Old forts, uninhabited islands, curious seals and ospreys: Maine’s 3,500 miles of coastline has just about everything an adventurous paddler would want.

The Greater Portland and Casco Bay region hosts Maine’s biggest city. Given that, it’s a popular spot for paddlers given its easy accessibility. There are old forts and small islands to explore.

Maine’s MidCoast & Islands region offers paddlers another great variety of smaller coastal towns, islands and challenging passages. The Maine Island Trail is a 375-mile series of islands and passages running up the coast with more than 200 islands that trail members can visit. Often, the islands are uninhabited. Paddlers can get a mix of beautiful coves and bays, gentle tidal rivers and marshes, and of course wide open Atlantic ocean kayaking as you see above. There are many outfitters to help plan your next outing or multi-day adventure. We were out on this day with a great guide from Maine Kayak.

All photos by Carl Byington. All Rights Reserved.

Carl Byington is an entrepreneur, multiple business owner, adventurer, marathon runner, world traveler, writer, and invited speaker at technical and motivational events. Within his consulting work, he is currently the President of PHM Design, LLC, in Ellijay, GA. Carl frequently travels for adventure in the USA and around the world.