12 Low-Key Hikes In Maine With Amazing Payoffs
Thinking about Maine evokes images of pine trees and rocky coast. Why? Because we’ve got some of the best natural landscape in the country! All that landscape makes for some pretty sweet views and the best way to take them in is after a nice hike. But, even if you’re not an avid hiker you can still take in these gorgeous sights. These routes on the best hikes in Maine with views are deceptively simple, but so very worth it! So read more to discover the best hikes in Maine that you won’t want to miss. These all belong on your bucket list. We promise each and every one will wow you!
Schoodic Mountain, East Hancock, ME 04634, USA
Head to the top of Schoodic Mountain purely for the views of the coastline! On a clear day, you'll be able to see as far as Acadia National Park. Once you've taken it all in, head back down to enjoy Schoodic Beach, a sandy area located on the shores of Donnell Pond. This three mile journey isn't terribly challenging and the reward is big!
This area is so much fun, especially if you’re looking for kid friendly hikes around East Hancock, Maine. This is such a great one for the whole family!
Barred Island Preserve parking, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
Visiting the Barred Island Preserve might be the best use of your time if you want beauty and options! It's located on the west side of Deer Isle and there are about 1.5 miles of trails in the preserve. We recommend the best one, which is about a mile. It leads visitors across a sandy path that's covered during high tide. So cool! And there's LOTS of areas for kids to comb through sea life and tide pools.
This scenic hike in Maine is such a wonderful way to enjoy the day, especially if you love looking at the ocean. This is a great hike on a hot day!
Higgins Mountain, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
The next time you're at Reid State Park, consider a detour to tackle this easy trail. The route itself is short at just over a half mile, but the summit might surprise you. You'll have sweeping views of Maine's coast eastward from Robinhood Cove towards Sheepscot Bay.
We think Reid State Park is The Maine Park That Will Make You Feel Like You Walked Into A Fairy Tale.
Step Falls Hiking Trail, 1657 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
This simple and easy 1-mile hike leads directly to the base of these wonderful falls, which are some of the highest in the state. You can also choose to take in the view from a different perspective by hiking the slightly more challenging (though not difficult) hike up to the top.
This easy hike in Maine is perfect for all age groups, and the payoff at the end is totally worth it!
Eliot Mountain, Mt Desert, ME 04662, USA
The trails that take visitors through Eliot Mountain are said to date back to the 1800s, making this a great choice for people who love a dose of history with your epic views. Once you've had your fill of hiking, the summit looks out over Northeast Harbor in the 1,000-acre Land & Garden Preserve outside of Acadia National Park.
Mount Desert Island is easily one of the world’s best islands, and a must-see if you’ve never been there!
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
A visit to this lovely state park provides the option to enjoy 5 miles of trails, but you can keep it simple by exploring just a few without even breaking a sweat. Walking through the network of Casco Bay Trails will take you from forest to rocky coastline, meaning view exist just about the entire way. This one is great for kids and you can finish off the day at the outlets in downtown Freeport.
Wolfe’s Neck State Park is the perfect spot to explore if you’re in Freeport and looking for hiking trails near me.
Curtis Cove, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
This hike is a bit different than the others on the list because it's best taken at night and the views are, literally, out of this world! The area includes a beach overlooking the Blue Hill Bay and Long Island and allows for a 180 degree view of the southern portion of the sky. Sitting at this beach once the sun has gone down means great views of the Milky Way galaxy in the spring!
This great nighttime hike in Maine is the perfect romantic place to pack a picnic, watch the sunset, and get ready for the show.
Mount Blue, Mt Blue, Avon, ME 04966, USA
Enjoy this two mile hike to the observation tower at the top of Mount Blue, which is located within Mount Blue State Park. From the summit, lucky visitors will be able to see Tumbledown, Little and Big Jackson and Blueberry mountains. On a warm day, head down to Webb Lake fr some swimming and a picnic.
Mount Blue State Park is a must see all year long, and it’s easily one of Maine’s best kept secrets.
Number Four Mountain, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04441, USA
This is another wonderful hike that allows you to reach the top and take in the view of what you can enjoy once you get back down! Once at the summit of Number Four Mountain, the views of Moosehead Lake, as well as Baker and Lily Bay mountains are beautiful. Enjoy the straightforward 4-mile round-trip hike and then head towards the beach area on Moosehead Lake in Lily Bay State Park.
Lily Bay State Park is home to Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine and arguably one of the world’s last great places.
Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
This hike might seem daunting, but it's actually a lot less involved than it gets credit for! The Bowl is a beautiful high-altitude lake that's best explored in the summer. While it's near the summit of The Beehive, the lake is reached far more easily than this famed Maine trail. In fact, the trail to reach The Bowl lake is well-marked and only about 1.5 miles roundtrip. When you arrive at the end, you'll find some of the clearest water in the area, along with the opportunity for a swim.
Acadia National Park is a veritable gold mine of incredible hikes. If this one is too challenging, there are dozens more to explore that might be a little more at your speed!
Moxie Falls Trailhead & Parking, Parking lot, 503 Lake Moxie Rd, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
You can file this hike under "things you avoided because you thought it might be too hard." In reality, this gorgeous waterfall can be reached with a relatively simple walk! Moxie Falls is one of Maine's highest waterfalls with a vertical drop of nearly 90 feet. Watch out for slippery portions of the trail.
For A Beginner-Friendly Waterfall Trail In Maine That’s Great For A Family Hike, Head To Moxie Falls Trail. You won’t regret it!
Mount Battie, Mt Battie, Camden, ME 04843, USA
The calm and beauty of this hike is worth capturing on canvas! Or, just take the memories home with you in your head. Either way, this trail will lead to views of Cadillac Mountain on a clear day. You'll also see Camden Harbor, Penobscot Bay, and the surrounding islands.
Home to the best view in Maine, this overlook and its panoramic view must be completed if you’re in the area. You won’t want to miss it!
Have you hiked any of the best hikes in Maine with views? What did you think? Were you absolutely awe-struck? Are there any we left off the list? Let us know in the comments below!
For more outdoor fun, check out these free ways to enjoy the nature in Maine!
Address: Maine, USA
Address: Eliot Mountain, Mt Desert, ME 04662, USA
Address: Higgins Mountain, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Address: Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Address: Schoodic Mountain, East Hancock, ME 04634, USA
Address: Mount Blue, Mt Blue, Avon, ME 04966, USA
Address: Number Four Mountain, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04441, USA
Address: Step Falls Hiking Trail, 1657 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
Address: Moxie Falls Trailhead & Parking, Parking lot, 503 Lake Moxie Rd, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
Address: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Address: Curtis Cove, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
Address: Mount Battie, Mt Battie, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Address: Barred Island Preserve parking, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
Best Hikes In Maine With Views
May 20, 2022
How many hikes are in Maine?
There are a ton of hikes in Maine, totally well over 1,830 trails throughout the state. Maine is a large state, with an impressive amount of coastline, and plenty to see and do. And the hikes range from the easiest coastal stroll to a more strenuous hike up the beautiful and impossible Mt. Katahdin
How many miles of hiking trails are in Maine?
Those 1,830 trails boast over 3,478 miles of hikes. That makes for an average of a little less than two miles per hike, totally doable for the average hiker.
Address: Maine, USA
Address: Eliot Mountain, Mt Desert, ME 04662, USA
Address: Higgins Mountain, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Address: Acadia National Park Pond, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Address: Schoodic Mountain, East Hancock, ME 04634, USA
Address: Mount Blue, Mt Blue, Avon, ME 04966, USA
Address: Number Four Mountain, Northeast Piscataquis, ME 04441, USA
Address: Step Falls Hiking Trail, 1657 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
Address: Moxie Falls Trailhead & Parking, Parking lot, 503 Lake Moxie Rd, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
Address: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Address: Curtis Cove, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
Address: Mount Battie, Mt Battie, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Address: Barred Island Preserve parking, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
