Posted in Maine
April 22, 2016
10 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Maine Should Take
Those first few nice days in Maine always have me imaging what I’ll do when summer is finally here. I know I’ll be visiting some of the beaches we mentioned a few days ago, but I’m really devoting the next few months to exploring on foot. I hope to do my fair share of hiking, but I’m not trying to summit Katahdin. If, like me, you prefer to hit the trails without toting a backpack full of supplies, check out these hikes that are under five miles. They’ll let you enjoy Mother Nature and still have you home in time for a sunset happy hour on the porch.
If sweeping views aren't enough incentive for you to hit the outdoors, check out this trail leading to Moxie Falls. Moxie is one of Maine's highest waterfalls and has a vertical drop of almost 90 feet. The hike isn't hard, but might be slippery in places.
Distance/Duration: 2 miles round trip, 2-3 hours not including the time you spend thinking about what it would feel like to hurl yourself over the 90' falls in a perfect swan dive. Click here for more information.
Distance/Duration: 2 miles round trip, 2-3 hours not including the time you spend thinking about what it would feel like to hurl yourself over the 90' falls in a perfect swan dive. Click here for more information.
This lovely state park was created in part using land donated by the Scott Paper Company. While the area is mainly used by campers and visitors to Moosehead Lake, the trails offer a nice getaway into the surrounding land. There are 2 main hiking trails here. Both the Dunn Point Trail and the Rowell Cove Trail are fairly easy, family friendly and will take you along the shore of the lake.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 2 miles for both trails, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 2 miles for both trails, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.
Not only is this garden beautiful, but it is also completely free of charge. 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.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1.3 miles including the entire network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1.3 miles including the entire network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours.
The South Bubble hike of the Bubble Mountains is one of the more accessible endeavors in Acadia National Park. Once you've reached the top you'll see the famous perched rock, left by glacial activity centuries ago.
Distance/Duration: 2 miles, 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.
Distance/Duration: 2 miles, 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.
This network 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. If you explore all the trails, you'll still have a fairly easy time. Additionally, there are markers throughout providing information on flora and fauna.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1.2 miles including the entire network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1.2 miles including the entire network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.
While this trail is shorter in distance, it's one of the hardest on this list. It's steep in places with some small areas to place your feet. But, along the way you'll be able to see from the Quoddy Channel to the cliffs of Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick Canada. It's worth it!
Distance/Duration: 4 miles round trip, 4-5 hours. Click here for more information.
Distance/Duration: 4 miles round trip, 4-5 hours. Click here for more information.
To hike the Jewell Island trails you're going to have to work for it. The island is only accessible by boat and there are no scheduled ferry services. So, find yourself a craft or a seafaring friend and get ready to experience one of the loveliest outer islands off the coast of Portland. There are so many accessible paths here, we can't list them all but trust us when we tell you that the 221-acres of island habitat will not disappoint. Those looking for more adventure can pack camping gear and make a weekend of it in the campgrounds on the island. History buffs will enjoy the relics left from WW1 and WW2.
Distance/Duration: 3 miles of trails on the network, anywhere from 3-4 hours, not including launching your boat from the mainland and making your way over. Click here for more information.
Distance/Duration: 3 miles of trails on the network, anywhere from 3-4 hours, not including launching your boat from the mainland and making your way over. Click here for more information.
You'd have to work hard to find a boring trail in this park. Walking through the network of Casco Bay Trails will take you from forest to rocky coastline. This one is great for kids and you can finish off the day at the outlets in downtown Freeport.
Distance/Duration: 5 miles if you do every trail, 1-5 hours depending on how leisurely you'd like to be. Click here for more information.
Distance/Duration: 5 miles if you do every trail, 1-5 hours depending on how leisurely you'd like to be. Click here for more information.
The hike will allow you to explore Maine's North Woods, in addition to the state's lumbering history. Access to this short trail comes by traveling to the trailhead at either Chamberlain Lake (South) or Eagle Lake (North.) Once you've found the trail, you'll wander through mixed trees (some are about 200 years old!) and pass various remnants of the antique tramway, including the power plant and trails once used to haul lumber. The artifacts on this trail were also featured in our "Abandoned Places" article. Click here for the full version.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1 mile round trip, 1 (or so) hour.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1 mile round trip, 1 (or so) hour.
This forested preserve is comprised of approximately 625 acres and includes Alewife Pond. This trail will take you in a loop to the pond and back. In the spring you'll be surrounded by wildflowers and in the summer you'll want to bring a container for blueberry picking.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 2.5 miles including the full network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 2.5 miles including the full network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.
What are your favorite short hikes? Let us know over on Facebook!
