13 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Maine
Maine has a long list of some incredible outdoor activities. As a state with mountains, ocean, and everything in between, whatever you feel like doing, you can probably find it in Maine. One of our favorite activities to enjoy during this the year in Maine is hiking on our many trails. There are some for every ability level, from Katahdin’s knife-edge aficionados to folks that prefer flat ground and walking trails. If you’re looking for the best hiking trails in Maine, look no further. Here are a few easy hikes that you must add to your outdoor bucket list in Maine. Keep this list handy for the next time you go exploring!
Cascade Stream Gorge Trail, Coplin, ME 04970, USA
This relatively easy 1-mile loop follows the path of the Cascade Stream gorge. The hike offers picnic opportunities, and the stream is great for swimming on a hot day. The hike is located within the 50-acre Cascade Stream Gorge Conservation Area, which is on the Maine Registry of Critical Areas. It's a truly beautiful place.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1 mile, about 30-45 minutes round trip, depending on your pace. We love this easy hiking trail in Maine, and if you love waterfalls, you will too!
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1 mile, about 30-45 minutes round trip, depending on your pace. We love this easy hiking trail in Maine, and if you love waterfalls, you will too!
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
If you think Acadia National Park is only for the serious hiker, think again. It's absolutely possible to explore the classic Maine forest and coastline using your own two feet - even if you are not a seasoned hiker. Hiking Ocean Path will give you views of what many believe to be "classic Maine" - from coast to forest. There are many stopping points which make it a relaxing hike for those who don't want to have to constantly scramble uphill over rock. The trail will take you past Thunder Hole and will end at Otter Point with views of Cadillac and Dorr Mountains.
Distance/Duration: 4 miles one way, about 8 round trip, anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on how many times you stop and enjoy the journey. Acadia National Park is a must-see, even if you’re just a beginner hiker enjoying Maine’s beauty.
Distance/Duration: 4 miles one way, about 8 round trip, anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on how many times you stop and enjoy the journey. Acadia National Park is a must-see, even if you’re just a beginner hiker enjoying Maine’s beauty.
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
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. Wolfe’s Neck State Park is a must-see if you’re in Freeport, because the wide array of trails over 244 acres are all worth exploring!
Distance/Duration: 5 miles if you do every trail, 1-5 hours depending on how leisurely you'd like to be. Wolfe’s Neck State Park is a must-see if you’re in Freeport, because the wide array of trails over 244 acres are all worth exploring!
Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, Caswell, ME 04750, USA
Within the refuge are over 5 miles of trails, all focused around Chapman Pond and Greenlaw Brook. There are three distinct trail heads and each trail is maintained and relatively flat, making these hikes great for beginners and kids. In addition to hiking, running, snowshoeing and skiing are all allowed in the area.
Distance/Duration: About 5 miles of trails and all are relatively easy, Plan for a half-day to explore. Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning place to bring the whole family, and you’ll have a blast wildlife viewing and exploring all there is to see!
Distance/Duration: About 5 miles of trails and all are relatively easy, Plan for a half-day to explore. Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning place to bring the whole family, and you’ll have a blast wildlife viewing and exploring all there is to see!
Step Falls Hiking Trail, 1657 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
This moderately easy 1-mile trail will bring you directly to the base of the falls, which are among the highest in Maine. For a different vantage point, take the slightly more challenging (though not difficult) hike up to the top. The trail follows along Wight Brook and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and swimming.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1 mile round trip, about 45 minutes to one hour for the whole thing, depending on your pace. This kid-friendly hike in Maine is especially fun in the summertime, when you can see the water flow impressively.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1 mile round trip, about 45 minutes to one hour for the whole thing, depending on your pace. This kid-friendly hike in Maine is especially fun in the summertime, when you can see the water flow impressively.
Moxie Falls, Unnamed Road, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
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. The scenic hike in Maine is a great way to cool off in the heat of the day, and enjoy some of Maine’s most stunning natural scenery.
Distance/Duration: 2 miles round trip, 2-3 hours. The scenic hike in Maine is a great way to cool off in the heat of the day, and enjoy some of Maine’s most stunning natural scenery.
Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum, 25 Annis Rd, Hermon, ME 04401, USA
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. Who doesn’t love Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum? Especially with miles and miles of trails to explore.
Distance/Duration: Approximately 1.3 miles including the entire network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Who doesn’t love Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum? Especially with miles and miles of trails to explore.
Alewive Woods Preserve, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
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. Alewive Woods Preserve is a wonderful coastal preserve that you’ll love to go birdwatching on. Meander around and see what you can find!
Distance/Duration: Approximately 2.5 miles including the full network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Alewive Woods Preserve is a wonderful coastal preserve that you’ll love to go birdwatching on. Meander around and see what you can find!
Holden Nature Trails, 590 Main Rd, Holden, ME 04429, USA
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.
These easy hikes in Maine offer a lot of ways to explore the forested area around Holden.
Lily Bay State Park, 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441, USA
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. Lily Bay State Park Trails are the best place to explore, especially when you need to cool off a little. Try one of the easy hikes and see for yourself!
Distance/Duration: Approximately 2 miles for both trails, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Lily Bay State Park Trails are the best place to explore, especially when you need to cool off a little. Try one of the easy hikes and see for yourself!
South Bubble, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
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. The South Bubble Mountain hike is such a fun, kid friendly hike in Maine. And it’s a great way to explore Acadia National Park!
Distance/Duration: 2 miles, 1-3 hours. The South Bubble Mountain hike is such a fun, kid friendly hike in Maine. And it’s a great way to explore Acadia National Park!
Jewell Island, Portland, ME 04019, USA
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.
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13. Rines Forest Trail, Cumberland
Rines Forest Trailhead, 352-362 Range Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021, USA
The Rines Forest is part a 216-acre woodland that features a variety of land types. The southern portion of the area is one of the most lovely and has steep rolling hills mixed with wonderful cascading streams. Keep in mind that much of this area is wet, floodplain and is meant only to be used in the winter.
Distance/Duration: The network is comprised of about 2.5 miles of trails, Anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on your route and pace. We love this scenic hike in Maine, because it feels like you’re dropped right into the middle of a fairy tale.
Distance/Duration: The network is comprised of about 2.5 miles of trails, Anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on your route and pace. We love this scenic hike in Maine, because it feels like you’re dropped right into the middle of a fairy tale.
Do you think these are the best hikes to do in Maine? Are there any we missed? Which one on the list is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Want more outdoor activities? Check out these other activities that just about anyone can get involved in! We love enjoying all of these great Maine things to do!
Address: Maine, USA
Address: Moxie Falls, Unnamed Road, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
Address: Lily Bay State Park, 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441, USA
Address: Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum, 25 Annis Rd, Hermon, ME 04401, USA
Address: South Bubble, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
Address: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Address: Alewive Woods Preserve, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
Address: Step Falls Hiking Trail, 1657 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
Address: Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, Caswell, ME 04750, USA
Address: Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Address: Rines Forest Trailhead, 352-362 Range Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021, USA
Address: Cascade Stream Gorge Trail, Coplin, ME 04970, USA
Address: Jewell Island, Portland, ME 04019, USA
Address: Holden Nature Trails, 590 Main Rd, Holden, ME 04429, USA
Best Hikes To Do In Maine
June 17, 2022
What is Maine’s most famous trail?
When you think of hiking in Maine, usually your mind goes straight to Mount Katahdin & the Knife Edge Trail. Not surprisingly, because it’s one of the most difficult, and most epic hikes, in all of Maine. Not for the beginning hiker, but well worth it if you get up there!
What is the most dangerous hike in Maine?
Many people think that Precipice Trail in Maine’s Acadia National Park is the most dangerous hike in Maine. A couple of people have fallen to their death on the trail, most recently a woman in 2012. If you’re going to hike it, do so carefully and responsibly!
Address: Maine, USA
Address: Moxie Falls, Unnamed Road, West Forks, ME 04985, USA
Address: Lily Bay State Park, 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441, USA
Address: Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum, 25 Annis Rd, Hermon, ME 04401, USA
Address: South Bubble, Mt Desert, ME 04660, USA
Address: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Address: Alewive Woods Preserve, Kennebunk, ME 04043, USA
Address: Step Falls Hiking Trail, 1657 Bear River Rd, Newry, ME 04261, USA
Address: Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge, Caswell, ME 04750, USA
Address: Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
Address: Rines Forest Trailhead, 352-362 Range Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021, USA
Address: Cascade Stream Gorge Trail, Coplin, ME 04970, USA
Address: Jewell Island, Portland, ME 04019, USA
Address: Holden Nature Trails, 590 Main Rd, Holden, ME 04429, USA
