Maine’s reputation as Vacationland is certainly not undeserved—long regarded as a top tourist destination and summer escape, the state is positively bursting with an eclectic array of vacation spots perfect for an idyllic retreat. Whether it’s on one of the state’s top beaches burgeoning with warm temps and bustling with travelers keen for a sojourn to the seaside, or a secluded spot amid Maine’s untamed wilderness, there’s something for everyone looking to explore this wonderfully scenic northeastern state.
And while Maine is known (especially in summer), for its picturesque coastal towns, there’s also a plethora of outdoor adventures throughout this sprawling state that makes it an ideal spot for those that want to strap on those hiking shoes and enjoy a trek into the forest. True outdoor escapes await the intrepid traveler looking for a bucolic getaway in the Maine woods—and the best way to experience the state’s natural beauty is undoubtedly by tackling some of its most beautiful hikes. With trails for everyone from hiking newbies and casual strollers to expert and experienced backpackers looking for a challenge, Maine’s best hikes are some of the most scenic ways to see this famed seaside state.
Beauty And The Beach Meet In Acadia
While Maine’s Acadia National Park is known for its challenging hikes, it is possible for less experienced trekkers to score some of the state’s top forest (and coastline!) views, too—and Acadia’s Ocean Path is by far the best way to it. Chock full of some of Vacationland’s loveliest views, the Ocean Path is the best of both worlds, wending its way through the woods and along the scenic coastline, too. There are also plenty of scenic stopping points along the way for those looking for a relaxing stroll full of amazingly epic views.
- Where It’s At: The Ocean Path begins at Sand Beach parking lot and heads south along the shore of Mount Desert Island before ending at Otter Point
- Trail Length: One-way trail to Otter Point is approximately 4 miles (round trip back to Sand Beach is 8 miles), and takes about 3-5 hours depending on stops along the way
- Trail Difficulty: Easy
- Don’t Miss: The trail passes by Thunder Hole, a small rocky inlet that’s a great place to see and hear the waves pound the shoreline; Otter Point offers amazing scenic views of the Cadillac and Dorr Mountains
Go Chasing Waterfalls On This Hike
Those looking for relatively easy forest hikes with waterfall payoffs will enjoy the Step Falls Trail located in the outdoor paradise that is the small town of Newry. Known as a haven for adventurous nature enthusiasts, Newry is home to some amazing hiking opportunities—and the Step Falls Trail is definitely one of the most beautiful and least challenging, a bonus for those who aren’t super experienced hikers. And get ready for some stellar views, too; as Step Falls are some of the prettiest in the state.
- Where It’s At: Step Falls Preserve, 1657 Bear River Rd, Newry
- Trail Length: The short, approximately one-mile trail will bring hikers to the base of the falls
- Trail Difficulty: The hike to the falls is considered easy and great for families; those looking for a more moderate hike will also enjoy the slightly more difficult trail to the top of the falls
- Don’t Miss: The cascading Step Falls; views along Wight Brook; the lovely mountain scenery
Where To Find Wooded Hikes And Ocean Views
A relatively short and moderate hike awaits more experienced hikers at the Mount Battie Trail outside of Camden. perfect for those looking for some time in the Maine woods with an added bonus of some spectacular sea views; this hike near Penobscot Bay is an idyllic way to spend an outdoorsy afternoon soaking up the scenery.
- Where It’s At: Though located in Camden Hills State Park, the trail can be accessed from downtown Camden; simply follow the signs to Megunticook Street where there is a parking lot and trailhead access
- Trail Length: The trail is a little over one mile in length with about 600-feet of elevation change
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate
- Don’t Miss: Amazing views of Penobscot Bay including some of Maine’s offshore islands; towering pine trees the state is known for, and the trail is also known for its bird-watching, so bring those binocs
A Lake, A Mountain, And A Hike
Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest, measuring in at almost 120-square miles—and it’s also famously home to the incredibly beautiful Mount Kineo rising like a great craggy bow of a ship out of the choppy blue waters. While the mountain is connected to the mainland via a narrow road, the best way to access the trailhead is via a boat ride—so get ready for an epic adventure on both land and water. There are two trails to the top of Mount Kineo: the Bridle Trail and the Indian Head Trail, both of which are well-maintained and easy to access.
- Where It’s At: Mount Kineo is about 20 miles west of Greenville; to access the trailhead, depart from the Rockwood boat launch on Moosehead Lake (about a ten-minute boat ride)
- Trail Length: The two trails intersect, making it easy to combine both into a loop hike that is just over three miles.
- Trail Difficulty: Moderate; the Bridle Trail is a more gradual climb and a bit longer, while the Indian Head Trail is slightly steeper and a little more strenuous
- Don’t Miss: Climb the fire tower at the top for some lovely panoramic views of the lake and the forested surroundings; there are also plenty of scenic overlooks along the way for those who don’t want to brave the tower climb
Choose Your Adventure At Grafton Notch
Located in scenic Grafton Notch State Park is the Table Rock Trail, a choose your own adventure trail with clearly marked offshoots that allow hikers to choose their hike based on experience. However, one of the best options is the loop which combines both the orange and white trails; a moderate to challenging route with some steep spots. Hikers should be sure to dress accordingly (including proper footwear) before attempting this popular yet slightly difficult hike that’s known for its wonderful views.
- Where It’s At: Situated near the town of Andover, the trail is accessible via a vista point on Route 26, where there is a parking lot across the street from Baldpate Mountain
- Trail Length: The trail varies in length depending on the chosen trails; however the orange trail ascent/white trail descent is a little over two-mile long loop
- Trail Difficulty: Moderately difficult to challenging in spots
- Don’t Miss: There are many hollows and natural caves along the way, some of which are big enough to enter with care; scenic lookouts among large, glacial boulders; stunning views of Grafton Notch from the top (about 900-feet above the trailhead)
While Maine is a famed seaside retreat packed with summer resort towns along its scenic shores; it’s also the perfect state to explore the great outdoors through a number of picturesque hikes known for their wooded wonders and spectacular views of the stunning Vacationland scenery.