City: Columbia, ME

Category: Parks & Recreation

Telephone: (207) 827-1818

Description: The Great Heath is one of the many wonders of Maine’s natural world—it’s the largest raised bog in the state at 6,000-some acres and seems like remotest Africa at points. Scruffy, flat, desolate, it occupies a huge chunk of land along the Pleasant River in Hancock County and is unlike anything else around. The state owns most of the territory here, but there are no facilities to speak of, and it’s primarily of interest to canoeists, bird-watchers, and, well, heath lovers. Myriad birds, bears, moose, and beavers, who’ll splash at your canoe with their tails, are frequently found here, and its flat water is easy and fun to paddle. Bring a map, though, or you’ll never find the place. It’s located on unmarked dirt roads in blueberrying country and requires a bit of cartography to locate. But it’s worth it for sheer uniqueness and excellent canoeing.