Get Outside With These 10 Accessible Trails In Maine That Are Great For Many
Here in Maine getting outside often feels like a way of life. Between walks in the neighborhood and visiting state parks, we often consider hiking a good way of entertaining out-of-state guests or just keeping busy on the weekend. While many towns have put in effort to ensure that the outdoors is accessible to many, we’re still not entirely there. While we hope that more Maine towns will create outdoor areas that are accessible to all, we do want to recognize a few great trails that exist today. While not all are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, each one on this list features a pathway that’s either paved, packed, or otherwise a bit more navigable by people with limited mobility.
1. Moose Trail, Moose Point State Park, Presque Isle
Located within a beautiful state park, this short route leads to the waterfront. It's not officially ADA compliant, but wheelchair users have reported that it's accessible. The rest of the trails here are also considered to be usable by most wheelchairs, but it's best suited for the most adventure-ready and rugged.
This paved trail is about 1.3 miles one way and follows the trail tracks. You can park at Ellsworth High School to enjoy this simple stroll. While not one of the most scenic on the list, it's perfect for getting some fresh air if you live in the area.
This trail meets ADA standards and provides beautiful views of the waterway that gives it its name. The trail is a 1-mile loop that's also great for kids who aren't looking to go on a difficult hike.
This one isn't officially ADA compliant, but the packed dirt of the trail is said to be accessible by wheelchair and stroller. The entire route is about just under 1 mile and begins and ends at Independence Drive and the Old Fort Western. The best parking can be found at the fort.
5. Cadillac Summit Loop Trail, Acadia National Park
At the top of Cadillac Mountain are a few different trails to access. this one is just under a half-mile and offers incredible views. The trail is fully paved, but there's one section that's a bit steep. This is found about .2 miles into the trail, but it can be avoided by heading back about a tenth of a mile into the route. There's also a section specifically noted to be ADA compliant that leads directly to one of the summit's viewing platforms.
6. White Pines Trail Loop, Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, Freeport
The White Pines Trail is about three-quarters of a mile and at the end has views over Casco Bay that include Googins Island. It also has educational placards as well as benches along the way.
This state park is the only one in Maine that's completely accessible. There are two miles of trails to explore here and about a half-mile is located right along the shores of Range Pond. You'll also find a smooth path running along a beach. In the summer you can access a “swimming transition dock," too. There are also two handicapped-accessible playgrounds. And while we're talking about playgrounds, you can find other accessible ones at Sebago Lake, Mount Blue, Damariscotta Lake, Lake St. George, Swan Lake, Moose Point and Lily Bay.
While not entirely a trail, the nature center is a beautiful place to visit to learn more about Acadia National Park overall. Officially considered a visitors center, you can learn more about the trails, the landscape and other elements of the park. Plus, there are areas to explore here too.
The entirety of the paths at this waterfront park are ADA compliant and offer routes through the trees and near the water. The views are of the bay and open ocean. And, of course, you can't forget the lighthouses!
This route is not ADA compliant, but in our research we did see that it was recommended for wheelchair uses who are more adventurous. Please be aware that the conditions on this path can change, so might be worth calling the park to check before venturing out. If you choose to visit the route is about 1.3-miles out-and-back. The views are a combination of both forest and water with some nice tide pools at the beach.
Have you found any ADA compliant trails that we’ve left off? We’d love for you to add them to the comments for others to see. Remember that limited mobility does not always mean a wheelchair. Often we want to enjoy the outdoors with children in strollers or older people who need a more navigable route. Your comments will certainly help Mainers who love the outdoors!
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.
