Maine is one of the most beautiful places in the United States with a long coastline. However, it is also studded with sky-lining mountain ranges, forests, rivers, and so many other landforms, worth being explored. This list provides you with the information on a few of the best places to hike in Maine, along with their relevant statistics, maps, description, and so on. Check out how it helps you.
You can make your way through the crowded eastern part of the Acadia National Park and head towards the Acadia Mountain, the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail, and St. Sauveur Loop. All these mountains are inside the national park premises and will offer your eyes grand views of the only fjord on the eastern coast of the US – Somes Sound. There are also other scenic surprises for you around, including the butterfly park and the waterfalls nearby. This site is not just good for trail hikers, but also kid-friendly, especially for families with older children. It is also good for dogs (but on leash). The best days to hike here are during the fall and the summer months. The easiest gateway to the Acadia National Park is via the town of Bar Harbor.
Length: 3.9 miles
Type: Moderate to Easy
This state park offers more than 30 hiking trails by the seacoast including the Mount Battie Trails, Bald Rock Mountain, Beech Hill Preserve, The Georges Highland Path, etc. The park gates open at 9:00 am, and closes at sunset, Sunday to Saturday. The paths inside are rocky, and the tracks will lead you through the sunny and shadowy trails up to the mountain tops, from where you can get an excellent view of the sea.
Length: 3.5 miles
Type: Moderate
Also known as the ‘Rolland F. Perry City Forest’, this site is an area in Bangor, Maine, and is meant for recreational activities, including hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. The vast trail system is not only maintained well throughout the year but also has a large parking and picnic area. Most of the trails are packed with gravels. There is also a one-mile boardwalk located on the East Trail, which is accessible to the disabled.
Length: 10 miles
Type: Moderate
This site is family-friendly that is equally good for trailing, birding, cycling, and the best time is during the fall, when you can watch all the fall colors in the woods around. Additionally, you will get unforgettable views of the river, wildflower, and wildlife. The entire trail runs through open fields and woodlands, crossing five roads. The old railroad trestle that spans the Presumpscot River is a famous swimming site for the locals and is close to the Boothbay Harbor. The maximum elevation is a little more than 300 ft.
Length: 6 miles
Type: Moderate to Easy
This is a very short trail and is extremely kid-friendly. The trail runs through hills and boardwalks and reaches the marshy bank of the Cousins River. The side trails take you to the Lambert Road as well as the Freeport Inn and Cafe. The trailhead has a kiosk and is situated on a knoll at the back left side of the Casco Bay YMCA parking area on Old South Freeport Road, which is further south of downtown. You can safely park your vehicles here.
Length: 0.6 mile
Type: Easy
This trail is undoubtedly one of the most popular, located at the summit of Mount Katahdin, at the end of the Appalachian Trail (AT) that extends to the Springer Mountain in Georgia. The trail is the center of attraction to almost all trail lovers since it has some conspicuously amazing features like the spectacular Katahdin Stream Falls, the huge boulders and rocks throughout the Hunt Spur, the picturesque table rock that renders an extensive view in all directions. This is possible especially as about 2.4 miles of the trail is situated above the tree line. The site also has a geographical advantage because of its central location and is not far from populated places in Maine like Ogunquit, Auburn, York, and Kittery.
Length: 4.9 miles
Type: Difficult
One can easily visit the Barren Mountain in the central region of Maine, which is located in the heart of the very long woods and greeneries of the Appalachian Trail. You must remember that the trail is quite steep and remote. However, the entire trail gives an incredible view overlooking Lake Onawa. To leave the site, one needs to continue hiking towards the North direction, and finally coming out on the Katahdin Iron Works Road. Interestingly, this trail is located close to important Maine towns like Georgia, Lewiston, Belfast, and Augusta. The best time for hiking here is summer and fall.
Length: 8 miles
Type: Difficult
The trails in Mt. Will are well marked and are great for general hiking, as well as snowshoeing in the winter months. Since it is no too long, even your pet dog can use it comfortably. The path leading to the mountaintop is moderate to easy, having some steeper sections. However, climbing up is worth it, since the higher you reach, the better the views of the entire area. As you reach the peak, you would be spellbound by the mesmerizing views overlooking the village of Bethel along with the Androscoggin Valley, wherein the river Androscoggin winds its way through the deep vale.
Length: 2.9 miles
Type: Moderate to Easy
You need to be physically fit and mentally strong to take this trail. The Saddleback Mountain actually consists of two peaks (hence the name) – the very high Santiago Peak and the relatively lower Modjeska Peak. The former is the highest point in the Orange County, as also the Santa Ana Mountains, with a height of 5,689 feet. You need to follow the Holy Jim Trail to reach the tip (which is also the shortest route). However, you can also choose to climb up to the summit of the Modjeska, wherefrom, the view is no less beautiful.
Length: 15.6 miles
Type: Very Difficult
This easy trailing site is equally friendly for all – adults, kids and pets. The entire path is almost level and is easy to walk even for aged people. However, if you would change your mind while walking, and feel a little adventurous, you might want to follow one of the numerous side paths that are a little bit bumpy and take you to the rocks’ edge. Either way, you will end up being bewitched with the enigmatic views of the waves and the rocky shore. The trail is not too long, and if someone in your group gets tired, you can quickly get a free shuttle. There are different exit and entry points. But if you can reach the end of the trail, you would get the grand overview of the area, as well as the beautiful park.
Length: 2 miles
Type: Very Easy
So, now that you have this list in hand, pack up your bags and move out with your gang to explore the best trails in Maine, one by one, and you will surely understand why we chose these trails exclusively for you to make your way through!
Hello there! My name is Jay and I run this website. I'm a full-time traveler and freelance writer. This is where I share travel advice and help people pursue their traveling dreams.
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