Undiscovered Maine

Hiking

Hiking is good for the body and soul, especially when you discover beautiful pristine places!

The Maine Trail Finder is a fantastic resource to find hikes across the state! The Bangor Daily News reporter Aislinn Sarnacki has a wonderful series of hikes across Maine.

Also, the Maine Coast Heritage Trust has phenomenal coastal preserves with hiking, paddling, and nature-watching!

Aroostook County

Since hiking trails in Maine tend to be more extensive, we have compiled a list of trails organized by county. Keep in mind many of these trails can be joined at various locations, not just beginning, and endpoints.

• International Appalachian Trail From Mount Katahdin through New Brunswick, Canada
  • Fort Fairfield is the last United States point on the International Appalachian Trail and offers plenty of opportunities for visitors and residents to hike and see the beautiful scenery that Aroostook County offers. A great two-mile section of the International Appalachian Trail goes up to the summit of Mars Hill Mountain, offering fabulous views across northern Maine and all the way to Mount Katahdin!
• Aroostook Valley Trail Presque Isle and New Sweden, ME
  • A 28.8-mile trail that is part of the Interconnected Trail System, and allows for ATVs, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, walking, and cross country skiing.
• Bangor & Aroostook Trail Van Buren, Mapleton, and Caribou, ME 04736
  • 61-mile multi-use trail that is part of northern Maine’s Interconnected Trail System. It is used and maintained by various snowmobile clubs.
• Collins Pond Park 27 Caribou St, Caribou, ME 04736 | (207) 493-4224
  • This park has a 1.5-mile walking and bicycle path with a playground and a rentable pavilion with kitchen facilities.
• Eagle Lake Public Reserved Land Eagle Lake, ME 04739
  • “Eagle Lake is a 23,000-acre unit including most of Eagle Lake in northern Maine. The unit abuts Square Lake to the east with a thoroughfare connecting the two lakes.”
• Fort Kent Riverside Trail System Fish River, Fort Kent, ME 04743
  • This 3-mile trail follows the Saint John River and Fish River through downtown Fort Kent and is great for biking, hiking, and walking.
• Four Seasons Trail 4 Seasons Lodge, 425 Spring St, Madawaska, ME 04756
  • Multi-use trail with biking, hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing with multiple trails and difficulties for all ages.
• Francis Malcolm Institute Trails 776 Houlton Rd, Easton, ME 04740
  • “Enjoy a tranquil walk surrounded by groves of pine, spruce, and cedar trees while observing the wildlife that makes these woods their home.”
• Haystack Mountain Trail Haystack Rd, Castle Hill, ME 04757
  • This popular, short-but-steep trail up Haystack Mountain offers summit views all the way to Mount Katahdin. Pack some water put on your hiking boots or snowshoes, and enjoy the walk!
• Hedgehog Mountain Trail ME-11, Eagle Lake, ME 04739
  • This short but steep trail provides a great workout on a path that goes by an old hunting cabin. At the summit, hikers can enjoy lunch at a picnic table and enjoy the views of North Maine Woods, Portage Lake, Fish River, and St. Froid Lake to the south and west.
• Island Trail 6 Dufour St, Fort Kent, ME 04743
  • “This short, scenic trail has attractions with both historic and natural interest points, starting at the Fort Kent Blockhouse and dotted with environment education kiosks along the way.”
• Katahdin Air Service (207) 723-8378
  • The fastest way to reach your lakeside destinations in the Woods, with the chance to enjoy Maine’s from above! Offering connections to hiking, canoeing, sporting, and lodging destinations, tours, and the amazing “Fly N Dine” experience.
• Meduxnekeag River Trail Riverfront Park, 49 North St, Houlton, ME 04730
  • This scenic trail is great for bikers, walkers, fishermen, birders, picnics, and skiing! Starting at the Riverfront Park, the trail follows the Meduxnekeag River.
• Nickerson Lake Trails New Limerick, ME 04761
  • Accessible only by boat (or crossing the lake in snowshoes or skis in the winter!), this secluded 2.4 mile trail network offers peace, quiet, and some great views.
• Nordic Heritage Center 450 Fort Fairfield Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769
  • The Nordic Heritage Center has an amazing trail system for hiking and biking, with a focus on people of all ages being able to experience the outdoors.
• Peekaboo Mountain Look-Out Tower Tower Drive, Weston, ME 04424
  • Enjoy the beautiful views overlooking Brackett, Longfellow, and Grand Lake.
• Presque Isle Bicycle and Pedestrian Walkway Riverside Dr and Green Hill Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769
  • 1.5-mile walkway along the former Canadian Pacific Railway. Along the trail, there are picnic areas, a ball field, tennis courts, and a playground.
• Quaggy Jo Mountain 87 State Park Rd, Presque Isle, ME 04769 | (207) 768-8341
  • 2.8 miles of easy, moderate, and advanced trails on dirt, gravel, and rocky paths.
• Robinson Mountain Island Falls, ME 04747
  • This intermediate 4.5 mile hike, provides astounding views of both Mount Chase and Mount Katahdin!
• St. Francis Historical Society 1074 Main St, St. Francis, ME 04774 | (207) 398-3387
  • Located at the old Bangor and Aroostook train station, this historical society preserves the history of the railroad and other aspects of St. Francis. They are also home to the town’s veterans’ memorial!
• St. John Valley Heritage Trail Sunset Dr, St. Francis, ME 04774
  • This 16.9-mile trail along the former Fish River Railroad corridor follows a beautiful path from St. Francis to Fort Kent.
• Salmon Brook Lake Bog Public Reserved Land 206 High Meadow Rd, Perham, ME 04766 | (207) 435-7963 ext. 209
  • Nature reserve that boasts a 4.7 mile nature trail branching off from the popular Bangor and Aroostook Trail. Click here for additional information about this gorgeous trail!
• Scopan Mountain Trail Chapman, ME 04757
  • Located south of Chapman, this 3.5-mile loop trail takes hikers through diverse forests up to the summit of Scopan Mountain, with great views of Mount Katahdin, Alder Lake, and surrounding forest and farmland!
• Southern Bangor & Aroostook Trail Presque Isle and Houlton, ME 04730
  • This 37-mile trail runs mostly through farmland and occasionally goes into forests and wetlands. It is part of a 1,200-mile network of thoroughfares for ATVs in the county, which is the largest east of the Mississippi River.
• Trafton Lake Trails 88 Lake Rd, Limestone, ME 04750
  • A 4.5 mile trail network through the forest, with views of the lake and nearby farmland. Great in summer for hiking and biking, and groomed in winter for Nordic skiing!
• Woodland Community Trails 844 Woodland Center Rd, Woodland, ME 04736 | (207) 498-6133
  • Great 3.6 mile trail network for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing, accessible from the Woodland Elementary School.

DownEast Maine

Hiking in Down East Maine, you will be set against the coast for most trails with some detours into wet bog-lands and forests!

• Amherst Mountains Community Forest Rte 9, Amherst, ME 04605 | (207) 941-4412
  • If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, look no further! Here you can find recreation trails, wildlife, remote camping, and more!
• Barred Island Preserve Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627 | (207) 348-2455
  • Easy 1.5-mile trail with sights of Barred Island, Crockett Cove, and a sandy beach.
• Blue Hill Mountain Hayes & Service Trail Mountain Rd, Blue Hill, ME 04614 | (207) 374-5118
  • A trail that falls on the difficult side of moderate, the Hayes Trail takes you up Blue Hill Mountain like the Osgood Trail. It involves stone steps and passes through older growth trees of different kinds.
• Blue Hill Mountain Osgood Trail Mountain Rd, Blue Hill, ME 04614 | (207) 374-5118
  • A well-maintained trail, be sure to be prepared if you are planning to take this hike. It is on the difficult side, with some rocky areas. But if you make it to the top of Blue Hill, the view will be well worth the trip!
• Bog Brook Cove ME-191, Cutler, ME 04626 | (207) 729-7366
  • Features gravel and cobble beaches, views of the Bold Coast, and abundant wildlife. It is great for hiking, photography, and birding. There are four hiking trails for various skill levels and lengths.
• Boot Head Preserve Boot Cove Rd, Lubec, ME 04652
  • Great hiking spot with moss-lined paths to coastal bogs and cobble beaches along the rocky coastline. Look for nesting bald eagles, spruce grouse, songbirds, and small mammals.
• Calais Waterfront Walkway Calais Waterfront Walkway, Calais, ME 04619 | (207) 454-2521 ext. 10
  • “This rail trail offers easy walking along the historic shoreline of the St. Croix River. The trail passes from a rural setting through downtown Calais and connects to the shorefront trails in St. Stephen, New Brunswick via the international bridge.”
• Chick Hill and Little Chick Fire Rd 32, Clifton, ME 04428
  • This hike is just outside of Amherst, where there’s more than one trail to hike! There’s the access trail that can bring you chick hill, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s a smaller wooded trail that brings you up little chick!
• Cobscook Bay State Park 40 South Edmunds Rd, Dennysville, ME 04628 | (207) 853-4644
  • “The wildlife-rich waters of Cobscook Bay surround this 888-acre park on three sides, providing opportunities to watch birds and observe the ebb and flow of the region’s impressive tides.” Click here for the Trailfinder map
• Cobscook Shores
  • “The Butler Conservation Fund has announced the opening this week of its second large-scale project to provide outdoor recreation in wild and scenic locations in Maine, known as Cobscook Shores.” “Encompassing 500 acres across a series of coastal parklands”…”a dispersed set of parks”…” The parklands are free to use and include 14 miles of scenic shorefront, 8 miles of biking and walking trails, several hand-carry boat launches, camping areas, vault toilets, screened pavilions and picnic spots.” (Source)  Click here to see the map.
• Cutler Bold Coast Trail 425 ME-191, Cutler, ME 04626 | (207) 255-4500
  • Considered Maine’s greatest secret because many hikers are simply unaware of its existence, this trail has dramatic cliffs to the east and ever-changing ecology to the west. It consists of three trails: the Coastal Trail to Ocean (2.8 miles), Black Point Brook Loop (5.5 miles), and the Fairy Head Loop (9.2 miles). There are also ATV trails and camping available here.
• Devil’s Head Conservation Area Rural US-1, Calais, ME 04619 | (207) 454-2521 ext. 10
  • “Devil’s Head has a rich cultural history going back thousands of years. Today, it features the habitats of numerous forms of floral and fauna that thrive in the combination of salty waters, rocky woodlands, and forest marshes. Visitors are invited to explore the park along two distinct trails and the access road that leads from Route One down to the beach, or to spend time alongside the river at a cleared picnic spot.”
• Donnell Park Public Reserved Land Schoodic Beach Rd, Franklin, ME 04634 | (207) 941-4412
  • Water access campsites can be found on Donnell Pond, the southern end of Tunk Lake, and Spring River Lake. Walk-in access to campsites is available from the Schoodic Beach access trail. This area is a great spot for long hikes and beautiful views.
• DownEast Coastal Conservancy:
  • “Downeast Coastal Conservancy conserves natural habitats and resources of the coastal watersheds, islands, and communities of Washington County, Maine, for present and future generations.” Click here for the many trails
• Down East Sunrise Trail 2 Kilton Ln, Machias, ME 04654 (and various locations between Ellsworth and Pembroke)
  • The scenic rail corridor runs along the entire Downeast coastal area, connects multiple scenic conservation areas, intersects Downeast salmon rivers, and is near two state scenic byways.
• Duck Lake Public Reserved Land Lakeville Twp, ME 04487 | (207) 941-4412
  • Visitors enjoy camping and fishing in this semi-remote area surrounded by lakes. Duck Lake, the Unknown Lakes, and Gassabias Lake offer fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and snowmobiling.
• Edgar Tennis Preserve Tennis Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627 | (207) 348-2455
  • This beautiful path hugs the shore for beautiful views.  Again, be careful of the roots. There are several options; long and short.
• Frances B. Wood Preserve PO Box 150, 72 Tidal Falls Rd, Hancock, ME 04640 | (207) 422-2328
  • Containing a well marked 1.5 mile trail of moderate difficulty!
• Great Wass Island Preserve Great Wass Island, ME 04611
  • Gorgeous nature preserve located on Great Wass Island just south of Beals Island. Miles of walking trails give breathtaking scenic views of the ocean around!
• Hamilton Cove Lubec, ME
  • Part of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, this “1,225-acre preserve in Lubec provides people of all ages opportunities to experience a rugged coastal landscape of cobble beaches, sheer cliffs, and rocky promontories.”
• Hersey Point Preserve: On US Route 1 in Pembroke
  • Directions: “turn east onto Front Street approximately 1.1 miles north of the US Route 1 and ME Route 214 intersection (opposite the Crossroads Restaurant and Motel). Go 0.5 miles until Front Street ends at Old County Road and turn left on Old County Road. In 0.1 mile turn left onto Hersey Road and continue on Hersey Road 1.0 mile to a sharp left-hand bend from where the trail leaves just to the east of a private driveway. Parking is on the shoulder of the road.”
  • “A 28-acre preserve on the peninsula separating Hersey Cove from the Pennamaquan River offers a short hike through woodland to a quiet, sheltered cove and gravel beach, with a spur leading to a nearby point.”
• Indian Point Trail 17 Tinker Farm Way, Ellsworth, ME 04605
  • An easy, short hiking trail along the Union River.
• Jordan Homestead Preserve 46-34 Bayside Rd, Ellsworth, ME 04605 | (207) 422-2328
  • Historic land owned by the Jordan family, with trails and river access.
• Kilkenny Cove/Old Pond Railway Trail Point Rd, Hancock, ME 04640
  • Containing a well-marked 3.25 miles trail, great for birding!
• Klondike Mountain 139 North Lubec Rd, Lubec, ME 04652 | (207) 255-4500
  • At the peak of this mountain, there are beautiful 360-degree views of the surrounding bay and landscape. The name of the mountain originates from the story of two men in 1897 who “devised a scheme claiming that they could extract gold from the nearby seawater. These men worked as con artists who — after hiring hundreds of workers and collecting funds from investors — fled the area never to be prosecuted for their deception.”
• Machias River Preserve 370 US – 1A, Machias, ME 04654 | (207) 255-4500
  • Nature preserve along the Machias River with miles of forest and river frontage trails to hike. You can also see lots of evidence of past logging history. The 5-mile trail connects with the Down East Sunrise Trail as well.
• Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge 103 Headquarters Rd, Baring, ME 04694 | (207) 454-7161
  • Located just outside Calais, this is the easternmost National Wildlife Refuge in the Atlantic Flyway. Its main purpose is to protect bird wildlife.
• Post Office Trail Blue Hill, ME 04614 | (207) 374-5118
  • A short, one-mile trail that takes you through different environments. It connects to the Osgood Trail.
• Peters Brook Walking Trail Blue Hill, ME 04614 | (207) 374-5118
  • The greater trail system that Peters Brook Walking Trail is a part of is a beautiful 5-mile system that has many features that includes the granite that is characteristic to the region.
• Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge 11 Fasustina Ave, Steuben, ME 04680 | (207) 546-2124
  • Just south of Milbridge, this refuge is beautiful and off the beaten track. The 2 main trails are the Hollingsworth and the Birch Point trails. There are blueberry barrens, woods, and ocean vistas – perfect for seeing wildlife!
• Rene Henderson Natural Area 210 The Shore Rd, Castine, ME 04421 | (207) 259-5040 
  • With a 2.5-mile loop of trails, the Rene Henderson Natural Area is a celebration of Maine’s natural environment. Not only can you hike, but if you happen to find yourself here in the winter, the small lake that is within the preserve’s bounds is an awesome place to go ice skating! There used to be human activity in the area, so look out for artifacts and signs of days gone by!
• Quoddy Head State Park 973 South Lubec Rd, Lubec, ME 04652 | (207) 733-0911
  • State park at the West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, the only candy-striped lighthouse in the United States. There are beautiful hiking trails great for watching wildlife, and there is also a gift shop.
• Roosevelt Campobello International Park (CA) 459 Rte 774, Welshpool, New Brunswick, Canada E5E 1A4 |(506) 752-2922
  • 2,800-acre Natural Area where you can explore walking trails, beaches, bogs, forest, spectacular ocean headlands, or a picnic with an ocean or lighthouse view. There are great hiking trails, a museum, and the Fireside Restaurant and the Prince Cafe. Note- you will need a passport to go here since it is in Canada.
• Salt Pond Trail: Hancock, ME Frenchman Bay Conservancy, 71 Tidal Falls Road, PO Box 150, Hancock, ME 04640-0150, info@frenchmanbay.org
  • “This wooded trail on an 18-acre shorefront property leads to a salt pond with views of Sullivan Harbor and Frenchman Bay.  Driving north on Rte 1 in Hancock, you’ll see the Hancock Grocery store on your right. Continue for 0.2 miles to Point Road to the right. Travel down Point Road for 3.8 miles along Point Road at a small turn-off on the opposite end of the trail. Alternatively, to start by the beach, continue an additional 0.4 miles on Point Road until you reach Wharf Road on the left. Drive down Wharf Road, turn left on Bay Avenue and park near the Hancock Point boat house and walk north along Carter’s Beach Road. The trail begins near the end of the road.”
• Shackford Head State Park Trail 16 Deep Cove Rd, Eastport, ME 04631 | (207) 853-4644
  • With fantastic views of Cobscook Bay, this short trail provides a beautiful walk along Maine’s coast.
• Shore Acres Preserve Greenlaw District Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627 | (207) 348-2455
  • This has a relatively easy walk through the woods to the shore. Be careful of the many roots on the path and bring bug spray for mosquitos!
• Sipayik Trail Treatment Plant Rd, Perry, ME 04667 | (207) 853-2600
  • A 1.8-mile trail on the Passamaquoddy Reservation overlooking Passamaquoddy Bay and bordered by ecologically dynamic, diverse, and productive environments great for biking, walking, and skiing.
• Sipp Bay Preserve Burby Rd, Perry, ME 04667 | (207) 259-5040
  • Great spot for kayaking with a hand-carry boat launch, 1.5 miles of hiking trails with great views of the rugged coastline, pleasant picnic spots, and bird watching with sightings including bald eagles, migrating shorebirds, and more.
• South Street – Parker Point Trail Blue Hill, ME 04614 | (207) 374-5118
  • Pass through an undeveloped area between two sections of Blue Hill, over gentle slopes and across streams!
• Taft Point Preserve Gouldsboro, ME 04607 | (207) 422-2328
  • Trails and mountain views escape to this preserve to really engage with nature. Take a look at our walk in the preserve!
• Western Head Preserve Destiny Bay Rd, Cutler, ME 04626
  • “This 247-acre preserve of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust provides seaside forest growth, rocky shores, and cobble layered covers. There is a 3.5-mile long hiking trail on the preserve that provides great ocean views of the Atlantic as well as the fishing village of Cutler, Maine.”
• Witherle Woods Castine, ME 04421 | (207) 259-5040
  • Witherle Woods became open to the public in 1985, and has come to host 6.5 miles of trails that wind through beautiful Maine forest, encompassing centuries of history within the foliage. The area has a heavy history of battles fought during colonial and post-colonial times, evidenced by the remnants of batteries and artifacts found through archeological digs.

Western Maine

• Angel Falls Bemis Rd, Township D, ME 04275
  • Angel Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, and is no slouch in the beauty department; the waterfall forms the shape of an angel’s wings during high water! After a short 1-mile hike, accompanied by multiple stream crossings, you’ll come across the Angel Falls.
• Appalachian Trail
  • The final 282 miles of the Appalachian Trail is located in Maine. The difficulty varies depending on the part of the trail, but Maine’s portion of the trail is the “most challenging, rugged, and remote state, and it has the wildest feel of any area of the trail.”
• Attean Township Ride P.O. Box 368, Jackman, ME 04945 | (207) 668-4171
  • 23-mile trail ranging from easy to moderate trails.
• Aziscohos Trail Wilsons Mills Rd, Lincoln Plt, ME 03579
  • This moderately challenging 2 mile round-trip trail offers fantastic views from the summit of Aziscohos Moutain of the surrounding hills and forests.
• Bald Ledge Trail Danforth Ln, Porter, ME 04068
  • This 1.2-mile trail to the summit of Bald Ledge offers beautiful views of nearby lakes and forest, and is a favorite among local hikers.
• Bald Mountain and Saddleback Wind Trail ME-156, Wilton, ME 04294
  • This challenging, 3.4 mile trail network winds through forests and reaches the summits of Bald Mountain and Saddleback Wind, offering fabulous views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
• Bald Mountain Peak Weld, ME 04285 | (207) 585-2347
  • This hike is about 3 miles long with a beautiful view of the mountain range from the top.
• Bald Mountain Trail Bald Mountain Rd, Oquossoc, ME 04964 | (207) 778-8231
  • Sandwiched right between Mooselookmeguntic and Rangeley Lakes, this mountain couldn’t ask for a better location! The 2.3-mile round-trip trail is rated as moderate, and a new 30-foot tall view tower at the summit provides spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and mountains.
• Bald Mountain Trail Shagg Pond Rd, Woodstock, ME 04219
  • This moderately challenging, 2.4 mile round-trip hike through Little Concord Pond State Park offers great summit views from Bald Mountain and a stop at beautiful Little Concord Pond!
• Bannock Mountain Trail Shaw Hill Rd, Industry, ME 04938
  • This lovely 2.1 mile trail reaches the summit of Bannock Mountain, offering nice views of the Western Maine hills. The trail is popular for hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter.
• Bemis Mountain Rangeley, ME 04970
  • Also, part of the Appalachian Trail, just southwest of Rangeley is known for having spruce grouse, boreal chickadee, gray jay, and other northern species of birds to watch.
• Bickford Brook Trail Brickett Pl, Stow, ME 04037
  • This 8 mile round-trip trail to the summit of Speckled Mountain is a real treat! In addition to the fabulous views from the peak, the trail passes the Bickford Slides waterfalls along the way.
• Bigelow Preserve Public Reserved Land West Flagstaff Road, Stratton, ME 04982
  • An “impressive chain of 10 mountain peaks, five of them topping out at more than 4,000 feet, and all strung together by the Appalachian Trail. Located in western Maine, this section of the famous East Coast trail travels more than 50 miles northeast from the Saddleback Range to the Bigelow Range, and features some of the most rugged, varied hiking in New England.”
• Blueberry Mountain Shell Pond Rd, Stow, ME 04037
  • This moderate, 5 mile loop hike offers great views along the way and from the Blueberry Mountain peak, as well as a stop for a swim at Rattlesnake Pool on the way!
• Blueberry Mountain (parking lot of Blueberry Mountain Bible Camp) 716 Phillips Rd, Weld, ME 04285 | (207) 778-8231
  • The summit of Blueberry Mountain is known for having some of the best views in the region. On clear days hikers can see the peaks of Jackson, Tumbledown, Bald, Mount Blue, and many more in the distance. The mountain is about 2,890 feet in elevation.
• Bonney Point Loop Bonney Point Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970
  • 1.3 mile trail featuring a lake and a variety of activity options.
• Boundary Bald Mountain Rte 4, Rockwood, ME 04478
  • 2.6 miles of trails, strenuous challenge.
• Buck’s and Lapham Ledges Trails 32 N Main St, Bryant Pond, ME 04219
  • This 2.4 mile trail network offers access to Buck’s Ledge and Lapham Ledge, which both offer great views of the surrounding countryside.
• Burnt Jacket Mountain Greenville, ME 04441
  • A 1.5-mile trail up the mountain.
• Burnt Meadow Mountain 400 Spring St, Brownfield, ME 04010
  • The trail up Burnt Meadow Mountain is a moderate-level 3.6 mile loop, offering fabulous views as well as lots of spring wildflowers and fall foliage!
• Cascade Stream Gorge Cascade Stream, Sandy River, ME 04970 | (207) 864-7311
  • 1-mile trail leading into the deep gorge of the Cascade Stream with access to waterfalls and chutes.
• Center Hill Nature Trail Lookout Rd, Weld, ME 04285
  • The Center Hill Nature Trail is a relaxed, half-mile loop located on Center Hill (1,658 ft), inside Mount Blue State Park. This lovely trail begins and ends at the parking area for the Center Hill picnic area, and includes excellent views of Mount Blue, Tumbledown Mountain, Webb Lake, and the surrounding lakes and mountains.
• Coburn Mountain Trail Jackman, ME 04945
  • This strenuous hike goes up 3,718 feet high on the tallest mountain in the area. At the top are great views of Moose Valley River.
• Cold Stream Falls Mountain Brook Rd, Northeast Somerset, ME
  • Cold Stream Falls, near West Forks, is a beautiful waterfall at the end of a 1.2-mile-long trail along the stream. In December 2020, the falls gained some attention when local hikers noticed water bubbling up through ice along the stream, forming several vertical tubes and making for a unique site. Read more about these unique ice tubes from the Bangor Daily News article.
• Cornwall Nature Preserve Paris Hill Rd, South Paris, ME 04281
  • This 3 mile trail network winds through forests and abandoned fields and farmstead foundations. The trail is easy, accessible, and great for hiking, snowshoeing, or Nordic skiing.
• Cranberry Peak Trail Stratton, ME 04982 | (207) 778-8231
  • A moderate to advanced difficulty trail that is 9.2 miles in length, which starts in Eustis and connects to the Appalachian Trail.
• Daggett Rock Phillips, ME 04966
  • An easy hike to Maine’s largest glacial erratic: about 10 miles SW from Kingfield, in Phillips.
• Deer Hill Mineral Collecting Area Shell Pond Rd, Stow, ME 04037
  • For a unique summertime activity, try your luck prospecting at this public mineral site! Access to the site is by a hike of less than 1 mile, and the required permit is free and available at the trailhead.
• Five Kezar Ponds Reserve 5 Kezar Ponds Rd, Waterford, ME 04231
  • This 2.5-mile trail network offers easy to moderate difficulty hikes, with gorgeous views of the Five Kezar Ponds below!
• Foothills Land Conservancy Pond Rd, Wilton, ME 04294
  • This easy, 1.4-mile trail network offers a relaxing walk through the forests, fields, and wetlands of Wilton. The well-managed land offers great opportunities for wildlife viewing!
• The Forks Area Scenic Trail The Forks Plt, ME 04925 | (207) 663-4466
  • Located along the Kennebec River, it is ideal for running, biking, or hiking with dogs and kids.”
• Four Ponds Public Reserve Land ME-17 in Township D or Rte 4 in Sandy River, ME
  • This 6,000-acre expanse of public land has a lot to offer! The Appalachian Trail winds through the property, passing the beautiful Sabbath Day Pond and its lean-to, as well as the Little Swift River Pond and its primitive campsite. This is a great destination for hiking a section of the Trail, swimming, and snowmobiling in the wintertime.
• French Falls River Walk French Falls Dr, Jay, ME 04239
  • This lovely trail network offers several different trails alongside the Androscoggin Rivers, going along the river bank and ledges. The trails are popular for walking, biking, and fishing.
• Glassface Ledges Trail Old US Rte 2, Rumford, ME 04276
  • This moderate, 1.6 mile round-trip trail ascends to a rocky ledge offering a vista of the Androscoggin River Valley.
• Grafton Notch State Park 1941 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261 | (207) 824-2912
  • “These lands offer rugged terrain for backcountry hikers and include 12 of the most challenging miles along the entire Appalachian Trail… those who seek tamer adventures can find short walks leading to impressive waterfalls and gorges.”
• Greater Lovell Land Trust Trails Lovell, ME, 04051 | (207) 925-1056
  • The Greater Lovell Land Trust maintains public hiking trail networks across the town, offering a wide variety of trail lengths, difficulty levels, and scenery, from lakeside to mountaintop!
• Hatchery Brook Preserve Northeast portion of Rangeley Lake, ME 04970 | (207) 864-7311
  • 1.2-mile easy trail along Rangeley Lake.
• Hawk Mountain 100 Hawk Mountain Rd, Waterford, ME 04088
  • This family-friendly, 1.4 mile hike ascends Hawk Mountain and offers fabulous views from the summit.
• Hebron Academy Trails ME-119, Hebron, ME 04238 | (207) 966-2100
  • Hebron Academy’s extensive trail network offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and skiing in Hebron’s beautiful forests.
• Hedgehog Hill Loop 187 Webb Beach Rd, Weld, ME 04285 | (207) 585-2261
  • 6-mile double-track backcountry loop through the heart of Mount Blue State Park.
• Hiking in Stoneham Stoneham, ME 04231
  • There are dozens of great hiking trails in and around Stoneham alone, not to mention the hundreds more in the White Mountain National Forest and other nearby areas! This list offers a few highlights to get started with.
• Kezar Falls Gorge 5 Kezars Rd, Waterford, ME 04088
  • This amazing swimming hole is a little hard to find, but well worth the effort for those up for an adventure!
• Long Mountain Trail Greenwood, ME 04217
  • This moderate, 4.4 mile round-trip hike to the top of Long Mountain offers sweeping views of Western Maine, a series of small trail-side waterfalls, and a short ladder section!
• Maine Huts & Trails 496C Main St, Kingfield, ME 04947 | (207) 265-2400
  • Year-round fun with a variety of trails and other activities available.
• Maggie’s Nature Park 290 Greenwood Rd, Greenwood, ME 04255
  • This 3.2 mile trail network offers an easy-to-moderate forested hike with several beautiful scenic viewpoints.
• McCoy-Gray Birch Backwoods Trail N Rd, Gilead, ME 04217
  • Explore this trail network of nearly 6 miles of trails alongside the Androscoggin River and up into the surrounding mountainous forests!
• Morrill Ledges Teela Ln, Peru, ME 04290
  • This 2 mile round-trip trail follows a babbling brook and offers great views of the valley from the ledges.
• Mount Abraham Trail Unnamed Road, Strong, ME 04983
  • This strenuous, 3.8 mile hike to the summit of Mount Abraham, one of Maine’s 4,000 peaks, offers a boulder scramble and access to a large alpine zone.
• Mount Abram Trail East Central Franklin, ME 04983 | (207) 778-8231
  • “This challenging day hike leads up to one of Maine’s 4000-foot peaks and the second largest alpine zone in Maine. Features include a boulder scramble and the beautiful views on a nice day.”
• Mountain Division Trail 97 Main St, Fryeburg, ME 04037
  • The Fryeburg section of the Mountain Division Trail has become a popular spot for running and biking in the summers. Ample parking is available at the trailhead behind the Maine Tourism Association building.
• Mountain Pond Trail Edelheid Rd, Rangeley Plt, ME 04970
  • This moderate, 2.9-mile round trip trail leads through the wilderness to the pristine Mountain Pond!
• Mount Blue State Park Weld, ME 04285 | (207) 585-2347
  • Open year-round, Mt. Blue State Park is a beautiful attraction including all sorts of outdoor activities like hiking, trail riding, biking, swimming and picnicking.
• Mount Blue Trail Mt Blue Rd, Weld, ME 04285
  • This trail offers a short but challenging hike of about 3 miles to the summit of Mount Blue, located in southwest Avon, offering fabulous views from the old fire tower on Mount Blue’s 3,187 foot summit.
• Mount Christopher Trail Conservation School Rd, Woodstock, ME 04219
  • This 2.4 mile round-trip trail offers great summit views from Mount Christopher, towering over Bryant Pond below.
• Mount Cutler Trails Hiram, ME 04041
  • This network of more than 5 miles of trails showcase all of the beauty of Mt. Cutler and the surrounding area. Trails going up the mountain offer many panoramic views, as well as lovely forested areas.
• Mount Tire’m Plummer Hill Rd, Waterford, ME 04088
  • This short-and-sweet 1.2 mile hike steeply ascends Mount Tire’m and offers great views of Keoka Lake and the surrounding countryside. There is also a small cave hidden near the summit!
• Mount Tom Preserve Trail Menotomy Rd, Fryeburg, ME 04037 
  • This out-and-back, 3.3-mile trail offers great views of the surrounding forests and up all the way to the White Mountains!
• Mount Zircon Trailhead 328 S Rumford Rd, Rumford, ME 04276
  • This challenging 5.4 mile round-trip trail passes by the once-famous Moontide Spring, thought to produce medicinal waters, and offers great views from the summit of the surrounding hills and countryside.
• Moxie Falls 503 Lake Moxie Rd, West Forks, ME 04985 | (207) 624-6077
  • “Moxie Falls is one of Maine’s highest waterfalls, including a single vertical drop of nearly 90 feet as well as other plunges and pools. A relatively easy walk of a little under one-mile brings visitors down to this scenic destination.”
• Narrow Gauge Pathway Campbell Field, the Anti-Gravity Center, or the Carrabassett Valley Town Park, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947| (207) 235-2645
  • This is a great 6-mile multi-use trail (walking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, etc.) from Carrabassett to Sugarloaf with picnic tables provided along the trail.
• Northern Outdoors Hiking 1771 Rte 201, West Forks, ME 04985 | (207) 663-4466
  • Just like their rafting expeditions, Northern Outdoors will take you through some of the greatest trails for the day, or even overnight.
• Noyes Mountain 84 Richardson Hollow Rd, Greenwood, ME 04255
  • This 2.3 mile trail network offers panoramic views from the Noyes Mountain summit as well as access to Harvard Mine, a popular site for finding Maine tourmaline!
• Ordway Grove Trail Pleasant St, Norway, ME 04268
  • This short, easy hiking loop near downtown Norway passes some of the tallest and oldest White Pine trees in Maine and offers great forest and lake views.
• Packard Trail 289-461 Sodom Rd, Buckfield, ME 04220
  • This moderate 2.2 mile trail network offers views of forests with many interesting rock features, as well as access to South Pond, all on wonderfully maintained preserve land.
• Park Headquarters Trail 187 Webb Beach Rd, Weld, ME 04285 | (207) 585-2261
  • 3-mile multi-use trail from the park (Mt.Blue State Park) headquarters to the Hedgehog Hill Loop.
• Pico Trail Industry, ME 04938
  • This is a relatively short trail in Industry Maine (about 6 miles northeast of Farmington) that ends at an overlook of Clearwater lake. You park across from the Center Hill Cemetery and then access the trail from the left side of the cemetery. By the way, the cemetery itself is fascinating with gravestones dating back to the Revolutionary war!
• Pleasant Mountain Trails Denmark, ME 04022 | (207) 647-4352
  • Pleasant Mountain is the tallest mountain in Southern Maine, and offers sprawling views of the surrounding area, all the way up to the White Mountains in New Hampshire. The mountain’s 11-mile trail network offers hikes of different lengths and difficulties, including the Ledges Trail, Fire Warden’s Trail, and Southwest Ridge Trail that all start in Denmark.
• Potato Hill Trail Day Mountain Rd, Temple, ME 04984
  • This easy, 1.3-mile trail reaches the top of Potato Hill, offering some nice views of the area and a beautiful forest surrounding the trail.
• Rancourt Pond Loop P.O. Box 368, Jackman, ME 04945 | (207) 668-4171
  • 11-mile trail with moderate to advanced trails.
• Rangeley Lake State Park 1 State Park Rd, Rangeley Plt, ME 04970 | (207) 864-3858
  • Rangeley Lake State Park offers a large campsite, picnic area, playground, as well as beach and boat access to the stunning Rangeley Lake. This is a beloved destination all year round and a great base for exploring all the Rangeley area has to offer.
• Rangeley Lakes Trail Center 524 Saddleback Mountain Rd, Rangeley, ME 04970 | (207) 864-4309
  • 55 kilometer trail network maintained year-round for hiking, running, snowshoeing and skiing, and biking. The network includes trails at a variety of lengths and difficulties to suit all visitors.
• Rattlesnake Flume & Pool Shell Pond Rd, Stow, ME 04037
  • This crystal-clear, icy-cold swimming hole and beautiful flume are accessible by a 2.1 mile round-trip hike from the popular Stone House Trail.
• Riverside and Viking Trails 256 Main St, South Paris, ME 04281
  • This 2.2 mile trail network in downtown Paris connects the Oxford Hills Middle School and High School. The Riverside Trail offers wheelchair-accessible views of the Little Androscoggin River, historical sites, and a nice forested area.
• Roberts Farm Preserve Trails 64 Roberts Rd, Norway, ME 04268 | (207) 739-2124
  • This preserve offers over 7 miles of trails at all difficulty levels for summer hiking and winter snowshoeing and skiing! Winter gear is available for rent free of cost, and an on-site warming hut helps with the winter chills!
• Rumford Falls Trail 10 Bridge St, Rumford, ME 04276
  • This 1.6 mile loop offers great views of Rumford Falls and their accompanying dam.
• Rumford Whitecap Mountain Preserve 52 E Andover Rd, Rumford, ME 04276
  • This 5.8 mile trail network to the summit of Whitecap Mountain offers expansive views and tons of blueberries in season!
• Saddleback Mountain and the Horn East Central Franklin, ME 04966
  • 6.3-mile trail that is part of the Appalachian Trail.
• Sally Mountain Trail Attean Rd, Jackman, ME 04945
  • 4.8-mile trail of moderate difficulty with seasonal blueberry picking available.
• Sandy Bay Loop Trail P.O. Box 368, Jackman, ME 04945 | (207) 668-4171
  • 10-mile loop with easy to moderate trails.
• Shepard’s Farm & Witt Swamp Preserves 139 Crockett Ridge Rd, Norway, ME 04268
  • This preserve offers 4 miles of well-maintained trails connecting to nearby Witt Swamp for hiking, mountain biking, and winter sports, and also has a great hill for sledding. The trails offer great views and feature giant, unique sculptures by artist Bernard Langlais.
• Singepole Mountain Trail Durrell Hill Rd, South Paris, ME 04281
  • This 3 mile trail network approaches Singepole Mountain from two sides, offering a short but challenging ascent. Both trails pass the remains of an old granite quarry.
• Snow Falls Gorge 91 ME-26, West Paris, ME 04289
  • This roadside rest area offers views of a beautiful waterfall and a small hiking trail.
• Snow Mountain Trail Unnamed Road, North Franklin, ME 04936
  • This lightly trafficked 8.4 mile trail, accessible via dirt logging roads, offers a secluded hike to the summit of beautiful Snow Mountain. Cool off with a stop at Snow Mountain Pond along the way!
• Speckled Mountain Peru, ME 04290
  • This moderately challenging, 4.8 mile round-trip hike through Little Concord Pond State Park offers great summit views from Bald Mountain in Woodstock and Speckled Mountain in Peru, as well as a stop at beautiful Little Concord Pond!
• Streaked Mountain Trail Streaked Mountain Rd, Buckfield, ME 04220
  • Enjoy a short but moderately challenging hike of a little over a mile at the Streaked Mountain Trail! Surround yourself with the Maine’s beautiful nature to escape outdoors on this pet-friendly trail!
• Sunday River 15 South Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261 | (207) 824-2292
  • Check out the link above for a great listing of local hikes!
• Swift River Walking Trail 662 Hancock St, Rumford, ME 04276
  • This lovely, 05. mile wheelchair-accessible trail meanders through trees alongside the Swift River, offering an easy view of Rumford’s natural beauty.
• Tenmile River Demonstration Forest 600 Notch Rd, Hiram, ME 04041
  • Large area of protected public land containing an extensive network of walking trails.
• Titcomb Mountain 180 Ski Slope Rd, Farmington, ME 04938| (207) 778-9031
  • Check out the multiple trails that Titcomb Mountain has to offer! They have trails for every skill level!
• Tumbledown Dick Mountain Pulsifer Rd, Peru, ME 04290
  • Tumbledown Dick has recently been expanded as a rock climbing destination. The mountain’s high cliff face offers a great challenge to serious technical climbers.
• Tumbledown Public Lands Weld to Byron Rd, Weld, ME 04285
  • The Tumbledown Brook Trail located in the Tumbledown Public Lands is a 4.7-mile long, moderately difficult trail featuring a beautiful lake. Dogs are also able to use this trail as long as they are kept on a leash.
• Twin Bridges Preserve Harrison Rd, Otisfield, ME 04040
  • This lovely nature preserve offers an easy 5 mile trail network meandering through the forest alongside the Crooked River. These trails are great for hiking, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing!
• Whistle Stop Trail 120 Brick Yard Rd, Farmington, ME 04938 | (207) 287-4957
  • This four-season multi-use trail connecting Jay, Wilton, and Farmington is 14 miles long and great for biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

Additional Resources

• “Take a Hike guide“: many trails in western Maine thanks to the CVOA (Carrassett Valley Outdoor Association)
• Bethel area trails
• Kingfield-Carrabassett Valley-Stratton area trails

                     

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