These 9 Fantastic Summer Hikes In Maine End With A Refreshing Swim
Hiking in Maine is one of the reasons we hold our breath for warm weather all year long. From tough ones, to simple ones, wooded ones in the forest to breezy ones on the coast – they’re all pretty incredible. But on a hot day in July, there’s nothing better than the trails that lead to a refreshing dip. To work up a sweat and then relax the rest of the day away, try these hikes!
The Bowl is a beautiful high-altitude lake that's perfect for swimming on a hot Maine day. While it's near the summit of The Beehive, the lake is reached far more easily than The Beehive. In fact, the trail to reach The Bowl lake is well-marked and only about 1.5 miles roundtrip. While the trail isn't difficult, it does go slightly uphill. Upon arriving you'll be met with some of the clearest water in the area, along with the opportunity for a relaxing swim.
There's a lovely 25-mile network of trails on the local conservation land here in Liberty. At the end of your meanders, head to Lake St. George State Park in for a dip in what's a bit of an undeveloped lake.
Take a one mile hike to reach the top of Bald Mountain, which will provide you with views of Rangelely and Mooselookmeguntic Lakes. Once you've worked up a sweat, head back to Rangeley Lake State Park, to enjoy the grassy areas and swimming in Rangeley Lake.
This is your chance to try out the Appalachian Trail without actually committing to a grueling multi-month hike! Start at Katahdin Stream Campground and head south to Daicey Pond. From here head back using the Nature Trail, Tracy and Elbow Ponds Trail for a total of five miles. You can actually swim in all of the ponds along the way, but there's a dock at Daicey Pond that's perfect for getting in the water.
This hike is a bit more challenging than some of the rest. You'll start from Echo Lake and climb the steel ladders of Beech Cliff Trail. From here take a look over the cliff to see the expanse of Acadia. Once you've had your fill, head down using the Canada Cliff Trail, which is a bit easier. Cool off at the sandy beach on Echo Lake.
Schoodic Mountain is a bit bare at the top, but the views of the coastline are wonderful. You can even see as far as Acadia National Park on some days. Head back down to check out Schoodic Beach, a sandy area located on the shores of Donnell Pond. This three mile journey is easy on the legs and the reward is sweet.
Head to Evans Notch in the White Mountain National Forest to take in the Caribou and Mud Brook trails. This will be about a five mile loop hike. Look to the west to see the peaks of the Carter-Moriah and Presidential ranges. Within all of this is Basin Pond, where you can also camp nearby.
About two miles hiking will bring you to the observation tower at the top of Mount Blue, located within the largest State Park in Maine - Mount Blue State Park. From here you'll see Tumbledown, Little and Big Jackson and Blueberry mountains. Then, head down to Webb Lake to enjoy a swim and picnic.
This hike is one of our favorites because the views afford a hint of what you'll soon be enjoying. Once at the summit of Number Four Mountain, the views of Moosehead Lake, as well as Baker and Lily Bay mountains are beautiful. Hike 4-miles round-trip and then head towards a cooling dip at the beach area on Moosehead Lake in Lily Bay State Park.
For more fun in the summer, check out these awesome guided tours in Maine!
