Related Sponsors

Regions of Maine

Home » Maine » Maine History and Overview » Regions of Maine

Maine is approximately 320 miles long, 210 miles wide, and includes 33,215 square miles according to state government statistics. It also consists of 16 counties (including Aroostook county that is over 6,500 square miles), 22 cities, and 424 towns. The entire landmass of Maine is greater than the other New England states combined. The Maine Tourism Association separates Maine into eight different regions: Southern Maine Coast, Greater Portland and Casco Bay, Mid-Coast, Downeast and Acadia, Maine Lakes and Mountains, Kennebec and Moose River Valleys, Maine Highlands, and Aroostook County. Each region has it’s own unique attractions, main cities, and landscape. Here is a brief list of what you can find in each:

• Southern Maine Coast: This area is the southern most tip of the state bordering New Hampshire and the Atlantic Ocean. It boasts some of New England’s best beaches and several lighthouses. Towns included in this region are Kittery and Kennebunkport.
• Greater Portland and Casco Bay: This region is home to Maine’s largest city, Portland. It is also known for great beaches and famous lighthouses, such as Portland Head. The town of Freeport is home to the popular retailer, L.L. Bean where their flagship store is located.
• Mid-Coast: The Mid-Coast region is famous for some of the best sailing waters in the world. Several more lighthouses can be found on the beautiful coastline. Scenic Boothbay Harbor and the town of Rockport are both located in this region.
• Downeast and Acadia: This region is known for its abundance of fresh-water lakes, whitewater rivers, and quiet coastline. Another one of Maine’s famous lighthouses, Bass Harbor Light, is found here as well as the towns of Bar Harbor and Eastport, the easternmost city in the United States.
• Maine Lakes and Mountains: There is no better place to experience all the seasons than this region. It offers places to ski, snowshoe, and enjoy all winter sports and is also one of the best areas to see the brilliant colors of the changing leaves in autumn. Towns include Lewiston and Farmington.
• Kennebec and Moose River Valleys: The state capitol, Augusta, is located here. The area is well known for being an excellent source for outdoor recreation with plenty of fishing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.
• The Maine Highlands: This area includes the city of Bangor, which is known for its unique shopping and overall charm. This area has lakes and rivers and also offers opportunities for winter sports. The University of Maine is located in the town of Orono.
• Aroostook County: This is Maine’s largest and northern most county. It is a remote, sparsely populated area. The region offers great places for hiking and mountain biking during the summer and snowmobiling and Nordic skiing during the winter. Caribou and Allagash are located in this region.

Next Page: Fun Facts about Maine

Related Maine History and Overview Articles