Take These 12 Incredible Maine Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
Hiking in Maine is a great way to clear your head and take in the fresh air that we’re so lucky to have. From easy routes with little elevation change to the trails that challenge us physically and mentally, there’s truly something for everyone. This year we’ve committed to getting out as much as possible. If you’re planning to do the same, check out this list of the best hiking in Maine that will take you on a hiking adventure from January through December! It’s a series of trails that you will absolutely love.
Let's start things off nice and wintry! This January, clear your head by taking a simple two-mile hike with minimal elevation gain. The route begins easily, but leads to some beautiful views over the water. There's also ample parking. The route should take about an hour and a half, but stay awhile and take in the views to make it last longer. If you’re in the Blue Hill area and looking for 2. FEBRUARY: Wonderland Trail, Acadia National Park
February means settling into winter. That means more cold, the possibility of extra snow and some truly remarkable views all over the state. Some of our favorites are found along this 1.6-mile out and back trail in Acadia National Park. The route leads to forested paths and some wonderfully serene ocean views. Tackle it this month to avoid to summer crowds that come with warmer weather. Acadia National Park is an absolute gem to visit all year long, but there’s something extra special about February.
March has us still solidly in the middle of winter, but soon we'll be facing spring! With that comes longer days, so this is a great month to get out and enjoy a night hike while there's still plenty of night. This coastal route has very little light pollution which means a perfect view of the Milky Way as well as the stars above Maine. As you walk along Blue Hill Bay and Long Island you'll have one of the best 180-degree views in the state! Learn more about the route and how to access this 4. APRIL: Daggett Rock Hike, Phillips
This 0.6-mile hike is perfect for those who aren't trying to tackle a huge climb and who like their hikes to lead to an attraction. The weather might be getting a bit nicer at this point, so a short hike could be great for those who are new to hiking. The route leads to the largest glacial erratic in Maine, and it's also among the largest in the entire world! The rock was left by glaciers that brought the huge rock to its resting place from miles and miles away. Pretty cool! There’s a ton to learn more about this scenic hike in Maine that kids will enjoy, too.
5. MAY: Reid State Park, Georgetown
Reid State Park, 375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Reid State Park has tons of lovely routes, but we love the ones that lead to the beach. May is a great time to remind yourself just why we love the coastal areas of the state. Summer is on its way and things are about to warm up! For more hikes leading to the water click here.
6. JUNE: Cascade Falls Trail, Saco
Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
June is a great time of year to get out and explore the state's waterfalls. As the winter snow melts from the mountains, streams and rivers are roaring making the waterfalls they feed especially impressive. This route is just a half-mile and it's a great one to get your summer started! Saco is definitely a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of 7. JULY: Barred Island Preserve, Deer Isle
Summer is now in full-swing and getting outside is a no-brainer! This hike is a bit more of a walk and is great for kids. It features a disappearing sand bar trail that's also great for teaching little ones about the tides. You can check out more details about this kid friendly hike in Maine.
August is here and summer is still in full swing. That means there's still plenty of time to explore waterfalls and swimming holes. Cool off on this 9. SEPTEMBER: Jesup Path, Bar Harbor Area
The weather is probably still warm, but autumn is certainly on its way! Depending on the weather, we might even have some fall foliage already. This is a great hike for when temps begin to change and it's likely to be extremely beautiful. You can learn more about the 2.2-mile hike and see more beginner trails in Acadia National Park, including plenty that the whole family will love!
10. OCTOBER: Maiden Cliff Trail, Camden Hills State Park
Maiden Cliff Road, Maiden Cliff Rd, Lincolnville, ME 04849, USA
October is here and that means more fall foliage and lots of spooky vibes! To dial them up, check out one of the most haunted hikes in the state. The route is about one mile, but with some extra elevation changes it's a bit more challenging than the others on this list. Learn more about why it's so haunted and how to follow the route at this 11. NOVEMBER: Sunday River Bridge Hike, Newry
November means lots of cozy vibes here in Maine and some fall foliage depending on the weather. This hike is really more of a walk, but it's worth the adventure! To find it, simply make your way to the bridge and stroll across! You can learn what to expect at this easy 12. DECEMBER: Wolfe’s Neck State Park, Freeport
And now the year has come to a close! We considered throwing in a more challenging hike, but decided to close out the year with a more leisurely, but beautiful option. Walking through the Casco Bay Trails will take you from forest to Maine coastline. It's one of the best for kids and you can even plan to add an afternoon at the outlets in downtown Freeport. While there are five miles of trails, many are short and great for little legs! Learn all about visiting Wolfe’s Neck State Park and how you can get the most out of your visit.
Do you think these trails are the best hiking in Maine? Are there any we left out? What are some of your favorite hikes in Maine?Let us know in the comments below!
Address: Blue Hill Mountain Osgood Trail- Blue Hill Heritage Trust, Mountain Rd, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
Address: Wonderland Trail, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Address: Curtis Cove, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
Address: Daggett Rock, Phillips, ME 04966, USA
Address: Reid State Park, 375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Address: Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
Address: Barred Island, Deer Isle, ME 04681, USA
Address: The Cataracts, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA
Address: Jesup Path, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Address: Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Address: Sunday River Bridge, Sunday River, Newry, ME 04261, USA
Address: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Address: Blue Hill, ME, USA
Address: Wonderland Trail, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Address: Curtis Cove, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
Address: Daggett Rock, Phillips, ME 04966, USA
Address: Reid State Park, 375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Address: Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
Address: Barred Island Preserve parking, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
Address: The Cataracts, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA
Address: Jesup Path, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Address: Maiden Cliff Road, Maiden Cliff Rd, Lincolnville, ME 04849, USA
Address: Sunday River Bridge, Sunday River, Newry, ME 04261, USA
Address: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hiking In Maine
June 17, 2022
Megan McDonald
Does Maine have a lot of great winter hiking?
Absolutely! Many choose to forgo the snow covered routes and enjoy brisk walks by the oceanside. These trails are easy to do, which is nice when the ground is hard, and it’s a great way of getting out of the house without having to be covered in snow gear. The best place to truly embrace winter hiking would have to be Camden Hills State Park, known throughout the state for their 50 miles of trails that are a blast to explore in the snowiest seasons.
Can you hike Acadia National Park in Maine in the winter?
Absolutely! Acadia National Park is absolutely stunning in the winter. Not usually a big tourist destination in the colder months, you can enjoy 45 miles of groomed trails to hike during even the snowiest and coldest of Maine’s winter months. Just pack some crampons for the icy parts and you’re ready to go!
Address: Blue Hill Mountain Osgood Trail- Blue Hill Heritage Trust, Mountain Rd, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
Address: Wonderland Trail, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Address: Curtis Cove, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
Address: Daggett Rock, Phillips, ME 04966, USA
Address: Reid State Park, 375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Address: Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
Address: Barred Island, Deer Isle, ME 04681, USA
Address: The Cataracts, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA
Address: Jesup Path, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Address: Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Rd, Camden, ME 04843, USA
Address: Sunday River Bridge, Sunday River, Newry, ME 04261, USA
Address: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Address: Blue Hill, ME, USA
Address: Wonderland Trail, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Address: Curtis Cove, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA
Address: Daggett Rock, Phillips, ME 04966, USA
Address: Reid State Park, 375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Address: Cascade Falls Trail Parking, 61 Cascade Rd, Saco, ME 04072, USA
Address: Barred Island Preserve parking, Goose Cove Rd, Deer Isle, ME 04627, USA
Address: The Cataracts, North Oxford, ME 04261, USA
Address: Jesup Path, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Address: Maiden Cliff Road, Maiden Cliff Rd, Lincolnville, ME 04849, USA
Address: Sunday River Bridge, Sunday River, Newry, ME 04261, USA
Address: Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolfe's Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032, USA
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
