La Verna Preserve

Top choice in Midcoast Maine


This forested nature reserve is pretty compact, but within its confines there are 2.5 miles of trails and some 3600ft of shoreline. This waterfront is particularly arresting, all slabbed teeth of layered rock jawing into the waves of the Atlantic; a little way inland, those rocks are studded with small opalescent tide pools.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Midcoast Maine attractions

1. Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site

2.54 MILES

If you or your kids are into history, make sure to pop by this state park, where experts have rebuilt the Fort William Henry (c 1692), and an on-site…

2. Fisherman's Museum

4.57 MILES

Fishing paraphernalia and photos, as well as a nautical chart of the entire Maine coast with all the lighthouses marked, are on display in the Pemaquid…

3. Pemaquid Lighthouse Park

4.57 MILES

Perched dramatically on top of the rocks in Pemaquid Lighthouse Park is the 11,000-candlepower Pemaquid Point Light, built in 1827, which was featured on…

4. Linekin & Burley Preserves

6.61 MILES

These two adjacent protected spaces encompass some 140 acres of forested Maine prettiness, situated on a windy stretch of lovely, gravel-studded…

5. Boothbay Railway Village

7.15 MILES

Ride the narrow-gauge steam train through this endearing village, a historic replica of an old-fashioned New England town. The 28 buildings house more…

6. Dodge Point Preserve

7.89 MILES

Some 500 acres of land, once managed as a tree farm, now constitute a lovely slice of preserved red pine woods and breezy riparian shorescapes. Four easy…

7. Boothbay Harbor Footbridge

8.11 MILES

A pedestrian footbridge links two sides of Boothbay Harbor, and is a popular spot for a simple, quiet stroll and a selfie in front of all the boats. In…

8. Knickerbocker Lake

8.91 MILES

If you're in need of a dip and the waters of Boothbay Harbor feel a little too frigid, head to this swimming hole, where the water is…well, also cold, but…