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July 4th in Maine; Where Patriots Battled and Natural Beauty Abounds
AUGUSTA, Maine - This Fourth of July, spend time at Maine's state parks and
historic sites, which preserve the state's role in the American Revolution and offer
recreation at coastal and inland locations.
"Our friendly staff at more than 50 properties are looking forward to people 'taking
it outside' on our national holiday," said Will Harris, director of Maine's Bureau of
Parks and Lands. "It's the perfect time to come picnic, hike, swim, relax or explore
our state's history and unique natural areas."
Fort O'Brien Historic Site overlooks Machias Bay where Captain Jeremiah O'Brien
led local Patriots in the first naval battle of the American Revolution on June 12,
1775. Credit: Maine Department of Conservation At Fort O'Brien overlooking
Machias Bay on the downeast coast, visitors can imagine the scene when local
Patriots captured the armed British schooner Margaretta on June 12, 1775 to win the
first naval battle of the Revolution. Roque Bluffs State Park is a short drive south
from the fort and offers fresh and saltwater swimming, picnic tables with grills, and
seven miles of walking trails along the ocean. North of the fort, the island city of
Eastport throws Maine's largest Fourth of July festival (www.eastport4th.com).
Along Penobscot Bay, Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs has a boat launch
and fishing pier, and is the starting point for a seven-mile bicycle loop around
Cape Jellison. The park also contains the remnants of 1759 Fort Pownal and the
active Fort Point Lighthouse. Moose Point State Park in Searsport has tidal pools to
explore, three walking trails and a picnic area in a grove of evergreens.
In southern Maine, Vaughn Woods State Park is a 250-acre forested getaway along
the Salmon Falls River. The South Berwick park is an ideal spot for playing catch,
hide and seek or relaxing by the riverside. For the feel of soft sand underfoot, head
to Ferry Beach State Park in Saco. Enjoy the ocean beach and don't miss the unique
tupelo swamp and wooded walking trails. For a beach without sand, head to
Rangeley Lake State park where a comfortable grass "beach" slopes down to rock
steps leading into the lake.
"We want everyone to take full advantage of the opportunities available at Maine's
state parks and historic sites each summer," said Patrick K. McGowan,
Commissioner of Maine's Department of Conservation. "From beaches and boat
launches to hiking trails and historic sites, there's something to appeal to all
interests."
Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal has multiple short trails ideal for family
hikes. Five trails lead to the clear mountain summit with views to Casco Bay.
Credit: Maine Department of Conservation For hiking trails with great views visit
Camden Hills State Park in Camden, Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal or
Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle. Camden Hills has 30 miles of trails over six
mountain peaks with ocean views. Bradbury has shorter, less strenuous trails that
make it a favorite day trip for families. And, Aroostook has two trails to the summit
of Quaggy Jo Mountain - home to hawks, owls, moose and deer.
Patricia Eltman, director of the Maine Office of Tourism, agrees with McGowan.
"There are so many natural treasures that speak of Maine's history," she said.
"Celebrating Independence Day in Maine is a treat for all ages that is sure to
educate and entertain."
To learn more about Maine's unique state park destinations go to
www.maine.gov/doc/parks or call 207-287-3821. For information about Maine's
summer events and attractions log on to www.visitmaine.com or call
1-888-624-6345.
AUGUSTA, Maine - This Fourth of July, spend time at Maine's state parks and
historic sites, which preserve the state's role in the American Revolution and offer
recreation at coastal and inland locations.
"Our friendly staff at more than 50 properties are looking forward to people 'taking
it outside' on our national holiday," said Will Harris, director of Maine's Bureau of
Parks and Lands. "It's the perfect time to come picnic, hike, swim, relax or explore
our state's history and unique natural areas."
Fort O'Brien Historic Site overlooks Machias Bay where Captain Jeremiah O'Brien
led local Patriots in the first naval battle of the American Revolution on June 12,
1775. Credit: Maine Department of Conservation At Fort O'Brien overlooking
Machias Bay on the downeast coast, visitors can imagine the scene when local
Patriots captured the armed British schooner Margaretta on June 12, 1775 to win the
first naval battle of the Revolution. Roque Bluffs State Park is a short drive south
from the fort and offers fresh and saltwater swimming, picnic tables with grills, and
seven miles of walking trails along the ocean. North of the fort, the island city of
Eastport throws Maine's largest Fourth of July festival (www.eastport4th.com).
Along Penobscot Bay, Fort Point State Park in Stockton Springs has a boat launch
and fishing pier, and is the starting point for a seven-mile bicycle loop around
Cape Jellison. The park also contains the remnants of 1759 Fort Pownal and the
active Fort Point Lighthouse. Moose Point State Park in Searsport has tidal pools to
explore, three walking trails and a picnic area in a grove of evergreens.
In southern Maine, Vaughn Woods State Park is a 250-acre forested getaway along
the Salmon Falls River. The South Berwick park is an ideal spot for playing catch,
hide and seek or relaxing by the riverside. For the feel of soft sand underfoot, head
to Ferry Beach State Park in Saco. Enjoy the ocean beach and don't miss the unique
tupelo swamp and wooded walking trails. For a beach without sand, head to
Rangeley Lake State park where a comfortable grass "beach" slopes down to rock
steps leading into the lake.
"We want everyone to take full advantage of the opportunities available at Maine's
state parks and historic sites each summer," said Patrick K. McGowan,
Commissioner of Maine's Department of Conservation. "From beaches and boat
launches to hiking trails and historic sites, there's something to appeal to all
interests."
Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal has multiple short trails ideal for family
hikes. Five trails lead to the clear mountain summit with views to Casco Bay.
Credit: Maine Department of Conservation For hiking trails with great views visit
Camden Hills State Park in Camden, Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal or
Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle. Camden Hills has 30 miles of trails over six
mountain peaks with ocean views. Bradbury has shorter, less strenuous trails that
make it a favorite day trip for families. And, Aroostook has two trails to the summit
of Quaggy Jo Mountain - home to hawks, owls, moose and deer.
Patricia Eltman, director of the Maine Office of Tourism, agrees with McGowan.
"There are so many natural treasures that speak of Maine's history," she said.
"Celebrating Independence Day in Maine is a treat for all ages that is sure to
educate and entertain."
To learn more about Maine's unique state park destinations go to
www.maine.gov/doc/parks or call 207-287-3821. For information about Maine's
summer events and attractions log on to www.visitmaine.com or call
1-888-624-6345.
