Few things inspire as much peace and awe as the rising and setting sun. Whether a soft, welcoming sunrise or a bold, show-stopping sunset, these fleeting, golden hour snapshots bookend each day with vibrant colors and patterns that have inspired centuries of artists. Here in our cozy corner of the country, Maine is blessed with being one of the first to see the sun’s face each morning, as well as having an abundance of spectacular overlooks and coastal cliffs from which to drink in the sunset each evening. But while our state’s rugged coast is the perfect place to catch the splendor of the sun’s daily displays, we think there are some pretty fantastic spots to catch a sunset away from the ocean too! Scarborough Marsh is one such inland gem that boasts some particularly stunning sun-soaked scenery that – uniquely – can be experienced up close and personal without the hike or beach crowds. Take a look:
Scarborough Marsh isn’t the only salt waterway in Maine, but it’s the largest contiguous marsh in the state at over 3,000 acres.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center/Facebook
Hidden away along Maine’s southern coast in Cumberland County, one of the best ways to explore the marsh is by checking out the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center, which provides canoe tours, guided nature trips, and more.
kirkikis/iStock via Getty Images Plus There are also walking trails as well, which are perfect for the whole family.
The marsh is a surprisingly overlooked gem, but still receives its fair share of visitors - specifically, dozens of rare species of waterfowl and nesting shorebirds.
travelview/iStock via Getty Images Plus The area also has rare plants, fish, and shellfish too (which are some of the marsh’s more permanent residents).
It also happens to be a favorite spot for local wildlife photographers and visiting bird enthusiasts, as well!
Tahir Abbas/iStock via Getty Images Plus
What makes Scarborough particularly unique is its meandering salt waterways, which form perfect mirror-like ribbons that reflect the changing colors of the sky.
Doogle45/TripAdvisor While the magic can be seen from anywhere in the marsh, the preserve hosts guided tours on the water, which allow visitors to be enveloped by the sky’s changing hues. Sunrise, sunset, and even full moon canoe outings are all offered here, presenting unrivaled opportunities to see wildlife settling into their nocturnal routines.
If you can’t take a canoe tour, don’t worry: the gorgeous scenery is just as lovely from afar!
Hidegarde Anderson/Flickr
Every evening is a stunning show.
Cynthia Farr Weinfeld/Moment Collection via Getty
From the moment the clouds start to roll in…
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center/Facebook
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center/Facebook
Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld/Moment Collection via Getty
…and the sun starts to sink below the foliage…
Anna E. Bolton/iStock via Getty Images Plus
…to the very last remnants of daylight…
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center/Facebook
…the colors are reflected gorgeously in the still waters, broken only by the gentle waves of canoes.
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center/Facebook
The local residents create their own magic through some fantastic silhouettes on the horizon, too!
Ron Sanford/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images
But for a quiet, blissful, and uniquely beautiful sunset experience, an evening paddle through Scarborough Marsh should definitely be on your list!
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center/Facebook
A guided sunset paddle tour is an incredible way to spend an evening on the coast! Whether you wake up early to catch the pastel hues of sunrise on your own or bask in the showy colors of sunset on a tour with the Audubon Center, Scarborough Marsh is a truly special place to reap the rewards of Maine’s best colors. If you’ve ever visited, let us know!
Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center/Facebook
kirkikis/iStock via Getty Images Plus
There are also walking trails as well, which are perfect for the whole family.
travelview/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The area also has rare plants, fish, and shellfish too (which are some of the marsh’s more permanent residents).
Tahir Abbas/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Doogle45/TripAdvisor
While the magic can be seen from anywhere in the marsh, the preserve hosts guided tours on the water, which allow visitors to be enveloped by the sky’s changing hues. Sunrise, sunset, and even full moon canoe outings are all offered here, presenting unrivaled opportunities to see wildlife settling into their nocturnal routines.
Hidegarde Anderson/Flickr
Cynthia Farr Weinfeld/Moment Collection via Getty
Cynthia Farr-Weinfeld/Moment Collection via Getty
Anna E. Bolton/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Ron Sanford/Corbis Documentary via Getty Images
For an oceanfront view with some extra drama thrown in, check out one of our favorite hidden sunset overlooks.
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Address: Scarboro Marshes, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
