Don’t Try This One Hike in Maine If You’re Afraid of Heights

Maine might not be the "Green Mountain State"—that's Vermont, its fellow New England state—but it might as well be. One of its most distinctive features is its massive expanses of mountains, including the world-famous Acadia National Park. However, to find the most extreme hike in Maine, you'd be advised to head to the western part of the state, near the border with New Hampshire. That's where you'll find a less-visited area known as the Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land. A public park filled with a collection of mountains and challenging trails, it's known for some of the most advanced hikes in the state—best suited for those with plenty of hiking experience and a taste for adventure and natural beauty.

Maybe the crown jewel of this mountain range is the Puzzle Mountain Trail, a 7.3-mile out-and-back trail with a whopping 2,565-foot elevation gain. Anyone who's hiked a trail like that before knows this is going to be a challenge, and one you'll want to carve out a good chunk of the day for. It also means that the reward at the end is likely to be well worth it, and the view from the top of Puzzle Mountain is truly one to remember.

There are only seven trails in the Mahoosuc Public Reserved Land, according to AllTrails, but they're all rated at least moderate in difficulty. The area surrounding these hikes tends to be woodsy and challenging, and Puzzle Mountain is definitely no exception.

From the start, you'll be hiking through dense forest and craggy terrain, which is especially challenging in the wintertime. Keep your wits about you, bring a good pair of hiking boots, and be prepared to surmount some unique obstacles. Dogs are allowed, as long as they stay on leash the whole time.

The most challenging part of this hike is its mighty elevation gain of 2,565 feet, which means at some points you might be going straight up. There's even a section of the hike that features iron handrails to help you climb.

As you get near the top, you might notice some rock formations formed by the people who have climbed this mountain before. This is one of the most challenging hikes in Maine, thanks to its winding trail and strenuous portions, but almost everyone who climbs it agrees it's worth the effort.

And how could it not be? Just look at this view! During the spring and summer, you can see the trails on the other mountains carving a unique path in some areas. In the fall, the entire region is covered with beautiful foliage. And in winter, it's almost supernaturally peaceful.

Have you braved this mighty hike through one of Maine's great unspoiled landscapes? If you're interested in taking on the most extreme hike in Maine for yourself, tell some hiking buddies about this article and head over to western Maine! You can see more photos of the trail on the official AllTrails trail listing, and if you ask us, this is the kind of hike AllTrails + was made for - it'll provide some much-needed backup on the trail thanks to downloadable trail maps with point-by-point directions ideal for remote areas.

If you're up for a two-for-one challenge, the Old Speck Mountain Trail is another amazing peak in the area, but if you feel like a more laid-back adventure after braving Puzzle Mountain, drive to the nearby small town of Lewiston and pay a visit to its unique animal-themed playground. If you'd like some more ideas on how to spend a day in western Maine, head over to Only In Your State's AI-powered travel planner and let it craft a custom itinerary for you!