Hiking is one of our favorite Maine pastimes! There are a ton of different trails and ways to enjoy the great outdoors which means whatever your nature preference there's a good chance you'll find it here. Those who live here and even those who simply dream of visiting know that lighthouses are one of the state's most recognizable features. Today we're featuring a trail leading directly to one of Maine's lesser-known lights. As an added bonus, it's great for beginners!
Squirrel Point Lighthouse, located on the Kennebec River in Arrowsic, is one of the unique Maine lighthouses located on a river rather than the ocean coast.
Along with 3 other navigational aids, it sits along an important 11-mile portion of the river leading from the Atlantic Ocean to the important maritime town of Bath.
The lighthouse dates back to 1895 and today there's a simple 1.4-mile trail in Bald Head Preserve leading to see it.
The route has minimal elevation gain, which makes it great for beginner hikers.
And while the trail conditions can vary, the route through the forest is a big part of what makes it so beautiful.
Along the way, you'll see smaller waterways leading inland from the Kennebec River.
There are some fun features, like this footbridge, along the route as well.
We also love that there are views of the Kennebec River before you even arrive at the lighthouse.
As you get closer those views become more clear and the beauty of Maine truly comes into focus.
Take the last small path leading to a boardwalk section of the trail and you'll be there!
Once you arrive you'll want to spend some time here taking in the views. It's also a lovely place to spread a blanket for a picnic when the weather is nice. Once you've taken it all in, just turn around and head back the same way you came.
The Squirrel Point Lighthouse trail can be accessed throughout the year, but remember that conditions can be icy in the winter and muddy in the early spring. You can learn more about how to enjoy the route by checking out alltrails.com. You can learn more about the history of the lighthouse and how it's been restored by visiting the Squirrel Point Lighthouse website.
If you'd like to see more lights but aren't looking to hike, consider taking the lighthouse road trip on the Maine coast that's dreamily beautiful.
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