If you’re looking to experience authentic Maine life, look no further than the town of Eustis. Located very close to the Canadian border, Eustis is a small town you probably haven’t heard of. You might even pass through on your way to Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine’s most popular skiing resort.
In this post, I’ll share the reasons you should consider in Eustis, Maine, especially if you’re looking for a quintessential Maine experience off-the-beaten path. With huge lakes, beautiful mountain hikes, quiet time in nature, Eustis is a destination worth visiting.
When most people think about visiting Maine, they think about the coastal towns of Portland, Camden, and Bar Harbor, but fewer tourists will venture into the Maine woods.
So if you’re planning a trip to Maine but hate crowds like us, then consider a trip to Western Maine for a different, more secluded experience.
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Is Eustis, Maine Worth Visiting?
Eustis Maine is definitely worth visiting if you’re hoping to get outdoors in the state of Maine and really experience what it’s like to sit by a campfire. However, keep in mind, Eustis is not the best destination if you’re hoping to go shopping or visit attractions like museums, art galleries, nightlife, etc. Because it’s a small town area there’s also not a huge selection of restaurants.
But if you’re like us, those are the exact things you look for in destinations!
How Many Days Do You Need in Eustis, Maine?
You probably won’t need more than a few days to really get a sense of Eustis. But this area also lends itself really well to a full week of laid back, outdoor adventure. It depends on what kind of vacation you’re needing.
We hope to do a full year next year!
Read More: 51 Things To Do in Maine This April
Best Time to Visit & Weather in Eustis, Maine
In my opinion, the best time to visit Eustis is anywhere from late May to late October. These months offer the best weather that Maine has to offer.
You’ll have sunny days of June through August and you’ll get to see that peak foliage around late September to early October, but it’s kind of hard to guarantee that so just have fair expectations that you’ll see beautiful scenery.
You could also consider visiting Eustis in the winter for skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing, or snowshoeing. It snows in Eustis from October to April. Of course, you won’t want to camp during the winter!
Getting Around Eustis, Maine
Getting Around Eustis, Maine
No matter what you’re visiting Eustis, you’ll most definitely need a car, so if you’re flying in and you’re doing a road trip in Maine, you’ll want to rent a car from the Portland Jetport. Eustis is a 2.5 hour drive north from Portland and there are no public transport options or Ubers.
Where to Stay in Eustis, Maine
If you’re planning to RV or tent then we recommend checking out Cathedral Pines Campground, has hands down one of the best campgrounds in Maine.
Alternatively there is the Mountain View Motel & Campground that offers motel rooms, tenting, and van sites.
And for those looking for even more remote camping with rustic sites, you can camp within Bigelow Preserve.
In addition, there are quite a few Airbnb rental options in the Eustis area, so you should be able to find accommodation!
And for a truly unique Maine adventure check out Maine Huts and Trails! I hiked to one of their Maine huts a few years ago with a group of women and loved the experience!
Read More: How to RV in Maine on a Limited Budget
Overview of Cathedral Pines Campground
In our opinion, Cathedral Pines Campground is one of the best campgrounds in the state of Maine.
Located on Flagstaff Lake, Cathedral Pines Campground is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
This campground offers huge, private sites, and even a handful of lakefront spots. (I have my eye on them for our trip next year!)
There are separate children and adult rec rooms, a playground, nature trail, public and private beach area, kayak rentals, and more!
Read More: The Best Maine Campgrounds for a Quiet Getaway
Top Things to Do in Eustis, Maine
- Walk the Cathedral Pines Nature Trail (even if you’re not camping!)
- Hike Bigelow Preserve
There are 17 hikes within Bigelow Preserve ranging from easy to hard. We recently hiked the Stratton Brook Hut Loop trail (7.3 miles, 800 ft elevation gain).
- Kayak, Paddleboard, or Canoe Flagstaff Lake
There are boat launches located in Cathedral Pines Campground and in the town of Stratton nearby off Route 27 and Old Dead River Road.
I always like to have the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer on hand to find local boat launches!
- Go fishing in Flagstaff Lake
- Relax by the campfire!
Day Trips from Eustis, Maine
If you enjoy day trips and scenic drives, check out the options below. All of these
- Downtown Rangeley – 30 minutes away
Downtown Rangeley offers shopping, restaurants, and beautiful views of Rangeley Lake!
- Sugarloaf Mountain and Kingfield– 20 minutes away
Another small town in Western Maine that offers a quiet escape. Check out the Orange Cat Cafe for a quirky bite to eat.
Hike into the Maine woods and stay at a great hut with delicious food and a warm shower!
- Height of the Lands – 52 minutes away
Check out this scenic drive near Rangeley!
- Drive to the Canadian Border – 40 minutes away
Why not stop by Canada for a bit?! Not too far away and a good story;)
- Chain of Ponds – 18 minutes away
This is my husband’s favorite place to go fishing (and ice fishing)! The views of the mountains are GORGEOUS! You’ll have to see them for yourself!
- Oquossoc, Maine – 40 minutes away
Read More: Our Favorite Places in Maine You’ll Love
Where to Eat Near Eustis, Maine
We always recommend saving money by cooking your own meals while camping, BUT you deserve a nice meal on vacation! These are our favorite spots!
Final Thoughts
As you can tell, we love the Eustis area! It’s the perfect escape into the Maine woods. We hope this post leaves you inspired to plan your trip to Eustis!
Happy Traveling!
