8 Incredible Caves in Maine (From Popular Spots to Hidden Treasures)

Maine is known for its striking coastline, dotted with lighthouses and national parks that provide endless outdoor adventures. Unsurprisingly, you can discover more of the state’s natural beauty beneath the surface. From ice caves to fissure caves, you can explore it all. Keep reading to discover eight incredible caves in Maine, from the most popular spots in the state to phenomenal hidden treasures. 

1. The Ovens – Acadia National Park

One of Maine’s most well-known sea caves is between Salsbury Cove and Hulls Cove on the northeastern coast of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. The Ovens are one of Maine’s most incredible caves but also one of the most challenging to reach. The lack of public land access and parking requires visitors to kayak to shore during low to mid tide. Otherwise, high tide submerges the caves, preventing visitors from safely traveling to the beautiful sight.

The Ovens are shaped by the sea and a combination of three geological features – horizontal rock layers, vertical fractures, and minor inclined faults. Together, they create the bedrock of the Bar Harbor Formation, a sequence of layered sandstone and siltstones. These unusual rock formations resemble ovens, giving the caves their name. 

2. Anemone Cave – Acadia National Park

Anemone Cave is the largest of six sea caves in the Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast, Acadia National Park. It’s located on the eastern portion of Mount Desert Island, close to Schooner Head Outlook. The ancient sea cave was once one of Maine’s biggest attractions. However, its overwhelming popularity is why visitation is strongly discouraged.   

In fact, you can no longer use a map or follow street signs to find one of the most incredible caves in Maine. Anemone Cave now hides in plain sight to protect its native inhabitants. The biological impact from over a century of foot traffic damaged the anemones that live in the tide pools within the area. Visitor safety is another reason for secrecy. Years ago, the strong tidal force contributed to the death of an experienced climber.    

3. Moose Cave – Grafton Notch State Park

Located in Grafton Notch State Park in Newry, Moose Cave is easily accessed by following an 11-mile trail off ME Route 26 heading North. One of the most incredible caves in Maine earned its name to honor the moose discovered at the bottom of the cave after supposedly losing its footing on the icy ground one winter. Pass Screw Auger Falls, a 23-foot waterfall that leads into the calming waters of Bear River, and you’re on the right path to the cave.

Nestled inside a 45-foot-deep bedrock canyon is Moose Cave. Once inside, visitors travel along a 600-foot-long gorge created by glacial meltwater. But watch your footing on the slippery rocks. Then safely make your way back out to see the moss garden along the forest trail. Here you will find several lichen species, including Reindeer Moss. 

4. Debsconeag Wilderness Ice Caves – Millinocket

The Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area is known for having the highest number of fresh, remote ponds in New England. And Debsconeag is one of the most incredible caves in Maine, with a name that means “carrying place.” It’s found near Mount Katahdin, south of Baxter State Park.

The Debsconeag ice caves, also known as the Millinocket ice caves, are talus caves that have been around since the Ice Age. The caves are full of ice, but exploration is possible by carefully climbing through a deep hole between the boulders. The ice remains almost year-round, melting by August or September. But if you visit in late winter or early spring, the ice may be so thick it blocks the cave’s opening.  

5. Devil’s Den – Andover

A lesser-known cave named Devil’s Den (not to be confused with Florida’s Devil’s Den spring), is found in the small town of Andover. The best way to find it is by following the Brownfield Trail access path that leads to a waterfall. Don’t worry about missing it, this waterfall will catch your attention with its mesmerizing cascades and horsetails.

The entrance to the cave is located near the base of the falls by a swimming hole that is perfect for cooling down in summer. But in winter, the falls are often encased in ice. The ice makes the walk especially beautiful, yet more dangerous. However, the cave itself is deep and mossy. It’s the best spot to stop and rest on your hike. 

6. Deboullie Caves – Deboullie Public Lands

Located in the Deboullie Public Reserved Lands, north of Baxter State Park, are the Deboullie Caves. The remote and isolated area has over 20 deep spring-fed ponds and talus fields. But it’s also home to one of the most incredible caves in Maine.

Deboullie is actually an Americanization of the French term “d’eboulis,” which means “of the talus slope.” A name perfect for the rare intrusions in this region of Maine. Permafrost covered the area until recently, leaving behind the Maine ice caves. As a result, the caves contain ice until the hottest part of summer on the north shore of Deboullie Pond.

7. Allagash Ice Caves – Allagash Lake 

The longest fissure cave in New England is one of the Allagash ice caves. They are located on the south shore of Allagash Lake in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. These incredible caves in Maine include many formations and deep passages. However, we know little about the depths of Maine’s most famous ice caves because the spaces are too tight and slippery to explore further.

The main entrance is small and steep but turns into a large room nearly thirty feet below ground. Brave visitors who continue into the tunnel-like crevices can find ice until late summer, similar to the other Maine ice caves. 

8. Enchanted Cave – Jackman 

Last but not least, one of the most incredible caves in Maine is also a rarity. The Enchanted Cave is one of three solution caves in Maine, created from a small band of limestone rock in the Devonian Tarratine Formation near the Dead River. Water eroded the limestone to create the entrances and internal features of the cave. The smooth rounded walls make it challenging for explorers to get far without contorting their bodies. The smallest section is not ideal for anyone claustrophobic. 

Tunnels go 140 meters into the earth, so visitors should bring helmets, headlamps, and other safety gear if they plan on exploring the dark and dirty crevices of the cave. Visitors should also care for the fragile environment by leaving and taking nothing. Otherwise, they risk causing harm to another natural wonder.

Summary of 8 Incredible Caves in Maine

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kenneth Keifer/Shutterstock.com