Each year plenty of people wait all the way until Halloween rolls around so they can unleash their inner spookiness. From haunted houses to ghost stories, that's usually 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 exploring every mysterious clang and bang from upstairs? For those, we give you these haunted hiking trails in Maine! You don't need to wait for Halloween to have a good old-fashioned scare. These aren't just some of the best hikes in Maine; these are some of the best hikes in Maine for those who like life a little on the spooky side.

1. Silver Lake Trails, Bucksport

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. If it sounds familiar, it might be because we've discussed it before!

2. Compass Harbor Nature Trail, Bar Harbor

Located in Acadia National Park, this trail is said to be haunted by the John Door, the wealthy mansion owner who 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. Get all the details in this delightful article.

3. Haynesville Woods, Haynesville

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.

4. Flying Mountain Trail, Acadia National Park

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.

5. Ship Harbor Nature Trail, Bar Harbor

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 in this article.

6. Old Narrow Gauge Trail, Randolph

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.

7. Maiden's Cliff, Camden

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. Which trails would you call the best hikes in Maine?