Maine’s small towns are what make the state so special. And it’s not too difficult to find yourself in one. Simply allow yourself to veer off the beaten path and you’ll likely end up on a small rural road, leading to places and people that are all new. In some states, trips like these can be daunting. But not in Maine! Here, the teeny tiny towns are where Maine comes to life. Check out the ones on this list if you’re looking for some peace and quiet and good Maine folks!
- Gilead, Oxford County
Doug Kerr / Flickr Gilead has a population of about 200 people. It was named back in 1804, when it was incorporated, after the abundance of Balm of Gilead trees that grew in the town’s center.
- Hamlin, Aroostook County
Kriscip / Flickr Hamlin is named after former Vice President Hannibal Hamlin. It’s located on the US border to Canada and one claim to fame is that it’s the closest continental location to Europe in the United States. The population is about 220 people according to the last census.
- Burlington, Penobscot County
Mark Plummer / Flickr Burlington has a population of about 360. The overall area was originally known as “Hurd’s Ridge,” which is the name of the first non-native settler who arrived in 1824. The town became Burlington when it was incorporated in March of 1832.
- Moose River, Somerset County
Pauline Rosenberg / Flickr Moose River is another small town with a population hovering around 200. The first settler was Capt. Samuel Holden who opened an inn in the town in 1820. The inn acted as a place for cattle drivers to stop on their way from Boston to Quebec.
- Dyer Brook, Aroostook County
KAREL 50 / Google Maps Dyer Brook can feel relatively unknown - due, in part, to its small population of just above 200 people and about 70 total families!
- Patten, Penobscot County
Bill West / Google Maps Patten is both historic and small, with about 1,000 residents. Its location near many major rivers and streams powered the small mills and workshops that called the town home in the 1800s. In the early 19th century, it became one of the most notable towns on the Penobscot River. The development of the lumber industry here made it the cultural hub of the area encompassing towns west of Houlton and North of Lincoln. Today it is the location of the Bradford Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is occupied by a bed and breakfast.
- Masardis, Aroostook County
Nick Gallop / Flickr This teensy spot is one of those blink-and-you-might-miss-it towns located in The County. It doesn’t get any more slow paced than watching the sunrise on a dewy morning, though. If you love that sort of thing head to Masardis and its population of about 250 people.
- Allagash, Aroostook County
John Lutz / Flickr Perhaps best known for the brewery of the same name, Allagash is great for so much more than just that. The confluence of the Allagash and St. John Rivers are located in the northern town of Allagash, making it a nice place for some outdoor activities. Wish you could call it home? Come for Moosetowner Day and be dunked in the Allagash River, earning yourself a certificate and Moosetowner hat making you an honorary Moosetowner. There are about 240 residents here according to the last census.
- Roque Bluffs, Washington County
criana / Flickr There are only 300 people listed as living in this small town in Washington County. Home to Roque Bluffs State Park, this area might be among the most beautiful in the area!
- Mount Chase, Penobscot County
Mark Plummer / Flickr Mount Chase might be small in population (about 200 people at the last census count) but it’s big on beauty. It’s home to Mt. Chase, Upper Shin Pond and Lower Shin Pond.
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Doug Kerr / Flickr
Gilead has a population of about 200 people. It was named back in 1804, when it was incorporated, after the abundance of Balm of Gilead trees that grew in the town’s center.
Kriscip / Flickr
Hamlin is named after former Vice President Hannibal Hamlin. It’s located on the US border to Canada and one claim to fame is that it’s the closest continental location to Europe in the United States. The population is about 220 people according to the last census.
Mark Plummer / Flickr
Burlington has a population of about 360. The overall area was originally known as “Hurd’s Ridge,” which is the name of the first non-native settler who arrived in 1824. The town became Burlington when it was incorporated in March of 1832.
Pauline Rosenberg / Flickr
Moose River is another small town with a population hovering around 200. The first settler was Capt. Samuel Holden who opened an inn in the town in 1820. The inn acted as a place for cattle drivers to stop on their way from Boston to Quebec.
KAREL 50 / Google Maps
Dyer Brook can feel relatively unknown - due, in part, to its small population of just above 200 people and about 70 total families!
Bill West / Google Maps
Patten is both historic and small, with about 1,000 residents. Its location near many major rivers and streams powered the small mills and workshops that called the town home in the 1800s. In the early 19th century, it became one of the most notable towns on the Penobscot River. The development of the lumber industry here made it the cultural hub of the area encompassing towns west of Houlton and North of Lincoln. Today it is the location of the Bradford Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is occupied by a bed and breakfast.
Nick Gallop / Flickr
This teensy spot is one of those blink-and-you-might-miss-it towns located in The County. It doesn’t get any more slow paced than watching the sunrise on a dewy morning, though. If you love that sort of thing head to Masardis and its population of about 250 people.
John Lutz / Flickr
Perhaps best known for the brewery of the same name, Allagash is great for so much more than just that. The confluence of the Allagash and St. John Rivers are located in the northern town of Allagash, making it a nice place for some outdoor activities. Wish you could call it home? Come for Moosetowner Day and be dunked in the Allagash River, earning yourself a certificate and Moosetowner hat making you an honorary Moosetowner. There are about 240 residents here according to the last census.
criana / Flickr
There are only 300 people listed as living in this small town in Washington County. Home to Roque Bluffs State Park, this area might be among the most beautiful in the area!
Mount Chase might be small in population (about 200 people at the last census count) but it’s big on beauty. It’s home to Mt. Chase, Upper Shin Pond and Lower Shin Pond.
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