When visiting Maine, the one sure way to fully experience the nature of this state and the breathtaking views it has to offer visitors is by rambling along the large and numerous trails that are dotted and scattered throughout the state. No matter what part of Maine you visit, there are sure to be hiking trails to satisfy any level of hiker.
Sultra Edge at Mount Katahdin- 9.5 miles
Accessed from: Millinocket, ME
Certainly one of the top hiking trails in Maine, and arguably the best, this trail takes you to the top. Mount Katahdin by a stone ridge called the Knife Edge. The views this trail offers are perhaps the most stunning and spectacular in the Eastern Winter. Knife Edge provides hikers with panoramic views of the Penobscot River, Moosehead Lake, and even as far as Acadia National Park. Hikers should note that the experience is strenuous for lower hikers.
Appalachian Trail at Mount Katahdin- 10.4 miles
Accessed from: Millinocket, ME
It was an experience to remember, climbing this rugged and treeless section of Mount Katahdin. Mount Katahdin seems more suited to the rocks than the Appalachians because its summit is so rugged. This is the most difficult hike for the less experienced; and for those who handle the tension, the feedback from the top as well as the deeper effect of the feeling at the end make this pulling every minute worthwhile.
Acadia Mountain Trail- 2.8 miles
Access from: South Harbor, ME
To the west of what is known as the Acadia Sound, this mountain trail is one of the more popular choices. While it is certainly a very tough climb, the difficulty of the trail is overshadowed by the views it offers of scenes such as the Maine Cove, the Four-Legged Islands, Echo Lake, Ocean and Somes Sound, and other mountains in the area. Make sure you pack your camera for this hike, it won’t disappoint.
Main Reach to Mount Katahdin- 10.4 miles
Accessed from: Millinocket, ME
This trail is known as the Hunt Trail and is connected to part of the Appalachian Trail on Mount Katahdin. This trail begins at the Katahdin River Castle and is one of the best choices for those looking for a well-established trail with consistent and easy-to-follow trail markers that appear on both rock and trees. Again, this trail will lead to amazing views at the top of Mount Katahdin, commonly known as Baxter Peak. Although it is maintained, this track is still difficult. Hikers will start early in the morning as it is likely to take a whole day to get there and back again, especially if you are inexperienced.
Hagas Bay- 6.5 miles
Accessed by: Milo, ME
This trail is quite exciting as it takes you through gorges that contain beautiful waterfalls as well as cliffs that can become more steep. Hague Bay is known as Maine’s Grand Canyon and as of 1968, it is considered a national boundary. The trail itself is within the Katahdin Iron Works Multiple Use Forest. Even if this track doesn’t have the profit that many others do, it can’t be found anywhere else. The trail is well marked and maintained but it will likely take another 5-8 hours. However, it is well worth it to see the amazing waterfalls in this area.
Appalachian Trail-Classinus Mountain – 28.1 miles
Accessed from: Brownville Junction, ME
Obviously this is long. White Cap Mountain is the highest mountain in the area, standing at 3,644 feet. It is also the only mountain in the area to reach the alpine plant zone. This trail offers hikers an unusual, open view of Mount Katahdin that is hard to get anywhere else. Since the hike is so long, many people will take big swims, as long as Cooper Brook Falls and Crawford Lake are on the way.
Bald Rocky Mountain Trail- 3.6 miles
Access from: Camden, ME
One of the shorter trails on this list, the Bald Rock Mountain Trail is a short day hike to a peak that overlooks beautiful Penobscot Bay. The view from the top is breathtaking and the trails are rarely crowded. There are some steep sections and the places are a bit steep in spots, so hiking boots be advised. Although the start of the trail may be awkward and rather tedious, the view from the top will prove to be worth the effort.
Appalachian Trail- Baldpate Mountain- 8 miles
Accessed from: Bethel, ME
This section of the popular Appalachian Trail is well maintained and marked, although there are sections with many rocks and rooted areas that simply require some care. condition This trail offers great views from the top of the East and West. Hikers who are considering bringing children or pets on this trail should be advised that some areas involve stairs to climb through some ledges.
Appalachian Trail- Mahoosuc Notch- 9.4 miles
Accessed from: Upton, ME
This section of the Appalachian Trail has quite a reputation as one of the most difficult. Although difficult, many hikers with experience will find it to be one of the first sections of the Appalachian Trail and more enjoyable. Mahoosuk Notch is like hell in a way; the obstacle course is holes and caves. If you’re up for a challenge, it may prove to be one of the best hiking experiences you’ve had.
Cadillac Northern Ridge Trail- 4.4 miles
Accessed from: Bar Harbor, ME
An ancient Native American trail, the Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail takes you to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak along the coast It is the Atlantic Ocean. Because these tracks are made through granite rocks, they are constantly provided with clear views along the way of rock island, Gallus Bay, and Bar Harbour.
Bradbury MountainState Park 1.3 miles of steps
Accessed by: Pownal, ME
This is a more quiet trail, a forest loop, that leads to the top of Mount Bradbury. This trail is great for those looking for an easy hike in the southern Maine area to take on by themselves. The trail is mostly gravel, so it is easy for adults and children.
Appalachian Trail- Mount Saddleback and Mount Abraham- 14.6 miles
Accessed from: Rangeley, ME
This hike undoubtedly offers the best alpine scenery for those interested. When hikers reach the peak, they are then provided with stunning views of the lake and the mountains of western Maine. Much of this trail takes place above the tree line and therefore requires attention to weather and exposure. This part of the Appalachian Trail is known to be very difficult, but for those who can handle it, it is worth the effort.
Marginal way – 1 mile
Accessed by: Oginquit, ME
Despite its short distance, this long countryside hike is one of the most scenic hikes in all of Maine. Despite its length, this walk still offers beautiful views of the ocean. It’s a very easy walk and if you get lucky, you might even be able to spot a spot along the cliffs.
Mountain Battle and Mount Megunticook- 4 miles
Access from: Camden, ME
This is a great trail that takes you to two different peaks, both of which offer expansive views of the ocean. Although the trails are well marked, the trail tends to be more slippery when wet. Hikers should therefore be careful. The trail offers views of Penobscot Bay; Mount Battle, as well as Rockport and Camden.
Bigelow Range- 12 miles
Accessed from: Stratton, ME
This is a great hike with views that form the summit of West Peak. Much of this hike goes through the ridges and offers spectacular views of mountains and lakes like Flagstaff. However, this is a long and strenuous hike that people should be prepared for. Make sure you start early.
Appalachian Trail- Old Speck- 8.4 miles
Accessed from: Upton, ME
Old Speck is the third highest peak in Maine and this section of the Appalachian Trail to the summit is in good condition and easy to follow. However, it should be noted that this trail contains some slippery, steep and rocky areas, as well as some narrow sections that can be difficult to pass.
Precept Trail- 3.1 miles
Access from: Bar Harbor, ME
In terms of the Acadia region, the Precipice Trail is certainly one of the steepest and most difficult hikes, even if it is not a long distance. From this stretch, you will see cliffs that give you the opportunity to have fantastic views of the ocean. You need to plan your approach to this trail carefully as it is often closed during parts of the spring and summer to protect the falcons during breeding season.
Ring and Blueberry Buffalo Trail- 1.8 miles
Access from: York, ME
This trail offers views of the Atlantic Coastline as you travel past rock formations. For those interested, these trails lead to a mountain lodge that is great for gatherings of family and friends. The trails are very well maintained and great for beginners who are not too energetic. Overall, it’s a simple trail for those looking for a hike that doesn’t take all day.
Appalachian Trail Weight-bearing 17.5 miles
Accessed from: New Portland, ME
This is the most beautiful portion of the Appalachian Trail, offering fantastic views of the forest as you pass many lakes, around streams and directly across the Kennebec River. Hikers will also pass Jerome Brook along the historic footpath and then through a palisade-type setting filled with cedar trees.
Porlandia Trails- 3.75 miles
Accessed from: Portland, ME
This hike takes you on Baxter Boulevard and goes all the way around what is known as Back Cove, which is a circular cove belonging to Casco Bay. For those in the area, this trail is a nice retreat to a quieter setting where you can watch and photograph wildlife such as the birds in the area.
Notes:
Seymour, T. Hiking Maine. Falcon Publishing.
Kodas, Weegar, Condon, & Scherer. Exploring Mass Follow: Hikes in Northern New England Stackpole Books.
Kong, D. & Ring, D. Hiking Acadia National Park. Falcon Publishing
