Featured image courtesy of Therese Iknoian of HiTravelTales.
Hiking, kayaking, boating...there is a lot to keep you busy as you explore Maine by day. What happens, however, after the sun goes down? Yes, Maine has an excellent dining scene, and yes, there are plenty of fun pubs worth exploring — but as is often the case in this remarkable state, the best nighttime activities involve the great outdoors.
By staying in Maine, you enjoy a unique opportunity to gaze in awe at the most impressive constellations or, if you're lucky, see the Northern Lights. Wonderfully romantic, this is a must for a Maine honeymoon or anniversary trip. This calls for a little planning, however, as not just any location will provide a good view.
Stargazing in Maine has a way of confusing even longtime locals, who struggle to predict when light pollution or weather conditions will get in the way. It helps to have an idea of where the Milky Way and Northern Lights tend to be most visible so you don't end up on a wild goose chase or find yourself limited to foggy skies.
Need some guidance? Below, we will reveal how to make the most of your Northern Lights Maine experience while also touching on other stargazing phenomena. Keep reading to learn the answer to the ultimate question for nighttime adventurers: can you see the Milky Way in Maine?
Best Times For Stargazing in Maine
Timing is also important — the Northern Lights in Maine are most visible during the winter, although they can often be spotted during the fall or early spring. No worries if you're unable to visit during the off-season, however. The view of the Milky Way is typically at its best during the summer!
Night owls rejoice: Maine stargazing is a late-night activity, best enjoyed after midnight. Winter stargazers can get away with heading out slightly earlier, but the long days of summer call for extra late outings to spot the Milky Way.
Where to See the Northern Lights & Milky Way in Maine
Opportunities abound for star gazing in Maine, although the best spots tend to be situated further north. In general, more secluded is better, although the Northern Lights and the Milky Way are often visible near small towns or villages.
The more effort you put into the experience, the more likely you are to emerge with a spectacular view. Often, this means heading out at midnight and driving to the most scenic spots — or even hiking or skiing to extra-dynamic locations. Top stargazing spots worth checking out include:
- Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. Widely regarded as the nation's best destination for viewing the Aurora Borealis, Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a reliable option — albeit difficult to access. Portions of the refuge are reserved for wildlife, although there are many wonderful cross-country skiing trails, foot access areas, and an auto tour route extending three miles.
- Acadia National Park. Acadia has long been a go-to for stargazing, even promoting the practice with Acadia Night Sky Week. While there is some risk of light pollution due to the proximity of Bar Harbor, many locals swear by Cadillac Mountain. Sand Beach and Jordan Pond are also worth checking out.
- Quill Hill. Offering remarkable 360-degree views by day and excellent opportunities for stargazing at night, Quill Hill can be accessed via a four-mile dirt road. While its gate closes in October, the 24-hour attraction is perfectly fine to access by foot or even snowmobile in the winter.
- Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust. Boasting dozens of miles of well-maintained trails, the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust provides plenty of opportunities to explore by day and enjoy stargazing at night. Be mindful that some of the preserves within this vast space may be designated for day use only.
- Camden Hills State Park. Although technically open until sunset for day visitors, Camden Hills State Park is available for camping — even in the winter, when the Aurora Borealis is at its best. Several spots throughout the park promise great views of the night sky, but Mt. Battie is easily the best.
- Blueberry Pond Observatory. Guidance can be incredibly valuable for stargazing in Maine. Look to the experts to reveal the best spots and to provide insight into celestial phenomena. Blueberry Pond Observatory is an excellent and little-known option just far enough away from major tourist hubs to provide exceptional viewing opportunities. There is nothing quite like learning directly from an experienced astronomer.
Tips And Tricks for Stargazing in Maine
The spots mentioned above provide a wealth of stargazing potential but remember: flexibility is important. You might have an idea as to where to see the Milky Way in Maine, but it is impossible to know in advance whether conditions will be ideal for stargazing. When in doubt, check with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center, which provides regular updates for its sky charts. Light pollution maps can also provide helpful insight, as this is typically one of the greatest roadblocks to spotting the Northern Lights.
In general, you have a great shot at seeing the Milky Way or the Northern Lights if you make the effort to visit somewhere secluded, where city lights are at a minimum. Thankfully, there are many such spots in Maine — and often, the best locations are those you stumble across yourself, while simply exploring at your leisure.
Small coastal villages such as Spruce Head provide not only a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of top tourist attractions but also, the best chance for both unblemished scenery by day and expansive views of the constellations at night. Book the right accommodations, and you can simply explore the area at night and take it all in. You will be in awe of the visual wonders that Maine's night sky provides.
Experience the Beauty of Spruce Head
On the hunt for beautiful accommodations that provide access to the best Maine Northern Lights and stargazing opportunities? Look no further than the Craignair Inn.
Perfectly situated in lovely Spruce Head, we are here to make your stargazing experience as spectacular as you've imagined. We even provide stargazing kits to elevate your adventure, plus amazing accommodations that make it easy to sleep in after a thrilling night of stargazing. Book your stay at the Craignair Inn.