cabins—one tucked into the forest and the other perched lakeside with stunning views of a private, remote lake. The cabin features running water, a propane stove and refrigerator, and generator-powered electricity when needed. Spend your days kayaking at sunrise, fishing for native trout, or stargazing in the AMC Maine Woods International Dark Sky Park. It’s an unforgettable escape for those seeking peace, privacy, and a true Maine off-the-grid vacation.
Pricing: AMC members receive a discount of 20% on their stay.
Photo by Brady Robinson.
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
- Hiking: Hike the easy to moderate Shaw Mountain (6 miles) or White Cap Mountain on the A.T. (7.5 miles) for 360° views of the remote Maine wilderness, or for more of a challenge try Number Four and Baker Mountain Trails (13+ miles) or Gulf Hagas, known as the “Grand Canyon of Maine.” Check out AMC’s Maine Mountain Guide and 100-Mile Wilderness Map and Guide for more trail ideas and in-depth planning.
- Gravel Biking: AMC’s MWI is a gravel biking hotspot! Bike 330 miles of hisoric logging roads or ride the trail system at Moosehead Outdoor Alliance
- Fly Fishing: Fish the Pleasant River, Little Lyford Ponds, and the Roach River, home to native brook trout and landlocked salmon.
- Paddling: Paddle Second Roach Pond (Medawisla), Long Pond (Gorman Chairback), or Little Lyford Ponds in our complimentary boats, included in your AMC stay.
- Skiing & Snowshoeing: AMC lodges are connected by 90 miles of world-class cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. A shuttle transports your gear between destinations so you can ski, snowshoe, or fatbike with just a daypack.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for moose, loons, black bears, deer, and brook trout, and help wildlife biologists by recording your nature sightings with iNaturalist.
Gulf Hagas Trail. Photo by Justin Smulski.
Festivals and Family Fun
Join us for these family-friendly festivals in the Maine Woods:
- See the Dark Festival & See the Dark Weekend: A celebration of night skies, stargazing, and astronomy in the heart of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness and AMC’s International Dark Sky Park. You can also take home a piece of the night sky with If You Can See the Dark, AMC’s first children’s book about the value of the night sky.
- Maine Gravel Cycling Weekends: Ride rugged backcountry routes, connect with fellow gravel biking enthusiasts, and experience one of the top gravel biking destinations in Maine.
- Maine Fly Fishing Festival: Expert-led instruction, cozy lodging, and access to some of the best fly fishing in Maine—where native brook trout and landlocked salmon thrive in revitalized waters thanks to AMC’s conservation efforts.
Telescope viewing of the International Dark Sky Park. Photo by J Walter.
Shopping, Sights, and Food Nearby
- Katahdin Cruises & Moosehead Marine Museum (Greenville) – Check out Moosehead Marine Museum or climb aboard a narrated sightseeing cruise to learn about the history of the Moosehead Lake area.
- Swim Moosehead Lake (Greenville) – Cool the whole family off in the clear waters of one of Maine’s most scenic lakes.
- Shaw Public Library (Greenville) – Catch a Kids’ Craft Day, an astronomy presentation, a Maine author reading, or other public programming.
- Take yourself on a moose safari to Shirley, Kokadjo, or Rockwood/Jackman to try and spot Maine’s state mammal!
- Monson Arts Gallery & Store (Monson) – Explore contemporary exhibitions and pick up locally made art at this vibrant cultural hub.
- The Quarry (Monson) – Tucked deep in the Maine woods, this James Beard award-winning, reservation-only restaurant serves an unforgettable tasting menu Thursday–Sunday.
- Turning Page Farm (Monson) – Visit this small goat farm and brewery for craft beer, fresh cheese, and charming animal encounters
- Thoreau-Wabanaki Festival (Greenville) – Held the last week of July, this annual event celebrates Indigenous culture and Maine’s natural heritage.
- King’s Treats Dairy Bar (Greenville) – Cool off with ice cream, snacks, and casual eats—an easy win for families.
Photo by Mat Trogner (courtesy of Allagash Brewing).
Explore Midcoast Maine
Paddle with seals, listen to osprey call, smell the salty sea breeze, and relax into island time on Maine’s Midcoast–a hidden gem for coastal adventure travel far from the bustle of Acadia. Both of AMC’s Midcoast locations offer beach access, scenic views, and prime kayak launching spots for exploring tidal rivers and rocky shoreline.
Knubble Bay Camp, Maine. Photo by Bill Thomas (AMC Photo Contest).
Knubble Bay Camp
Located on Georgetown Island, Knubble Bay Camp (KBC) is an off-grid coastal cabin rental in Maine, accessible by car. This self-service, post-and-beam retreat features two decks and indoor sleeping areas for up to 15 people, all with spectacular views of the water. Stairs lead directly to the private beach, where you can launch your kayak into the tidal Sasanoa River, a haven for wildlife viewing and sea kayaking.
Waking up on Beal Island, Maine. Photo by Jenny O’Connell.
Beal Island
Camp under the stars on Beal Island, a 64-acre wilderness island in the Sasanoa River between Westport and Georgetown—just a 20-minute paddle from Knubble Bay Camp. Watch osprey, seals, eagles, and porcupines from shore, and experience some of the strongest tidal currents on the East Coast. Tent camping is available in the grassy meadow and shaded pine grove, perfect for small groups seeking primitive camping on the Maine coast.
Popham Beach, Maine. Photo by Jenny O’Connell.
Things to do in Midcoast Maine
- Visit Bath, Maine – A charming coastal town ~15 minutes from Knubble Bay Camp. Explore events like the summer concert series, Heritage Days, and Autumnfest.
- Reid State Park – Sandy beaches, picnic areas, a snack bar, scenic hiking, birdwatching, and swimming. (~20 min drive from KBC)
- Popham Beach State Park – One of Maine’s rare long-sand beaches with strong surf, shell collecting & rolling Atlantic waves. (~40 min drive from KBC)
- Maine Maritime Museum – Discover Bath’s rich maritime heritage with interactive exhibits, boatbuilding workshops, children’s areas, and special events.
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – Just under an hour’s drive, visit one of Maine’s top botanical destinations featuring exquisite, ever-changing garden landscapes, extraordinary arrays of flowers, and giant wooden trolls.
- Georgetown Pottery – Local artisan pottery studio—the perfect spot to bring home a handcrafted souvenir.
- Georgetown Historical Society Museum & Library – Dive into the rich local history of Georgetown through exhibits, collections, and archival materials.
- Bath Farmers’ Market – Every Saturday, shop local cheeses, baked goods, oysters, pasta, mushrooms, preserves, and artisan crafts.
Echo Lake Camp
Acadia Adventure
Looking to explore one of the most iconic national parks in the Northeast? Acadia National Park and the surrounding Bar Harbor area offer a perfect blend of rugged coastline, scenic hikes, and small-town charm.
Echo Lake Camp
Experience the beauty of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island with a week-long stay at Echo Lake Camp — AMC’s exceptional all-inclusive lakefront retreat in Downeast Maine. A gathering place for families, friends and newcomers for over 100 years, this is AMC’s only Acadia-area lodging. Enjoy comfortable tent platforms, a full-service dining hall with three daily meals (including a lobster bake!), swimming, recreation areas, and volunteer-led hikes, nature walks, and community activities. Come solo or with loved ones–leave with new friends.
Acadia National Park. Photo by Steffen Bollann.
Things to do in Acadia and Bar Harbor
- Cadillac Mountain Sunrise – Be among the first in the U.S. to catch the sunrise from the park’s highest peak. If you’re willing to wake up very early, the hike to the top in the dark is worth it
- Jordan Pond & Jordan Pond House – Hike the scenic loop around the pond, then refuel with tea and famous popovers on the lawn.
- Sand Beach – Relax or take a (brisk!) dip at this picturesque stretch of sand nestled between mountains and cliffs.
- Beehive Trail – A short but steep climb with iron rungs and sweeping summit views—perfect for thrill-seekers; not for the faint of heart.
- Abbe Museum – Explore Wabanaki art, history, and culture at this Smithsonian-affiliated museum.
- Bass Harbor Head Light – Snap a photo at this iconic lighthouse perched on a rocky coastline.
- Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. – Take a boat tour to spot whales, puffins, seals, and more along Maine’s coast.
- Acadia’s lobster pounds — 50’s retro? Picnic table by the sea? You pick the vibe — Acadia’s lobster pounds offer Maine’s favorite delicacy, fresh off the boat.
AMC Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins, Maine Woods. Photo by Mat Trogner (Courtesy of Allagash Brewing.)
Join In and Get Out
AMC’s Maine destinations are open to all, and you’ll enjoy your stay even more as an AMC member. Your membership is a tax-deductible contribution to AMC’s mission to foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Member benefits include up to 20% off AMC lodging, 20% off AMC books and maps, and up to 20% off gear and merchandise. Membership also follows you home, unlocking access to thousands of free activities to get outside with people near you. Join AMC today!