This Island Was Recently Called Maine’s ‘Best Kept Secret’

We’ve got a lot of hidden gems and under-the-radar spots here in Maine, but this one was recently named Maine’s ‘best kept secret!’

Really, this is an ethical dilemma—if something’s called a ‘best kept secret’ and we keep talking about it, highlighting it, and putting it on a platform, it’s not exactly a secret anymore. But let’s be honest, this place looks so cool that we want to check it out just as much as you probably will, too.

So, given all of that, what even qualifies as a ‘best kept secret’ in any state—let alone ours? And how is that decided? It’s inherently subjective (and ironically so), right?

Only In Your State created a list called ‘Here Are The Best Kept Secrets In All 50 States’ to highlight lesser-known but unforgettable travel spots right here in the U.S. Their goal is to show that you don’t need to travel across the world to find incredible destinations—some of the most amazing hidden gems are right in your own backyard.

Read More: This Highway Has More Fatalities Than Any Other in Maine 

Alright, having covered that, which spot—or in this case, which island—in Maine was recently named one of the 'best kept secrets' in the country, and the ‘best kept secret’ in our state?

According to Only In Your State and their report, ‘Here Are The Best Kept Secrets In All 50 States,’ their pick for Maine is Mackworth Island State Park in southern Maine, near Falmouth. Only In Your State had the following to say about their selection:

Just 10 minutes from downtown Portland, Mackworth Island State Park is easily accessible and shares the island with Baxter School for the Deaf. The Mackworth Hiking Trail, the only trail in the park, spans just 1.4 miles, is both wheelchair and stroller-friendly, and promises sensational water views.

Only In Your State continues by highlighting all the fun you can have at Mackworth Island State Park year-round.

In the winter, there’s cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while the warmer months bring swimming, fishing, beachcombing, and birdwatching. The park is off Route 1 in Falmouth on Andrews Avenue, and there is a daily fee unless you have an annual pass.

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And there you have it! If you’ve never been to—or never even heard of—Maine’s ‘best kept secret,’ it’s Mackworth Island State Park!

What are your thoughts on Only In Your State’s pick? Is there a different place you think should’ve made the list? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

Read More: One Maine Beach Named Among Most Beautiful in America