Posted in Maine
November 11, 2020
The 7 Most Haunted Hikes In Maine Are Still Plenty Beautiful This Time Of Year
Each year plenty of people wait for Halloween to roll around so they can unleash their inner spookiness. From haunted houses to ghost stories, this is the time of year to get scared. But, what about those who like being scared throughout the year? The people who relish watching scary movies in the dark and explore every mysterious clang and bang from upstairs? For those we give you these haunted hiking trails! You don’t need to wait for Halloween to have a good old-fashioned scare!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
In Bucksport (already one of the spookiest towns in the state!) you'll find a 2-mile network of trails through Silver Lake Park. The area is said to be haunted by the ghost of Sarah Ware who was beheaded here in 1898. Her head and body were both found and buried, but her killer was never identified. It's safe to say that the passage of time ensures that the culprit isn't still lurking in the woods, but it still might be scary to run into that ghost.
Located in Acadia National Park, this trail is said to be haunted by the John Door, the wealthy mansion owner to died while walking it. His death happened with his caretaker by his side and it seems it's the caretaker who has stuck around in these woods. The 0.8-mile trail is considered easy and winds its way through the woods.
This one isn't actually a hiking trail, but you can certainly go for stroll through these woods. But if you do, be prepared to come face-to-face with one of the most well-known ghosts in Maine. People will tell you that the ghost of a young bride killed in an automobile accident on her wedding night roams these parts. If you offer her a ride, she might get in and disappear. Ignore her and you might not make it through the night.
48 French Jesuits created a colony in this area, but were killed by troops led by Samuel Argall who might be most famous for kidnapping Pocahontas. Today, people report hearing French voices, seeing apparitions of Jesuit priests and even seeing red blood in the nearby water! The 1.5-mile route is considered moderately difficult and will take you through the woods and along the water.
In 1739 a shipwreck just off the coast brought about 200 people to the shores near this trail. Without any food, half of them died and were buried here. The other half set off to find help and were never seen again. People report hearing eerie sounds, but mostly this 1.3-mile trail is just lovely. You can read more about it here.
This story might just be the spookiest on this list. The trail, which is 2.6 miles round trip, is beautiful. But the forest is said to be the last known location of a local known as "Bicycle Larry." He (and his bicycle!) went missing here and the circumstances are still mysterious and unknown. Some believe he was killed by the man he was living with, but nobody knows for sure.
A young girl is said to have died tragically in this spot, marked by a white cross. Today, people have reported hearing the screams of the young woman. Others have seen a strange sun hat blowing in the wind. She was reportedly wearing one at the time of her death. The 1.7-mile loop trail is rated as moderate since there's some elevation gain, but the view is incredible.
Do you have a favorite spooky trail? It doesn’t have to be haunted, but anywhere that makes you look behind your back with every step? Let us know in the comments!
And if you prefer some less spooky hiking, we’ve got some of those too! Here are 12 of the greatest hiking trails on earth that are right here in Maine.
Address: Silver Lake Rd, Bucksport, ME 04416, USA
Address: 399 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
Address: Haynesville, ME 04497, USA
Address: 96 Fernald Point Rd, Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Address: Southwest Harbor, ME 04679, USA
Address: Randolph, ME 04346, USA
Address: 321-415 Turnpike Dr, Camden, ME 04843, USA
