The 12 Best Places To Stargaze In Maine

Before heading out to some of these incredible spots in Maine, if this is your first time stargazing or you are new to nighttime photography, then a few helpful tips will improve your overall experience. First and foremost, it pays to check the weather. Of course, a cloudy night does not automatically mean your constellation-filled outing is a no-go, but you should take into consideration what type of clouds you're looking at. Thick cumulus, nimbus or cumulus clouds might block your view, but light cirrus clouds could still offer a few good spots for an exceptional view.

Even if you are dealing with the standard overcast, more than likely, a change of perspective or approach is all you need. Even if the thick clouds are hiding the stars, why not get in some hauntingly good moongazing instead?

With optimal weather conditions in the forecast, you can start your stargazing adventure by simply looking up in a low-light pollution setting. To get a sense of what you are looking at, it helps to first notice either the moon's or the setting sun's position. From there, you can locate the Big Dipper and other iconic star patterns. While out gazing, star charts, stargazing apps, binoculars, a telescope, or a camera with a wide-angle lens can make a world of difference — so make sure you have the necessary equipment in tow.

Not far from Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, Baxter State Park is also an attractive option for stargazers. Known for its vast landscape and diverse terrain, Baxter State Park is just one more incredible spot for enjoying a star-filled sky along with a host of other outdoorsy activities. That said, with over 200,000 acres of pristine wilderness, stargazing against this backdrop is practically otherworldly.

Full of several roadside campgrounds, a handful of backcountry campsites, over 40 mountain peaks, over 200 miles of hiking trails, countless lakes, numerous shimmering ponds, an abundance of beautiful waterfalls, ample wildlife, and stunning panoramic vistas as far as the eye can see, Baxter State Park is absolutely a local gem. This majestic area in Maine is an excellent option for anyone looking to spend unparalleled quality time in the great outdoors. Park-goers can fall asleep under magical starlit skies almost every night and trek up Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine, for unfettered access to the starry heavens above. Because of all of this, it is not hard to see why people come in droves to Baxter State Park.

A trip to the Blueberry Pond Observatory in Maine is definitely in order for easy access to powerful telescopes. Located only minutes away from Freeport, this observatory provides stargazers with a wonderful view of planets, the moon, faraway galaxies, star clusters, supernovas, circling stars, and so much more. With guided tours that one can customize to their experience level, this is the perfect way to delve deeper into all things astronomy-related.

In addition to tours and incredible stargazing, Blueberry Pond Observatory also has classes and workshops for digital photography, robotic telescopes, and advanced astronomy. Speaking of telescopes, interested visitors who are unable to make their way out to Pownal can still take advantage of the observatory telescope via remote access. And if you do happen to check out the Blueberry Pond Observatory and all that it offers, make sure you don't forget to grab your digitally printed souvenir photos of all the celestial wonders you viewed during your visit.

Not too far away from the Canadian border, Maine visitors will find Aroostook County. This northern part of the state is pristine and terrific for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Typically in the colder months, when the nights are longer, stargazers can enjoy front-row Aurora Borealis views. On occasion, in the summer, these dazzling lights are visible, but not as often as they are in the wintertime.

In order to check seeing the Northern Lights off your bucket list, stargazers should stop by Aroostook State Park or Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge. Of course, it is possible to witness the lights in all their glory from many places in the county, but these particular low-light areas are the best for immaculate views of the Northern Lights. While there, outdoorsy types can also marvel at the ample wildlife, immerse themselves in the vast wilderness, and explore the various trails at this county's state and wildlife refuge. What's more, Aroostook County is brimming with outdoor recreation opportunities, no matter the season. So visitors will have plenty to do around these parts in the daytime before heading out to experience the dancing colors in the night sky.

Yet another great spot for viewing the stars is the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust. This area is vast and has miles of walking and hiking trails — making a night excursion under the stars more than possible. With little to no light or artificial light pollution, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is prime territory when it comes to sublime views of the night sky and DIY stargazing in the Pine Tree State.

Located in the Damariscotta-Pemaquid Region of Maine, the Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust is home to over 30 trails spanning more than 50 miles in total. These footpaths vary in length, difficulty, and terrain but are fairly easy to navigate. So if you want to marvel at the stars and enjoy the surrounding wilderness on a leisure walkabout around these parts, you definitely have some options, no matter your stargazing or hiking experience level. That said, notable Coastal River Conservation Trust trails that are ideal for stargazing include Salt Bay Farm, Huston Landing, Doyle Preserve, Round Top Farm, Bass Rock Preserve, and Witch Island Preserve — just to name a few.

Yet another educational option for gazers in the Pine Tree State is Starfield Observatory. Run by the Astronomical Society of Northern New England (ASNNE), this non-profit organization and lovely site for stargazing is located in Kennebunk, Maine. This is an excellent choice for newbie astronomers or folks interested in stargazing who may not know where to necessarily begin. ASNNE's Starfield Observatory offers a wealth of activities that cover the basics — constellation recognition, the various telescopes, and how to use the right equipment for first-rate star, sky, and planet viewing, along with other important astronomy-related topics. 

Observatory-goers can also partake in a variety of organized experiences, astronomy outings, informational talks, ongoing star parties, and so much more — all classes and events are free (though donations are appreciated). Besides ample educational opportunities and ongoing group events here, this observatory also has two rather large high-power telescopes. When combined with this observatory's unique design that allows for optimum stargazing, moongazing, and marveling at distant galaxies, ASNNE's Starfield Observatory is definitely a worthwhile destination in Maine that is great for people of all ages.

Lastly, Camden Hills State Park is one more phenomenal stargazing destination in the Pine Tree State. Located only a few miles north of Camden, overlooking Penobscot Bay, this 5,710-acre public park offers stargazers unobstructed views of the night sky and the chance to witness the occasional meteor shower. With guided star hikes, multi-use trails open for nighttime gazing, standard astronomy tours, and countless single-family campsites perfect for sleeping under the stars, the night sky never looked better.

Here, self-guided trailblazers can make their way to the top of Mount Megunticook, the highest peak in the park, for light pollution-free vistas that are absolutely mind-blowing. Alternatively, park-goers can drive up to Mount Battie for equally impressive views sans the hiking. In fact, there are many recreational activities for non-hikers, including whale and wildlife watching, harbor cruises, horseback riding, and winter sports. So you can also choose your own adventure at Camden Hills State Park. All in all, with so many opportunities for stargazing available in the state, a trip to Maine for astronomy lovers, one might say, is practically written in the stars.