Spooky, howling wind and rustling trees. It could be a regular fall hike in Maine or it could be one of these haunted hikes in Maine! Even if you don't believe that there are spirits hanging around, time spent on these trails is never wasted. They're beautiful, fun and all the more entertaining if you're the easily scared type!

1. Ship Harbor Nature Trail, Bar Harbor

In 1739 200 people were shipwrecked here. Over time about half of them died and were buried in unmarked graves throughout the area. The rest of the group went in search of help and were never heard from again. Some believe the area is cursed, while others believe the strange things that happen here (including multiple shipwrecks) are the result of unsettled spirits in the unmarked graves. Accessible throughout the year, this trail is an easy 1.3 miles of beauty. Visit during the warmer months for beautiful wildflowers.

2. Flying Mountain, Mount Desert Island

It was here that nearly 50 French Jesuits were attacked by the same man who kidnapped Pocahontas. Some tried to flee, eventually being caught and kept as slaves while others were brutally killed on the spot. Today, people report hearing quiet prayers when no one is around, seeing the ghostly spirits of bloody priests and even seeing a red tint to the water. The trail is about a mile and a half, but considered to be moderately challenging. The views are great if you can muster the courage to go.

3. Maiden Cliff Trail, Camden

Many years ago a young girl was at this summit during a breezy day. Her hat blew off her head and, in the course of chasing it, fell to her death. Some people report seeing a ghostly version of the hat, while others have reported hearing laughs of a girl without anyone else being around. The site of the tragedy is marked by a white cross. The trail is nearly 2-miles and, due to its elevation gains, it's considered to be a moderately difficult trip. The views, however, are far more wonderful than moderate!

4. Silver Lake Trails, Bucksport

The 2 mile network of trails here are said to be haunted by Sarah Ware who was killed nearby in 1898. She was found decapitated and eventually all parts were found and buried. Her killed was never found, however. For more on other creepy happenings in Bucksport, click here.

5. Compass Harbor Trail, Bar Harbor

George Dorr owned a large mansion near the water on near this trail. While today the home is just rubble, some say they can feel the presense of Dorr who died on the trail when he was quite old. Others claim the ghost is actually that of his caretaker who isn't all too pleased to have visitors these days. With smooth terrain and just under a mile, the trail is great for just about any skill level.

6. Old Narrow Gauge Trail, Randolph

Surprisingly, one of the more scary trails on this list, the Old Narrow Gauge route is said to be haunted by the ghost of a local who went missing here. Neither he nor his bike were ever found. Nobody was ever arrested for the presumed crime, but many believe he was killed by someone he knew. Today people report seeing orbs and spirits along with scary screams to "get out!" The trail itself is a bit more than a mile and follows part of the historic Kennebec Central Railroad roadbed.

7. Haynesville Woods, Haynesville

While not exactly a hiking trail, we were compelled to include Haynesville because it's such a well-known Maine haunting. Some say driving down the road could mean running into the ghost of a bride killed in a car accident. If you pull over to help her, she'll get in and ultimately disappear. If you don't help her you might find yourself in dire straights later in your drive. The woods are said to be haunted by a girl named Annie who reported being terrorized by a woman with a melted face. Annie later when missing and when she was found, her own face was gone. Her family suffered as the result of strange accidents after that. Today, some say you'll see a woman with no face in these woods. Sounds like a place we'll just continue to avoid. For more about these woods click here.

Love hiking, but not the idea of haunted trails? We recently wrote about this fun 2-mile hike through a preserve in Wells. It's a beauty!