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🏚️ 9 Abandoned Places in Maine: Explore the Intriguing Forgotten Sites

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • Oct 8
  • 6 min read


9 Abandoned Places in Maine: Explore the Intriguing Forgotten Sites

🏚️ Abandoned Places in Maine: Explore the Intriguing Forgotten Sites

What is it about abandoned places in Maine that captures our imagination? Maybe it’s the quiet echoes of the past, the crumbling stone walls draped in moss, or the lingering sense of stories untold. Whether you’re an urban explorer, photographer, historian, or curious traveler, Maine offers a hauntingly beautiful array of forgotten sites. Below, discover nine of the most compelling abandoned or semi-abandoned locations across the state — complete with histories, visiting tips, and resources to plan your journey for the abandoned places in Maine.



1. Fort Williams (Cape Elizabeth, ME)

Perched on the rocky shoreline of Cape Elizabeth, Fort Williams operated as a coastal defense fort from the late 19th century until 1964.


Today, the site is part of Fort Williams Park, a 90-acre public park where ruins of batteries, walls, and the Goddard Mansion remain. capeelizabeth.gov + 4Wikipedia + 4Friends of Fort Williams Park+4


It shares grounds with the iconic Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, making it a powerful blend of coastal beauty and historical intrigue. Friends of Fort Williams Park + 3portlandheadlight.com + 3portlandheadlight.com+3


Visitor tips & contact:


Why go?

  • Dramatic ocean views, cliff walks, and ruins bathed in sea spray.

  • History + nature in one stop: forts, lighthouse, gardens, trails.

  • Strong draw for photographers, coastal explorers, and history lovers.


2. Fort Baldwin Historic Site (Phippsburg, ME)

Built in 1905, Fort Baldwin sits on Sabino Hill overlooking the Kennebec River and Atlantic Ocean. It was active in both world wars. While not fully “abandoned,” many of its batteries and structures now lie in ruins and are open to visitors for exploration and scenic walks.


What to expect:

  • Ruined gun batteries and defensive positions

  • Panoramic views of rugged coastline and river mouth

  • Quiet walking trails and interpretive signage


3. Eagle Lake & West Branch Railroad (near Greenville, ME)

In the 1920s, Maine’s logging industry built the Eagle Lake & West Branch Railroad to haul timber from remote forests. It was abandoned circa 1933, but remnants—rails, ties, rusted equipment—can still be found in backwoods terrain near Greenville.

This site appeals to off-trail adventurers or those comfortable navigating forest paths with map/compass. Bring boots, insect repellent, and GPS.


4. Kennebec Arsenal / Augusta (Augusta, ME)

The Kennebec Arsenal, built in 1828–1838 on the Kennebec River in Augusta, served as a military munitions depot and later became part of the adjacent Maine State Hospital (Augusta Mental Health Institute).


After 1901 it was formally decommissioned, and over the decades the site underwent conversion and abandonment.


Parts of the complex are privately owned, and local authorities have raised safety concerns. Centralmaine.com +2Maine Preservation+2


Haunted lore & warnings:

Visiting note:

Due to safety, legal, and private property issues, this is more of a “view from afar, respect boundaries” location rather than free exploration.


5. Moulton Mill, West Newfield

Once a 19th-century sawmill, the Moulton Mill now stands in ruins, with stone foundations, dilapidated structure elements, and overgrown vegetation. It’s lesser-known, making it appealing for local explorers and photographers seeking quiet, unsung historic spots.


6. Battery Steele, Peaks Island, ME

Battery Steele is a World War II coastal fortification located on Peaks Island, in Casco Bay. After the war it was abandoned and now draws those interested in concrete bunkers, underground tunnels, and wartime relics. Its graffiti, fading murals, and mossy corridors evoke an urban-ruin meets coastal fortress aesthetic.


7. B-52 Crash Site — Elephant Mountain (Moosehead Lake region)

In January 1963, a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress crashed into Elephant Mountain near Moosehead Lake during a training mission. Only In Your State


The crash site is preserved as a memorial: scattered wreckage, interpretive markers, and somber reminders of military history. It’s accessible via forest trails (check local maps) and is a solemn stop on a Maine wilderness road trip.


8. Fort Gorges (Casco Bay, ME)

Built in the mid-1800s, Fort Gorges lies on a small island in Casco Bay, between Portland and Peaks Island. Though it never saw battle, it served in later years for training and testing. Now abandoned and accessible only by boat or kayak, it offers dramatic views, salt spray, crumbling fort walls, sea-weathered masonry, and solitude on the water.


9. Perkins Township, Swan Island (Kennebec River, ME)

Once a vibrant riverside community on Swan Island, Perkins Township was abandoned mid-20th century. Now part of a wildlife management area, visitors can hike to old house foundations, stone walls, cemeteries, overgrown roads, and interpretive signs that tell the story of island life.


The site has dual appeal as ghost-town meets nature refuge.


🌕 Why Visit Maine’s Abandoned Places This Fall?

  • Atmospheric fall setting — mist, golden foliage, quiet woods intensify the mood

  • Photography & social content — decay, contrast, texture + Maine scenery make compelling visuals

  • Offbeat travel appeal — fewer crowds, hidden gems, local stories

  • Blend history, mystery, and nature — not just ruins, but stories of industrial change, war, mental health, logging, and coastal defense


📌 Tips for Exploring & Safety

Tip

Description

Check legality & access

Some sites are on private land or restricted zones — always research whether access is allowed.

Use maps & GPS

Off-grid roads and forest tracks may be tricky — bring physical maps and route plans.

Be cautious

Ruins, tunnels, abandoned buildings may be structurally unsafe — avoid entering unstable areas.

Respect the sites

Do not vandalize, remove artifacts, or trespass. Leave no trace.

Time visits well

Late September to early November’s light and foliage make for the richest visual experience.


📞 Contact & Resource URLs


What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

  • 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

  • 🎣 Fishing hotspots

  • 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

  • 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

  • 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

  • Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

  • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

  • Free WiFi & TV

  • Backup Generator

  • Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs

  • Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

  • Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River









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