Kick Off Spring In Maine With These 8 Scenic Hikes Under One Mile
When the temperatures get warmer, we can’t help but think about all the ways we’re going to enjoy the great outdoors in Maine during the beautiful spring weather. But, while it’s exciting to get out and hit the trails, you may not be entirely ready to take on anything huge just yet. The perfect solution? These hikes that are all either a mile or less! Strap on your shoes, but don’t worry too much about spending an entire day in the woods. These may be some of the best hikes in Maine, but they’re all short and sweet!
1. Homans Path, Dorr Mountain
Sieur de Monts Nature Center, 2 Sieur de Monts Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Views from Dorr Mountain include Atlantic, Champlain, and Cadillac Mountains. We think this hidden gem trail is even better than those that surround it for these views and the fact that the trail is likely to be less busy than others. Homans Path goes along the face of the cliff and follows streams. Read more about Homans Path before you set off on your adventure!
This hike is just about a mile in length, but the pay off at the end will make it feel like you put in a lot more effort. The trail leads to two abandoned locomotives sitting in the woods - a remnant of Maine's lumbering history.
Access to this short trail comes by traveling to the trailhead at either Chamberlain Lake (South) or Eagle Lake (North) in the Maine North Woods.
Learn more about the Tramway Trail.
This 90-foot high waterfall is one of the largest in Maine and the hike to reach it is truly wonderful. It's rocky and has some exposed roots, so this is definitely for folks who are up for a bit of a hike. But, the route is just about a mile so you won't be covering tons of ground. The trailhead is about 18 miles south of Oquossoc, in the Rangeley area. Visit AllTrails to learn more before you set out on one of the best hikes in Maine.
Sitting quietly in Reid State Park you'll find one of the most lovely trails in all of Maine. It's just about a half mile, but the views from the summit will make you think you've hiked at least 12. Remember to gaze eastward to see from Robinhood Cove towards Sheepscot Bay. Learn more about this easy, secluded trail at AllTrails.
5. Lily Bay State Park Trails, Beaver Cove
Lily Bay State Park, 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441, USA
Located on land donated by the Scott Paper Company, this part is one of the best hidden gems in Maine. A lot of people choose this area to camp during the summer, but we think it's nice even for just a day trip for hiking. The 2 main hiking trails here - The Dunn Point Trail and the Rowell Cove Trail - are fairly easy, family friendly and will take you along the shore of the lake. Each is about a mile. Learn more about Lily Bay State Park.
6. Pigeon Hill, Steuben
Pigeon Hill Preserve Trailhead, 1216-1212 Pigeon Hill Rd, Steuben, ME 04680, USA
Pigeon Hill Preserve is a property of Downeast Coastal Conservancy. At 317 feet to the summit, it's also the highest point on the coast in Washington County. The hike is about a mile, but the views are the type you'd expect to see on a much larger hike. Make sure to spot Blue Hill, Mt. Desert Island, Petit Manan Light and the islands of Pleasant Bay. Visit this site to learn more about Pigeon Hill Preserve, one of the best hikes in Maine.
7. Holden Community Learning Trails, Holden
Holden Nature Trails, 590 Main Rd, Holden, ME 04429, USA
We consider this another great hidden gem in Maine and think you'll love it too. We love it because there's a network of trails, meaning you can choose a few at a time or come back over and over again to enjoy them. And, each is shorter than a mile making this something you can do quickly. But, of course, if you're ambitious you could choose to do them all and cover about 1.2 miles in total. Learn more about the trails before you head out.
8. Ecotat Gardens and Aboretum, Hermon
Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum, 25 Annis Rd, Hermon, ME 04401, USA
This is a great place to visit if you love beautiful scenery and things that you can do for free in Maine. There are 80 acres of land here with 15 acres of gardens. While all the trails together are about 1.3 miles, there are lots of individual trails that are less than that. To learn more, visit the Ecotat Gardens and Aboretum website.
There’s another way to enjoy Maine’s nature without breaking a sweat – this incredible waterfall. It’s gorgeous and you won’t even need to take a single hiking step to see it. But don’t forget to also make time for the best hikes in Maine!
Address: Higgins Mountain, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Address: Angel Falls, West Central Franklin, ME 04275, 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: Holden Nature Trails, 590 Main Rd, Holden, ME 04429, USA
Address: Eagle Lake, ME, USA
Address: Sieur de Monts Nature Center, 2 Sieur de Monts Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Address: Pigeon Hill Preserve Trailhead, 1216-1212 Pigeon Hill Rd, Steuben, ME 04680, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Maine
March 24, 2022
Meghan Byers
What are the best kid-friendly hikes around Maine?
There’s nothing like getting out and exploring the great outdoors as a family, but sometimes hiking with kids can be a little bit of a challenge. Luckily, there are plenty of short, easy hikes in Maine that can be enjoyed by even the youngest nature lovers. The Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, for example, is a quick and easy hike that leads to incredible views in Acadia National Park – and it’s paved, so it’s suitable for strollers. For mature kids interested in aviation and history, try the 0.5-mile B-52 Crash Site Trail on Elephant Mountain, where you can visit a memorial to the U.S. Airforce members who lost their lives in 1963 when their B-52 plane crashed on a training mission. You’ll see the wreckage of the plane itself along the path, making for a truly unique and moving experience. For more hikes you can do with the whole family, visit this guide.
What state parks should I visit in Maine?
Acadia National Park is obviously a standout in the Pine Tree State and not to be missed, but Maine also has a total of 32 beautiful state parks to explore! For shoreline trails and stunning views of Maine’s famous rocky coast, visit Two Lights State Park, named for twin lighthouses built all the way back in 1828. Camden Hills State Park, meanwhile, is known for its mountain trails and scenic, sweeping view of Penobscot Bay from the top of Mount Battie – a view that inspired Edna St. Vincent Millay’s 1912 poem, “Renascence.” Hit the beach at Popham Beach State Park, which has lifeguards on duty during the summer months. Or get away from the crowds and visit these lesser-known but still gorgeous Maine state parks.
Address: Higgins Mountain, Georgetown, ME 04548, USA
Address: Angel Falls, West Central Franklin, ME 04275, 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: Holden Nature Trails, 590 Main Rd, Holden, ME 04429, USA
Address: Eagle Lake, ME, USA
Address: Sieur de Monts Nature Center, 2 Sieur de Monts Rd, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Address: Pigeon Hill Preserve Trailhead, 1216-1212 Pigeon Hill Rd, Steuben, ME 04680, USA
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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.
