There are many well known trails in Maine that have been trod by many, and for good reason, but today we are asking you to think of some of the lesser known trials. It can be a blast to get out into previously uncharted territory and see pieces of nature that may be a bit less peopled. If you think that means you need to head far off-the-beaten path, think again! These hikes are likely to be new for some people, but they’re surprisingly easy to find, and make for some of the best hikes in Maine.

1. Saco Beach Loop, Saco
95 Bayview Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
sas572 / TripAdvisor
This four mile round trip hike includes the beach and some more structured trails. You'll find it just a few miles from Old Orchard Beach, at Ferry Beach State Park. The park is comprises of more than 100 acres and includes some these trails that are part of the Saco Bay Trails system.
2. Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum, Hermon
Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum, 25 Annis Rd, Hermon, ME 04401, USA
Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum / Facebook
This manicured trail costs nothing to enjoy, but that's not why we like it. The more than 80 acres of land provides 15 acres of gardens for exploring. It's full of non-native flowers and native trees. The trail system meanders through wooded area, as well as the marshy area below. The trip is about 1.3 miles which includes the entire network of paths. Plan to spend anywhere from 1-3 hours.
3. Eliot Mountain, Mount Desert Island
Eliot Mountain, Mt Desert, ME 04662, USA
JR P / Flickr
The summit of this pretty moutain looks out over Northeast Harbor in the 1,000-acre Land & Garden Preserve outside of Acadia National Park. History lovers might like this option. The trails here are said date back to the 1800s.
4. Holden Community Learning Trails, Holden
590 Main Rd, Holden, ME 04429
Mark Plummer / Flickr
This collection of 1.2 miles of trails is located near the elementary school in town and serves as a great place for providing outdoor education to the community. If you're looking to take it easy, take the Washburn Trail. For those looking to get deeper into the woods, there are a few different trails that cross each other. Plan to stay anywhere from 1-3 hours.
5. The Kennebec River Rail Trail, Augusta, Hallowell and Gardiner
Kennebec River Rail Trail, Augusta, ME, USA
Terry Ross / Flickr
A lovely 6.5 mile trail follows the Kennebec River on its west side as it bends and curves its way towards the coast. It also follows the railroad tracks that once connected Portland to Augusta. While they are no longer in use, they're still maintained today in case they are ever used in the future. Stone markers are used every quarter mile to track the distance and look just like the original markers once used in conjunction with the train.

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6. Whiskeag Trail, Bath
Whiskeag Trail, Bath, ME 04530, USA
Kennebec Estuary Land Trust / Facebook
You might be surprised to find out that one of the longest coastal walks in Maine is actually just outside of Bath! In fact, this trail will actually take you to the heart of town. It follows the Whiskeag Creek, connecting the Bath Area Family YMCA with KELT's Thorne Head Preserve. Taking the five-mile hike means winding your way through three public preserves.
7. Little River Community Trails, Belfast
Little River Drive, Little River Dr, Belfast, ME 04915, USA
davehensley / Flickr
Head to Belfast for this hike, which winds its way right through town. Start on Route 1 at the old brick pump house. The trail begins at the kiosk near the Belfast Water District office. You'll know you're on the trail when you see the blue paint markers on the trees. Make your way along the Little River for about four miles until you end up near the Walsh baseball field. From here you'll need to make your own way back to where your parked.
8. Higgins Mountain, Georgetown
Higgins Mountain, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
katie wheeler / Flickr
This hike can easily be tacked onto a trip to Reid State Park. The trail itself is short - a little more than a half mile - but the summit is incredible. The top offers views of Maine's coast eastward from Robinhood Cove towards Sheepscot Bay.
9. Thorncrag Sanctuary, Lewiston
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, Lewiston, ME 04240, USA
nhoulihan / Flickr
Thorncrag can be found outside of downtown Lewiston, and offers access to the largest sanctuary for birds in all of New England. But, you don't need to be a bird watcher to enjoy yourself here. There are six different trails, collectively about 6 miles, each allowing visitors to explore every area of the property. The park offers beautiful hills, lovely woods and ponds and streams.
10. Alewife Woods Preserve, Kennebunk
Alewive Woods Preserve, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
Michael O'Brien / Flickr
This forested preserve is about 625 acres and includes the lovely Alewife Pond. The looped trail leads directly to the pond and back. Visitors have access to about 2.5 miles including the full network of paths and should plan to spend anywhere from 1-3 hours.

We think that these hikes – despite being less popular – are some of the best hikes in Maine, and hope that you choose to explore them sometime soon! Which trail interests you the most? To enjoy the trees without heading out into the forest, make a reservation at this restaurant with a decidedly treehouse-feel.

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Best hikes in Maine

Sara Dager | March 31, 2022

Which hikes in Maine are the best in Winter? 

When the leaves fall and a blanket of snow covers the ground, it becomes very clear why Maine is known as the pine tree state. The state is utterly breathtaking in winter. While you may be excited to see some scenic hikes in Maine, certain trails are not exactly meant for the cold weather, so you want to make sure you've picked a trail that is safe to traverse before lacing up your boots. This short easy hike in Blue Hill and this stunning trail in Acadia make for some good choices.

Can you hike to historical sites in Maine? 

There are many historical places in Maine that you may be excited to visit. The state has seen a lot of history since its founding and much of it has been expertly preserved for our education. One ideal spot to visit is the Good Will Hinkley campus in Fairfield. With multiple massive stone monuments, including a huge stone throne, this is an easy hike that is sure to impress. You may also want to take a trip to explore the historic pines trail along the Kennebec River, this hiking trail will teach you about the significance of the native people who originally settled along the river, and also features a large granite monument.

Are there any swinging bridges in Maine? 

There is in fact a very impressive and slightly scary swinging bridge in Maine! The Androscoggin swinging bridge hangs over a river by the same name and was built over one hundred and twenty years ago for workers at the nearby mill. This swinging bridge is the largest pedestrian bridge in Maine and the views from the walk across will more than make up for any nerves you may feel while making the trek. Make sure to pack a camera and take a few deep breaths because this is an adventure that simply cannot be missed.

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