Where is Maine Located in the United States?
Maine is located in the northeastern region of the United States, bordered by only one U.S. state and the Canadian provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. It is the northernmost state in the contiguous U.S. and is known for its scenic beauty, from rocky coastlines to vast forests and mountain ranges. Maine is famous for its maritime history, lobsters, and outdoor recreational opportunities. As the largest state in New England, it holds significant geographic, cultural, and historical importance.
State Facts:
- State Name: Maine
- Postal Abbreviation: ME
- Population: Approximately 1.36 million
- Area: 35,385 square miles
- Capital: Augusta
- Largest City: Portland
- Statehood Year: 1820 (23rd state to join the Union)
- Time Zones: Eastern Time Zone
Bordering States
New Hampshire
Maine shares a relatively short land border with only one U.S. state, New Hampshire, to the southwest. The boundary between the two states runs for about 160 miles, beginning at the northern tip of New Hampshire and continuing south toward the Atlantic Ocean. This border largely follows the natural features of the region, including the Salmon Falls River and the Piscataqua River. New Hampshire’s White Mountains lie close to this border, providing a scenic transition between the two states. Economically and culturally, the proximity of southern Maine to New Hampshire allows for a shared regional identity, particularly in areas such as trade and tourism.
Quebec (Canada)
To the northwest, Maine shares an extensive border with the Canadian province of Quebec. This international boundary stretches for approximately 611 miles and is primarily defined by forests, mountains, and rivers. Quebec’s French-speaking population and distinct cultural identity contrast with Maine, although the two regions share economic ties, particularly in industries such as forestry and tourism.
New Brunswick (Canada)
Maine’s northeastern border is shared with New Brunswick, another Canadian province. This boundary runs for about 318 miles and is mostly defined by the Saint John River. The relationship between Maine and New Brunswick is particularly close, with the two regions sharing a long history of trade, immigration, and cultural exchange. Many communities along this border have strong familial and cultural ties that transcend the international divide.
GPS Coordinates
Maine’s geographic location can be identified by its central GPS coordinates, which provide insight into its location within the northeastern United States.
The central GPS coordinates of Maine are approximately 45.2538° N latitude and 69.4455° W longitude, placing the state in the northeastern corner of the U.S., adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. These coordinates give Maine a unique positioning: it is the easternmost state in the United States and the first to experience sunrise in the continental U.S. due to its far northeastern location.
Northern Maine, which borders Quebec, has coordinates near 47.5° N latitude, placing it further north than many other U.S. states, giving this part of Maine a colder climate, with longer winters and shorter summers. In contrast, the southernmost part of Maine, near the city of Kittery, is located at 43.1° N latitude, where the Atlantic Ocean influences the climate, creating more temperate weather patterns.
Western Maine, which borders New Hampshire, sits closer to 71.0° W longitude, while the easternmost tip, located near Lubec and the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, is at 66.9° W longitude. These coordinates underscore the state’s spread from the rugged coastal regions to the forested and mountainous inland areas, making Maine one of the most geographically diverse states in New England.
Levels of Elevation
Maine’s elevation varies from sea level along its coast to the high peaks of its mountains, creating a diverse range of topography throughout the state.
The highest point in Maine is Mount Katahdin, standing at 5,267 feet above sea level. Located in Baxter State Park, Mount Katahdin is the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and one of the most iconic landmarks in Maine. The surrounding area is known for its challenging hikes and stunning views.
In contrast, the lowest point in Maine is at sea level along its extensive Atlantic coastline. Maine’s coastline stretches for more than 3,500 miles, including its many islands, with significant variations in elevation between the rocky cliffs and the flat coastal plains.
Maine’s interior is dominated by rolling hills and small mountains, with the average elevation being around 600 feet above sea level. The state’s elevation levels influence its climate and weather patterns, with the coastal areas experiencing milder temperatures and the inland regions having colder, snowier winters.
Most Extreme Points
Maine’s geography is defined by its extreme points, which stretch across the northern, southern, eastern, and western edges of the state.
- Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of Maine, and of the entire United States, is located at West Quoddy Head, near the town of Lubec. This area is famous for the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, which marks the first place in the continental U.S. to see the sunrise. The region is characterized by its rugged coastline and proximity to the Canadian border.
- Westernmost Point: The westernmost point of Maine is found near the town of Gilead, close to the New Hampshire border. This area is part of the White Mountain National Forest and features mountainous terrain, dense forests, and small rivers that contribute to the scenic beauty of western Maine.
- Southernmost Point: The southernmost point in Maine is located near Kittery, a historic town along the Atlantic coast. Kittery is known for its shipbuilding history and outlet shopping. The area features a combination of rocky coastline, sandy beaches, and historic landmarks like the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
- Northernmost Point: Maine’s northernmost point is at Estcourt Station, a small community that sits on the border with Quebec, Canada. This remote northern area is largely rural, with vast forests, rivers, and a colder climate, making it one of the least densely populated areas in the state.
These extreme points highlight Maine’s wide-ranging geography, from its coastal regions to its mountainous interiors and international borders.
Major Mountains
Maine is home to several prominent mountains, most of which are located in the northern and western parts of the state, contributing to its reputation as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The most well-known and highest mountain in Maine is Mount Katahdin, located in Baxter State Park. Standing at 5,267 feet, Katahdin is not only the highest point in the state but also the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The mountain offers a range of hiking experiences, from relatively easy trails to the challenging Knife Edge route, which offers breathtaking views but requires a high level of skill.
Another important mountain range in Maine is the Mahoosuc Range, part of the White Mountains, extending into western Maine. The range includes peaks like Old Speck Mountain, which stands at 4,170 feet and is the third-highest mountain in Maine. This area is popular for hiking, camping, and enjoying scenic vistas of the surrounding forests and valleys.
The Bigelow Mountain Range is another major mountain system in the state, located near Flagstaff Lake. The highest peak in this range, West Peak, reaches 4,145 feet and is part of the Bigelow Preserve, a protected area that offers hiking, camping, and birdwatching opportunities. The Appalachian Trail also runs through the Bigelow Range, attracting hikers from across the country.
These mountains play a crucial role in Maine’s outdoor recreational culture, providing opportunities for hiking, skiing, and other activities throughout the year.
Major Rivers and Lakes
Maine’s waterways, including its rivers and lakes, are an essential part of its geography and economy, supporting activities from transportation to recreation and natural resource management.
The Penobscot River is one of the largest and most significant rivers in Maine. Flowing for 109 miles, it is central to the state’s history, playing a vital role in Native American culture and later becoming a major route for the logging and shipbuilding industries. Today, the river supports recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation.
The Kennebec River runs for 170 miles through central Maine, draining into the Atlantic Ocean at Bath, a city known for its shipbuilding industry. The river was historically important for transportation and trade, and today it remains a vital waterway for recreation, with activities like white-water rafting and fishing popular along its course.
Maine is also home to Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in the state, covering over 75,000 acres. Located in north-central Maine, Moosehead Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing, particularly moose, for which the lake is named. The lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, offering a pristine natural environment for outdoor activities.
Another significant lake is Sebago Lake, located in southern Maine. It is the second-largest lake in the state and provides drinking water to the city of Portland. Sebago Lake is also a major recreational destination, with activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and camping drawing visitors year-round.
These rivers and lakes not only support Maine’s economy but also offer a range of recreational opportunities that make the state a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.