A Hidden Gem Day Trip Found Deep in Downeast Maine
There's no shortage of incredible places to visit for outdoor enthusiasts in Maine. The state boasts an incredible circuit of hiking trails, easily-accessible rivers and streams, and a coastline that features rocks, beaches, and plenty of gorgeous sights to behold. Despite all of that, it can be easy for native Mainers (and certainly visitors) to stick to the places they've heard of the most. That leaves some of Maine's smallest villages and towns a near-secret. Many of those places are home to some of Vacationland's greatest hidden gems.
Stonington, Maine, is one of those towns. Stonington's history is forged in rocks, as it was a mega-producer of granite during a booming era for the resource. While the town no longer produces and ships granite like it used to, Stonington is still beloved by visitors for its quaint charm and thriving arts scene. While the small downtown is often bustling in the summer, there are other parts of the area that remain a quiet reminder of days gone by.
One of the those places is an abandoned stone quarry turned into a preserve. If you're willing to make a day trip to Stonington to explore the Settlement Quarry Preserve, you won't be disappointed, as it's flush with easy hiking trails, incredible stone formations, and panoramic views of the ocean. Grab yourself a coffee at 44 North and then find your way to the entrance of the Settlement Quarry Preserve, where admission is free. Below is a preview of what you'll encounter when in the preserve.