By Caroline Praderio
Photographed by Susan Cole Kelly
Artist’s Covered Bridge
This 1872 bridge is named for the countless artists who have been inspired by its weathered beauty. Snap your own photo — it’s especially pretty on bright days, when sunlight streams through the surrounding trees. Near the intersection of Monkey Brook Rd. and Sunday River Rd., Newry. 207-624-3000.
Cadillac Mountain at Sunrise
During summer, you won’t be the only eager photographer on the summit, but that won’t diminish the magic. Acadia National Park. 207-288-3338. nps.gov/acad
Camden Harbor from Mount Battie
At 780 feet (and easily accessible via road or hiking trail), the summit of Mount Battie is high enough to take in the glittering grandeur of Penobscot Bay, but not so massive that you can’t still pick out boats bobbing in the harbor. 280 Belfast Rd., Camden. 207-236-3109. maine.gov/camdenhills
Caterpillar Hill
A leisurely walk to the top of this Blue Hill peninsula landmark yields sweeping views of forest, ocean, and distant islands. Caterpillar Hill Rd., Sedgwick. 207-359-4600. caterpillarhillinitiative.org
Height of Land
This scenic overlook takes in Mooselookmeguntic Lake and the surrounding swaths of dense green forest. Rte. 17, Roxbury. 207-864-7311. rlht.org
Marshall Point Light
Frequently shot from its pretty wooden walkway. Forrest Gump jogged by here some years back. Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Marshall Point Rd., Port Clyde. marshallpoint.org
Moxie Falls
Moxie Stream’s dramatic 90-foot plunge is worth the mile hike in. Access via trailhead on Lake Moxie Rd., The Forks. 207-287-3821.
Penobscot Narrows Bridge
Striking enough to merit the country’s only dedicated bridge observatory. Open daily through October. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fort Knox Rd., Prospect. 207-624-3000. maine.gov/mdot/pnbo
The Pier at Old Orchard Beach
Early-morning sunlight streaming through the pilings is the unofficial symbol of summer in southern Maine. It’s beautiful at twilight too, when the buildings on top shine their white lights against a dusky blue sky. 207-934-5714. oobmaine.com
Sohier Park
This seaside park offers clear views of the iconic Nubble Light. Catch it during sunset, when the bright-white tower reflects the shifting colors in the western sky. Sohier Park Rd., York. nubblelight.org
Get the whole list of 137 Ways to Have the Best Summer Ever, including 3 Restaurants Worth Waiting All Winter For, 3 Incredible State Parks You Haven’t Visited Yet, 4 Secret Beaches, 6 Kid-Friendly Trips, and much more, in our May 2015 issue.