The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Maine
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Maine offers much more than just lobsters and Stephen King tales. It is home to some of the finest hiking in the northeastern United States, featuring thousands of miles of trails.
Selecting the top hiking routes in Maine can be challenging. For the daring adventurer, there are numerous backcountry multi-day hikes, while beginners can enjoy the stunning coastline without difficulty.
From coastal paths showcasing breathtaking views of lighthouses atop rocky, saltwater-lashed ledges to challenging hikes that belong on every bucket list, put on your hiking boots and explore why Maine is known as Vacationland.
1. Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park
Ideal for a one-of-a-kind hiking adventure1.5 miles, 2–3 hours, challenging
Acadia National Park boasts a wealth of stunning mountain peaks that offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and Maine’s rugged coastline. Among them, the Beehive Trail stands out as one of the park's most distinctive hikes, featuring sections where climbers ascend iron rung ladders attached to granite.
The trail begins with a gentle walk through the woods until you reach a trail marker. You'll start climbing granite stairs, crossing iron bridges, and finally ascend a series of iron rung ladders over boulders. Upon reaching the summit at 520 feet, you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Sand Beach. The descent follows the Bowl Trail, where you can refresh yourself in the Bowl, an alpine pond nestled between Beehive and Gorham Mountain.
2. Mount Katahdin, Baxter State Park
Best suited for seasoned hikers5.2 miles, 8–12 hours, extremely challenging
Revered as the “Greatest Mountain” by the Penobscot, Mt. Katahdin is situated in the heart of Baxter State Park. At 5,269 feet, it is not only Maine’s tallest peak but also the northern endpoint of the Appalachian Trail. A hike up Mt. Katahdin typically takes between 8 to 12 hours and is considered very strenuous.
The 5.2-mile Hunt Trail is a favored route to reach Baxter Peak, offering stunning views of Maine’s foothills and Katahdin Stream Falls. For well-prepared, experienced hikers, the renowned 1.1-mile traverse of Knife Edge will challenge your fear of heights, but the bragging rights you earn with locals will be worth it.
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3. Gulf Hagas, Brownville
Ideal hike for a refreshing swim8.2 miles, 5–6 hours, moderate
Known as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Gulf Hagas is a stunning three-mile rock canyon that rises 500 feet above the rushing West Branch of the Pleasant River. Accessible via Katahdin Iron Works Road in Brownville, it forms part of the Appalachian Trail corridor in central Maine.
Soon after the parking area, you'll need to cross the river, with water levels varying depending on the season and rainfall. From there, you'll stroll along the Appalachian Trail, passing through a grove of 150-year-old white pines in the Hermitage before connecting to the Gulf Hagas loop. At the next trail junction, take the Rim Trail to enjoy views of the many waterfalls as you ascend. On a warm summer day, you'll find plenty of spots to take a dip in the refreshing water.
4. Mt. Battie, Camden Hills State Park
Perfect for families1.1 miles, 1–2 hours, moderate
Mt. Battie, located in Camden Hills State Park, is one of Maine’s most renowned hikes. The 1.1-mile trail is short but steep, involving some scrambling, making it accessible for hikers of all ages. At 780 feet, the summit offers breathtaking views of Camden and Penobscot Bay. Don’t forget to climb the stone tower for even more spectacular vistas and great photo opportunities.
5. Fairy Head Loop, Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
Ideal for nature lovers10.4 miles, 7–8 hours, challenging
Overlooking the Bay of Fundy, Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land encompasses over 12,334 acres of wilderness in Downeast Maine. Known as the Bold Coast, this nature preserve offers a unique opportunity to explore various coastal ecosystems. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning sunrise over the rugged shoreline.
The Fairy Head Loop is a 10.4-mile loop trail that features nearly four miles of scenic shoreline hiking before winding inland through meadows, forests, and grass marshes. Wildlife is plentiful, and there are several camping spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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6. Tumbledown Mountain, Weld
Perfect for those who enjoy a crowd3.7 miles, 3–4 hours, moderate
Located among the wooded peaks of western Maine, Tumbledown Mountain is one of the state's most sought-after day hikes. While it may not be the tallest peak or offer the best panoramic views, it features two stunning highlights: an alpine pond at 2,800 feet and impressive 700-foot granite cliffs on the southern face that overlook the pond.
The most straightforward route to the pond is the Brook Trail, which features a 1,600-foot elevation gain. The Tumbledown Ridge Trail leads toward the East Peak, descending into a saddle before ascending to the summit of West Peak.
The Loop Trail is the most challenging option and is recommended only for experienced hikers, as it includes steep sections where you'll need to climb metal rungs through boulders to reach the summit. Don’t forget your swimsuit and a picnic to enjoy the tranquility from the granite peak.
7. 100-Mile Wilderness, Central Maine
Ideal for seasoned multi-day trekkers100 miles, 5–10 days, strenuous
Stretching 100 miles from the quaint central Maine town of Monson to the southern edge of Baxter State Park, the 100-Mile Wilderness is often referred to as the “wildest section” of the Appalachian Trail, known for its challenging navigation and rugged terrain. Best hiked from late June through July, this wilderness trek is a true bucket-list adventure for experienced and daring hikers.
Be prepared to pack all your essentials, as you can expect to hike for 8 to 12 hours each day. Over the course of 100 miles, you’ll ascend nearly 15,000 feet. While the trek can be demanding, it offers an amazing chance to immerse yourself in Maine’s wilderness and wildlife. Keep an eye out for moose!
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8. Bigelow Mountain, Bigelow Preserve
Best suited for elite hikers16.3 miles, 8–10 hours, strenuous
Venture off the beaten path and tackle one of Backpacker Magazine’s toughest day hikes in America with the Bigelow Mountain Traverse. This 16.3-mile trek through the Bigelow Mountain Range via the Appalachian Trail presents some of the most breathtaking views of Maine’s western mountains and the nearby Flagstaff Lake.
This challenging point-to-point hike requires planning, as you'll need cars at both trailheads. The climb up Little Bigelow starts off gently before becoming steeper as you approach its summit. From there, the next 6.4 miles involve strenuous ups and downs along Bigelow Mountain, culminating at Avery Peak, which stands at 4,088 feet. More climbs and descents await until you finish. If you want to extend your day hike into a weekend adventure, there are several tent platforms just below Avery Peak in Bigelow Col.
9. Southwest Ridge Trail, Pleasant Mountain
Best for breathtaking vistas5.8 miles, 3–4 hours, moderate
Located just an hour's drive from Portland, Pleasant Mountain is the tallest mountain in southern Maine, reaching 2,006 feet. Managed by Loon Echo Land Trust, Pleasant Mountain features six trails that span over 10 miles. The open summit provides ample stunning views, and if you're fortunate, you might catch a glimpse of Mt. Washington in New Hampshire.
The 3.6-mile Ledges Trail is the most popular and straightforward route to the summit, but on a lovely summer day, expect it to be crowded with fellow hikers. If you seek a more peaceful experience, the 5.8-mile roundtrip Southwest Ridge Trail is an excellent alternative. Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the granite ledges at the top.
10. Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park
Ideal for sunrise enthusiasts2.2 miles, 2–4 hours, moderate
Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park is one of the first places in the U.S. to witness the sunrise. While many visitors drive to the summit, the hike is relatively easy compared to other trails on Mount Desert Island. The open granite summit provides near panoramic views of Bar Harbor, Mount Desert Island, and the Atlantic Ocean.
The best time to hike is in the middle of the night, so you can reach the summit in time to watch the sunrise over America. Grab a headlamp and follow the 2.2-mile Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail to the 1,528-foot summit under the stars. Don’t forget to bring a flask of coffee!
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