Those nice days in Maine always have me itching to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. I love visiting some of the beaches we've mentioned before, but I'm really anxious to get out and explore our beautiful state by foot. I hope to do my fair share of hiking, but I'm not trying to summit Katahdin. If, like me, you prefer to hit the trails without toting a backpack full of supplies, check out some of the best short hikes in Maine that are under five miles. They'll let you enjoy Mother Nature and still have you home in time for a sunset happy hour on the porch.

1. Moxie Falls, Moxie Gore

If sweeping views aren't enough incentive for you to hit the outdoors, check out this trail leading to Moxie Falls. Moxie is one of Maine's highest waterfalls and has a vertical drop of almost 90 feet. The hike isn't hard, but might be slippery in places. This is one of our favorite things to do outdoors in Maine.

Distance/Duration: 2 miles round trip, 2-3 hours not including the time you spend thinking about what it would feel like to hurl yourself over the 90' falls in a perfect swan dive. Click here for more information.

2. Lily Bay State Park Trails, Beaver Cove

This lovely state park was created in part using land donated by the Scott Paper Company. While the area is mainly used by campers and visitors to Moosehead Lake, the trails offer a nice getaway into the surrounding land. There are 2 main hiking trails here. Both the Dunn Point Trail and the Rowell Cove Trail are fairly easy, family friendly and will take you along the shore of the lake. It’s a wonderful way to have an outdoor adventure in Maine!

Distance/Duration: Approximately 2 miles for both trails, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.

3. Ecotat Gardens and Aboretum, Hermon

Not only is this garden beautiful, but it is also completely free of charge. The more than 80 acres of land provides 15 acres of gardens for exploring. It's full of non-native flowers and native trees. The trail system meanders through wooded area, as well as the marshy area below. Learn more about these stunning gardens on their informative website.

Distance/Duration: Approximately 1.3 miles including the entire network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours.

4. South Bubble Mountain and Jordan Pond: Mt. Desert, Acadia National Park

The South Bubble hike of the Bubble Mountains is one of the more accessible endeavors in Acadia National Park. Once you've reached the top you'll see the famous perched rock, left by glacial activity centuries ago. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views while you rest at the top. Could there be a better way to spend an afternoon in Maine?

Distance/Duration: 2 miles, 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.

5. Holden Community Learning Trails, Holden

This network of trails is located near the elementary school in town and serves as a great place for providing outdoor education to the community. If you're looking to take it easy, take the Washburn Trail. For those looking to get deeper into the woods, there are a few different trails that cross each other. If you explore all the trails, you'll still have a fairly easy time. Additionally, there are markers throughout providing information on flora and fauna. This is a great way to explore the area, and you can choose your adventure skill level. Perfect for the whole family!

Distance/Duration: Approximately 1.2 miles including the entire network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.

6. The Coastal Trail, Quoddy Head State Park, Lubec

While this trail is shorter in distance, it's one of the hardest on this list. It's steep in places with some small areas to place your feet. But, along the way you'll be able to see from the Quoddy Channel to the cliffs of Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick Canada. It's worth it! We love it, and think it’s one of the best hiking trails in Maine.

Distance/Duration: 4 miles round trip, 4-5 hours. Click here for more information.

7. Jewell Island Trails, Jewell Island, Casco Bay

To hike the Jewell Island trails you're going to have to work for it. The island is only accessible by boat and there are no scheduled ferry services. So, find yourself a craft or a seafaring friend and get ready to experience one of the loveliest outer islands off the coast of Portland. There are so many accessible paths here, we can't list them all but trust us when we tell you that the 221-acres of island habitat will not disappoint. Those looking for more adventure can pack camping gear and make a weekend of it in the campgrounds on the island. History buffs will enjoy the relics left from WW1 and WW2. There’s so much to do that you should book the vacation and enjoy everything this tiny little island has to offer.

Distance/Duration: 3 miles of trails on the network, anywhere from 3-4 hours, not including launching your boat from the mainland and making your way over. Click here for more information.

8. Wolfe’s Neck State Park, Freeport

You'd have to work hard to find a boring trail in this park. Walking through the network of Casco Bay Trails will take you from forest to rocky coastline. Tide pool, enjoy watching for birds, and take in the ocean views as you walk along this easy hike. This one is great for kids and you can finish off the day at the outlets in downtown Freeport.

Distance/Duration: 5 miles if you do every trail, 1-5 hours depending on how leisurely you'd like to be. Click here for more information.

9. The Tramway Trail, Eagle Lake Township

The hike will allow you to explore Maine's North Woods, in addition to the state's lumbering history. Access to this short trail comes by traveling to the trailhead at either Chamberlain Lake (South) or Eagle Lake (North.) Once you've found the trail, you'll wander through mixed trees (some are about 200 years old!) and pass various remnants of the antique tramway, including the power plant and trails once used to haul lumber. The artifacts on this trail were also featured in our "Abandoned Places" article. Click here for the full version. This hike is one of the best things to do outdoors in Maine, and we love steeping ourselves in the history of the area.

Distance/Duration: Approximately 1 mile round trip, 1 (or so) hour.

https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/tramway

10. Alewive Woods Preserve, Kennebunk

This forested preserve is comprised of approximately 625 acres and includes Alewife Pond. This trail will take you in a loop to the pond and back. In the spring you'll be surrounded by wildflowers and in the summer you'll want to bring a container for blueberry picking. There’s honestly not a bad time to explore this beautiful spot. And you can always grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants in Kennebunkport.

Distance/Duration: Approximately 2.5 miles including the full network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours. Click here for more information.

What are your favorites of the best short hikes in Maine? Did they make this list? Is there any we’re missing out on? Let us know over on Facebook!

If you’re looking to fuel up after your adventure, try 7 Of The Very Best Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants In Maine.