If There Are Only 3 Family Hikes You Ever Take In Maine, Follow These Easy Trails

Outside Yarmouth is a gorgeous rocky shore trail following the Harraseeket River. You can do just the Harraseeket trail, out and back style for a 3.1-mile trip, or use the White Pines trail to make it a slightly shorter loop of 2 miles. These trails cross all over the park across the peninsula. The trails are kept clear and well-marked, but can be a little slippery during the wet season. If you prefer a solitary hike, this is a particularly great trail for the off-season.

On the Maine side of the White Mountain National Forest is a mountainous area home to the Albany Mountain Trail. This trail is perfect for kids who are a little bit older and all about the view at the end.

The many mountain creeks are sometimes damned by beavers. Depending on where they build and the season, the trail may get wet, but should still be passable. Wear waterproof shoes and use a walking stick for extra balance if necessary when crossing slippery areas. Mossy boulders line the trail and there are beautiful wild flowers in the summer. Go a little past the peak, following the cairns (rock stacks) to find the best views and take pictures.

After you leave the small parking lot, you’ll see old stone walls, mushrooms, and wooden bridges.

Some trail junctions are not well marked. New hikers may want to use an app to navigate or take a photo of the map at the trailhead.