12 Maine Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love

Hiking in Maine is a great pastime, but it's easy to forget that it's not all the 100-Mile Wilderness out there. Maine is famous for some hard hikes, but that doesn't mean there aren't plenty of ways for amateur outdoorsmen to get their feet wet. Some of the best hikes in Maine are under three miles! And, don't worry - these trails won't actually get your feet wet.

1. Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum, Hermon

It doesn't get much better than a manicured trail that costs nothing to enjoy. There are more than 80 acres of land here, with 15 acres of gardens full of non-native flowers and native trees. The trail system meanders through the wooded area as well as the marshy area below, making it one of the nicest scenic hikes in Hermon.

Distance/Duration: Approximately 1.3 miles, including the entire network of paths, anywhere from one to three hours. Check out the area's website.

2. Rines Forest Trail, Cumberland

Rines Forest is part of a 216-acre woodland. We think the southern portion of the area is the best. It features steep rolling hills mixed with wonderful cascading streams. Keep in mind that much of this area is wet floodplain and is meant only to be used in the winter.

Distance/Duration: The network is comprised of about 2.5 miles of trails, anywhere from one to three hours. Find the latest info.

3. Alewife Woods Preserve, Kennebunk

This forested preserve is about 625 acres and includes the lovely Alewife Pond. The loop trail is one of many scenic hikes in Maine and leads directly to the pond and back. Best of all, in the spring, you'll be surrounded by wildflowers. And then in the summer, you'll want to bring a plastic container for when the wild blueberries are at their peak.

Distance/Duration: Approximately 2.5 miles, including the full network of paths, anywhere from one to three hours. This website can tell you more about the area.

4. Jesup Path, Bar Harbor

To access this trail, head toward Acadia National Park and enter through the Hulls Cove Entrance. You'll find the trail's start next to the Wild Gardens of Acadia. The forest here is lush, and you’ll find it hard to believe that you’re so close to the rocky coast of Acadia National Park.

Distance/Duration: The trail is about 1.5 miles, anywhere from one to two hours. Learn more about this trail.

5. Step Falls Trail, Newry

One of the many easy hikes in Maine, this short trail leads directly to the base of these beautiful falls, which are among the highest in Maine. For a different vantage point, take the slightly more challenging hike up to the top. The trail follows along Wight Brook and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and swimming.

Distance/Duration: Approximately one mile roundtrip, about 45 minutes to one hour for the whole thing, depending on your pace. Use this site to help plan your short hike here.

6. Cascade Stream Gorge Trail, Sandy River Plantation

This simple one-mile loop follows the path of the Cascade Stream Gorge. Bring a picnic because there are a few spots to stop and enjoy the scenery. And taking a break at the stream to swim is a great way to cool off on a hot day. The hike is located within the 50-acre Cascade Stream Gorge Conservation Area, which is on the Maine Registry of Critical Areas. It's a truly beautiful place and one of the most scenic hikes in Maine.

Distance/Duration: Approximately one mile, about 30-45 minutes roundtrip, depending on your pace. Check out the Maine Trail Finder listing on this.

7. Moxie Falls, Moxie Gore

You might be surprised that this gorgeous waterfall can be reached by a relatively simple walk! Moxie Falls 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.

Distance/Duration: Two miles roundtrip, two-three hours. Get all the details.

8. 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 two main hiking trails here. Doing both the Dunn Point Trail and the Rowell Cove Trail will have you hiking under three miles along the shore of the lake. They're fairly easy and some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Beaver Cove.

Distance/Duration: Approximately two miles for both trails, anywhere from one to three hours. Learn more about the park from this website.

9. The Tramway Trail, Eagle Lake Township

This hike might be short, but it's one of the harder ones to actually access. This is perfect for those who like adventure and challenge, but prefer the actual energy expended to be low! Access to this short trail is from Maine's North Woods 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.

Distance/Duration: Approximately one mile roundtrip, one hour. Maine Trail Finder has a write-up for it.

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

You might be surprised that the South Bubble hike of the Bubble Mountains is one of the more accessible activities in Acadia National Park. Once you've reached the top, you'll see the famous perched rock left by glacial activity centuries ago.

Distance/Duration: Two miles, one to three hours. All Trails has a listing for this loop.

11. Pleasant Mountain Trail, Bridgton/Denmark

With over ten miles of trails included in this system, there are lots of different options for hikers. While most trails aren't terribly long, they'll require some hiking experience. The good news is that making it to the summit, which is the highest in southern Maine, will provide wonderful views of the White Mountains. It is one of the most scenic hikes in Bridgton.

Distance/Duration: Approximately two to three miles, depending on which trail you choose, anywhere from one to three hours. Learn about all of these trails.

12. Wolfe’s Neck State Park, Freeport

While the network of trails here is about five miles, you'll find that most of the individual trails are much shorter. Walking through the network of Casco Bay Trails will take you from forest to rocky coastline. This park has some of the best kid-friendly hikes around Freeport. You can finish off the day at the outlets in downtown Freeport.

Distance/Duration: Five miles if you do every trail, one to five hours depending on how many of the trails you take. Get the details on this park before you head out.

For some other fun options, check out these other classic Maine hikes.