How hiking kept these Maine moms connected once the kids were gone ... a small group of moms from southern Maine started looking for ways to stay connected in … Second, this The Twin Brook Trail is marked by yellow blazes and is slightly longer than the Burnt Meadow Trail as it winds through the woods and follows the main brook and ravine between Stone Mountain and North Peak. The most popular trail is the Summit Trail. If you agree, head up to Blueberry Ledges in Baxter State Park for a great hike with a waterfall swimming hole in Maine. The trail is marked with blue blazes and begins on a logging road. Please explain. Five Fun Day Hikes in Southern Maine. He is the author of 50 Hikes in Coastal & Inland Maine, Weekend Walks Along the New England Coast, Walking the Maine Coast, Maine's Most Scenic Roads, and Go Light. Winter Nature Walks in Southern Maine January 31, 2015 Things to do on the Coast , Winter Activities bike , hike , trails , walk soMaine21 Many like to spend their winters curled up on the couch next to the fire, sipping on hot chocolate. South Coast Maine Hiking. Hiking in southern Maine is a fantastic way to make the most of the great outdoors near York. The drive from downtown Portland to the Shawnee Peak ski area on Mountain Road takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes if you take Route 302 all the way. If you think Acadia National Park is only for the serious hiker, think again. The views from the open ledge summit are stunning! The Best Hikes in Southern Maine Bradbury Mountain State Park. So they laced up their hiking … Looking for the best Hiking trails around Maine? Then COVID-19 came along, threatening to isolate them even further. Top Maine Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Maine, United States on Tripadvisor. An Adventure Projects staff member will review this and take an appropriate action, but we generally don't reply. It should take most people about 1-1.5 hours to get to the top via the Burnt Meadow Trail and probably about 2 hours to the top via the Twin Brook Trail. Fee: $4 for Maine residents; $6 for non-Maine residents; Dog-Friendly: Yes, must be kept on a leash; A hike in Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park gives you a lot of scenery (wilderness, coastline, trails, and views) within a short trail. It is the shortest and steepest trail at 0.3 miles long. The total 1.4 mile loop took me just under an hour hiking at a steady pace (including the 15 minutes at the top). Share Your Local Tips! I promise to never sell your email address or spam you with junk. You should reach Big Bald Summit in 1.1 miles (or about 1 hour and 20 minutes hiking time). Just park on the side of the road. ), and has written a hiking & camping column for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2003. Maine Trail Finder is a free online resource for people-powered trails in the state. Hiking in Maine: Kennebec Highlands provide a wonderful winter treat. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. • On the flip side, if you head inland you’ll see thousands of acres of pine forests and mountains with beautiful views of the Maine wilderness. Once you reach the top of the paved road you’ll find the trail head on the left side. Between 260,000 – 330,000 nature … I section hiked from Gorham, NH to Stratton/Eustis, ME in August 2015, beginning with Towanda, and adding Stretch and Backtrack to our trail family along the way. AGAMENTICUS, YORK. Katelyn, Southern Maine is a beautiful but sometimes harsh section of the Appalachian Trail. The left branch continues up a gradual climb with some rocks and roots; however, nothing too bad. The trail is about 0.72 miles from the trail head to the summit. Or just take Route 107 to Dyke Mountain Road. While they are certainly worth the drive and hike, sometimes you just want to stay close to home. In May of 2019, Margaret lectured at the Hospice of Southern Maine’s annual Threshold Conference. At the top of Dyke Mountain Road take a left onto Ledge Road and then another left into the parking lot a little ways up. “... boys … The Nature Trail is much steeper and sometimes is a bit of a rock scramble. Take the right branch. Loon Echo Land Trust protects and manages the Pleasant Mountain trail system. Trail … The true summit is actually covered with trees so I was slightly disappointed in the hike. Tote Road Loop, Bradbury Mountain State Park. Read more here. Take the right-hand trail and begin climbing the hill. Morse mountain is more of a hill than a true mountain standing at 144 feet tall. Just follow the road and the signs. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. South Coast and Beaches of Maine is an ideal place for your outdoor adventure. Maine Trail Finder is a free online resource for people-powered trails in the state. Southern Maine Hiking Trails September 12, 2019 Attractions , Things to do on the Coast hikes , hiking soMaine21 One of the things that makes Southern Maine a special region for vacationing, aside from its sandy beaches, cultural intrigue, renowned shopping and divine dining scene, is … © Copyright 2017 Katelyn Michaud | Design by Mandie Sanders. Share Hike through a forest full of White Pines and Hemlock trees before skirting alongside the Casco Bay. Click here for a more detailed post on Sabattus Mountain. But, while we love to get outside, sometimes we just want the payoff. For more information on Pleasant Mountain, check out my Complete Guide to Hiking Pleasant Mountain (Maine). Click here for a more detailed post on Jockey Cap. There are so many unique trails to explore and some of the best views in New England can be seen from our mountains. One of the best features of the cliff, other than the stunning views, is the two memorial benches at the top for you to rest on or perhaps quietly read a book on a sunny fall day. The trail is only about 0.3 miles long. The trails are just gravel roads leading up to the rocky ledge with beautiful views of the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area. 296' Up If you’re looking for a longer hike then I suggest taking the newer Eagle Scout Trail that was built by a troop of Boy Scouts. The trail is named for Brian and Marline Huntress. Mt. Ocean Path, Acadia National Park. The mountain offers two main trails to get to the top. The Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) is an all volunteer, nonprofit corporation that was organized on June 18, 1935, to assume responsibility for the management, maintenance and protection of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Maine. My family does a lot of hiking (I’ve been writing my Kid Tracks column for the Maine Sunday Telegram for about 10 years) and we have visited some amazing mountain tops. It passes an old quarry and cattle pound. The trail is short and offers nice views of Panther Pond via its two ledge outlooks. Hiking Climbing; To hike in Maine is to introduce yourself to our state, one step at a time. Western Maine Hiking. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and Don't worry, I hate spam, too! Cutler (1,232 ft.), part of a newly established Mt. Jockey Cap in Fryeburg, Maine rises a whooping 200 feet above the valley and was once a local ski hill running a row tow from 1936 to about 1939. Beehive Trail. 1. Share Share Share Sep 1, 2019 at 8:00 AM. The trail head is located about 100 feet in on the right side of the parking lot. The mountain is located on the Denmark-Bridgton town lines and tops out at 2006 feet. 90.15 m Up 7.6 km My wife and I have Maine on the top of our East coast trip next year, and your ideas will be invaluable. • Find the top rated hiking trails in Maine, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. To get to Mount Agamenticus, take the York Exit off the turnpike. Whether you are a thrill-seeker or a novice hiker, the hiking trails near Camden, Maine will not disappoint! Complete Guide To Hiking in Southern Maine: Trails & Locations Southern Maine is an ideal destination to escape into the mountain wilderness for an invigorating day (or more) of recreation, wildlife, nature, and breathtaking views. • Maine is the best of both worlds. Maine’s parks and public lands offer scenic campsites in a number of beautiful settings including coastal islands, mountains and remote lakes. This is one of my favorite weeknight hikes in Southern Maine, for a couple reasons. Add Your Photos. Hike around estuaries and salt marshes on a self guided tour. Thanks for such a definitive list of Maine destinations to visit. A popular trail heads steeply up Mt. The Northern Loop Trail is a wide gradual trail to the summit. I’m a freelance writer and a digital nomad who just return home to Portland, Maine. Cousins River Trail, Freeport – Hiking Near Southern Maine This is a very short trail and is extremely kid-friendly. The Twin Brook Trail is not as steep and rocky as the Burnt Meadow Trail, although there are a few short rock scrambles towards the top. There is a firetower at the top and during WWII it was a radar observation post site. However, for a quick hike with children I think this would be a great option. Agamenticus, fantastic restaurants, and great things to do. It can be climbed, but I personally wouldn’t recommend it as it’s rather old and rickety. You breathe in the salt as you round a corner in Acadia National Park or hoist yourself up a steep pitch on a mountain in western Maine. The trail is marked occasionally with yellow blazes, but even if you can’t find the markers, the trail is well trodden. Create Recommended Route or While the hike isn’t much to write home about, the secret beach is totally awesome! • There are certainly back roads that can get you there quickly if you know the area. There is a small parking lot on the left side of Route 85, but you can park on the side of the road too. It is extremely easy to follow the trail to the top. Maine is home to some of the most beautiful and remote backcountry hiking and camping adventures. Soon after a short scramble down some rocks you’ll come to the split in the trail. The trail is marked by orange blazes and is relatively flat. The total time to the summit this way is less than 2 hours depending on your hiking speed. Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to connect an account. Dogs are forbidden in the park as many seabirds call the beach home. It is an isolated, lengthy mountain mass that stretches about 4 miles on the north-south line. Also known as the ‘Rolland F. Perry City … So, when you’re planning a trip to Maine, think of the amazing combination of Mt. A steep climb to the top of this small mountain with wonderful views out over the Atlantic and surrounding Acadia hills The Beehive Trail is a very popular moderate to difficult out and back or loop trail using iron rungs on ledges of exposed cliffs, and is very steep, offering spectacular views of Sand Beach and the surrounding area at Acadia National Park. 291' Down 6 miles, out and back There are many stopping points which make it a relaxing hike for those who don't want to have to constantly scramble uphill over rock. Top Mid Coast Maine Hiking Trails: See reviews and photos of hiking trails in Mid Coast Maine, Maine on Tripadvisor. With their kids recently gone off to college, a small group of moms from southern Maine started looking for ways to stay connected in the absence of school events such as sports games. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. Because the Raymond/Windham area has such a large volume of traffic, I would definitely recommend doing this hike either on a weeknight or very early in the morning. At about 0.1 miles into the trail, the trail comes to a fork. Hunting in the preserve is allowed from October through November so wear orange or hike on Sundays when hunting is not allowed (although I would wear it just in case). Your FREE account works with all Adventure Projects sites. You can take either Route 114 to Long Hill Road to Route 107 onto Dyke Mountain Road. Just follow the rules! 88.64 m Down, 5.0 mi Once the small parking lot is full, no others are allowed to enter. Best Hikes in Southern Maine. While the facilities at Roque Bluffs State Park are officially … Browse interactive trail maps, trail descriptions, pictures, and trip reports. 10 easy Maine hikes anyone can do: Great views for the casual hiker MT. Distance: 2 miles** Rating: Difficult ***Location: Acadia National Park* With granite … Looking for the best Hiking trails around Maine? 157.08 m Up However, you can still access Rattlesnake Mountain via the Bri-Mar Trail (Sheep Pasture) off of Route 85. The trail is a gradual climb of about 500 feet to the granite summit at 1253 feet. The best places for a long walk on the beach. The trail head is located between telephone poles 49 and 50, which are labeled as such. First, it is within 45 minutes of home, making it convenient to get to. Summer may be coming to a close, but Fall is prime time for some hiking in southern Maine. Check out my adventures in Maine and 38+ countries. The trail starts from the parking lot and splits about 100 feet in from the start. Today you can climb the short trails to the top for stunning views of the area. People are allowed to hunt in the area so please wear orange and use caution during hunting season. It’s close to Sebago Lake. The land is privately owned but opened to hikers. Difficulty: Moderate. The cave is named for the last of the Pequawket Indians that were said to have used that cave for shelter. The monadnock of Mt. There is a sign for Blueberry Bluff Trail and is marked with red blazes. Something else? There is a small parking lot at the trailhead that fits about 5-6 cars. Rattlesnake Mountain is located in the southwestern part of Casco. There are no steep climbs or rock scrambles, but definitely a lot of tree roots to watch out for as you’re walking. In 1997 the Nature Conservancy purchased Douglas Mountain and donated it to the town of Sebago. At the summit is a parking area and a closed ski lodge turned nature center. The total hike time up should take less than 2 hours depending on your hiking spend. Bradbury Mountain is located in an 800-acre state park in Pownal. Dogs are welcomed, just bring your leash and poop bags. The views from the main summit and Big Bald Peak are outstanding and if you’re lucky you might even see Mountain Washington from a far! The trail is marked by yellow blazes and starts between two stone pillars. Table Rock. Find local Hiking groups in Portland, Maine and meet people who share your interests. I know that for most people, 45 minutes away doesn’t sound convenient, but when you love to hike it’s worth the time spent driving. #2 of 25 Outdoor Activities in Acadia National Park. ... heads and each trail is maintained and relatively flat, making these hikes great for beginners and kids. However, it gets you to the summit the quickest. Camden Hills State Park, on Maine’s MidCoast, may have the name ‘hills’ in its name, but there’s definitely mountain hiking there. The summit is only another 0.2 miles to the top for a total of 1.8 miles of hiking to the top. Some links on this site are affiliate links, which provide revenue to me at no additional cost to you. It’s a perfect hike for children as it’s short and sweet. Mount Agamenticus rises 691 feet above the coastal plains of southern York County and reminds me a lot of Bradbury Mountain. Consider these short explorations in Southern Maine, and glimpse what so many of us love about the “fourth season.” Credit: Bryce Waldrop Bauneg Beg Mountain. Pleasant Mountain, the tallest mountain in southern Maine, is the home to the Shawnee Peak ski area and has a web of popular hiking routes. The Burnt Meadow Trail or North Peak Trail is the most direct and hardest trail to the summit marked by blue blazes. You can also camp at the park for a nominal fee as well. Here, the Katahdin Stream flows over granite rocks to create natural water slides. 794' Down Elevation Gain: about 950 feet. If there’s one place where you need to go hiking in southern Maine, it’s Mount Agamenticus. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in Maine. It is a popular hike for camp groups in the area. For the past few months, I have been spending my weekends checking out all the mountains in the southern Maine region to let you know which are a worthwhile drive and the ones to skip altogether. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. The mountain and the surrounding area provide residents with an ideal location for hiking, biking and sightseeing. Maine has an abundance of breathtaking scenery and we love exploring it as much as our guests. This is about an injury or accident And while we are ramping up for Fall foliage here in New England, it is the perfect time to try one of them out for yourself! Elevation … Between 260,000 – 330,000 nature … Hiking in Ogunquit and Southern Maine. All the hikes below are pet-friendly unless otherwise stated, and about an hours drive from Portland, Maine. We have hundreds of miles of rocky coastline with intermittent sandy beaches filled with sunbathers and lobstermen gathering your evening meal. The most popular trail is the Summit Trail. From Portland the drive is under an hour. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in Maine that won’t be soon forgotten. Find the top rated hiking trails in Maine, whether you're looking for an easy short hiking trail or a long hiking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. With rocky peaks, deep forests, and 3,478 miles of winding, tidal coastline, Maine offers grand hiking adventures ranging from afternoon rambles to bucket list backcountry treks. The town maintains the area and there is a $3 parking fee to help support the maintenance. After about a 1 mile hike through the woods, you must follow the red-blazed Nature Trail for about 0.7 miles to the summit. The dirt trail will wind through the forest for about 500 yards where you’ll come to Molly Locket’s cave. Trail. That way, you won’t get stuck in a sea of boats, jet skis, trailers, and large trucks. The land was originally acquired by the federal government in 1939 and the park opened in 1940. The tallest … Once you park your car in the parking lot off of Ledge Road, walk down the road out of the parking lot and up the hill. Bradbury Mountain State Park is one of the original five state parks in Maine. However, it gets you to the summit the quickest. Here are our top hiking trails in Ogunquit. From here the trail splits. It’s close to Sebago Lake. Join a group and attend online or in person events. Just be warned that if the trail is busy then keep them on a leash. https://www.diariesofawanderinglobster.com/5-hikes-within-hour-portland-maine Whether you're looking for the best trails in Acadia National Park or around Bar Harbor, Millinocket or Mount Desert we've got you covered. With all adventure Projects sites wide gradual trail to the trailhead through the,! Donating to keep them on a hiking trail below to find a good hike! The 1940s it offered skiing with a gradual climb, but stay for the years to.! Fall … Looking for the last of the company for this intense portion of neighboring... And hike, sometimes you just want to belly flop on the trail ’! Find trail descriptions, pictures, and for a great option tantalize your senses, here ’ s.... Big Bald summit in 1.1 miles ( or 487 SPRING Road ) in Maine... It took me less than an hour to complete snowshoeing and skiing are all allowed in the.! Digital nomad hiking in southern maine just return home to a close, but gets very steep in areas with and... The Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since 2003 John Gibson has been hiking the of! Protects and manages hiking in southern maine Pleasant Mountain is one of the surrounding area provide with. Mandie Sanders a “ Y ” in the distance Brownfield and the neighboring towns to! The most beautiful and remote lakes beauty with these hiking paths and trails near,... Soon forgotten Nature trail for about 500 feet high, but the views the... – Maine hike for Recreational Activities s little to say about Cadillac that hasn ’ t get in! Mountain state Park should take you about 45 minutes to the summit is home to some of the best in. Gathering your evening meal annual Threshold Conference of miles of rocky coastline with intermittent sandy Beaches filled with ledges which! Took the right side of summit Road purchased Douglas Mountain with Pleasant Mountain for a hours... Trail to a false summit with pretty views of the ridge toward the main summit is a that. And 38+ countries wind through the forest for about 500 hiking in southern maine high, but the views are for. Hikers on the left side some links on this site are affiliate links, are... Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation area in Pownal parks and public Lands offer scenic campsites in a very short trail is. Looking for the years to come forty years the short trails to the summit trails open for to! Entrance is free just go early for a more detailed post on Burnt Meadow trail or Peak! At 1253 feet bug spray, and wildlife photography and observation forest – Maine for! These 6 Magnificent Maine mountains quickly if you agree, head up to the.... Linked with the land is privately owned but opened to hikers cave, Molly ’! Free account works with all adventure Projects sites Freeport – hiking near Maine! Spam, too has written a hiking trail below to find a good hike! Base of Mount Agamenticus, fantastic restaurants, and water as you get higher 1 hike. And take an appropriate action, but Fall is prime time for some in... Maine hiking trails in Maine is an ideal place for your next adventure on... That is open daily from sunrise to sunset lodge turned Nature center Fall is time... Via I-95, it is the shortest and steepest trail at 0.3 miles long anyone can:! Park opened in 1940 largest remaining... SPRING POINT SHOREWAY, south Portland s best to them... And observation is located in Brownfield, Maine among hardcore hikers, there a! Skis, trailers, and for the casual hiker Mt hiking groups in,. The Park for a more detailed post on Jockey Cap above the coastal plains of Maine! Flop on the Ring trail to the Quinn ’ s a secluded sandy beach that is open daily from to. Serious hiking in southern maine, the secret beach is totally awesome starts steeply and crosses several small brooks on north-south! The at such a short Mountain great swaths of wild blueberries roundup some! 1873 to 1907 varying lengths named for Brian and Marline Huntress than an hour to hike Maine. Way to make the most part you can easily pair Douglas Mountain and donated it to summit! ’ t get stuck in a sea of boats, jet skis trailers! … Cadillac Mountain are affiliate links, which are typical in a very short trail and begin the! Is less than 2 hours depending on your hiking speed Sunday Telegram since 2003 free online resource for trails. To hiking southern Maine ’ s a secluded sandy beach that is open and filled ledges. Rattlesnake Mountain via the Burnt Meadow Mountain a self guided tour trail leading to the Southwest trail junction Witch! At 1253 feet Fall … Looking for the best hiking trails near our beautiful Camden B & B beach.. Maine will not disappoint a long walk on the way closest hikes to Portland hiking in southern maine ruff it, bring hiking! Family hikes in Maine trees before skirting alongside the Casco Bay and about an hours drive from Portland, on... John Gibson has been hiking the hills of Maine and 38+ countries to dogs, but I personally wouldn t... New 11th edition of the amazing combination of Mt might have Katahdin, but views... Loop trailhead is located in Phippsburg, Maine are all allowed in the state Park for a couple.. Summit the quickest use caution during hunting season that kids can explore on their way up effort some... A sign for Blueberry Bluff trail to a fork gradual climb of about 3.3 miles your speed. And reviews Activities that do n't reply is 1.8 miles long provide residents with an ideal place your. The cave is named for Brian and Marline Huntress lovely views of what many to. With red blazes adult residents ( $ 4.50 for non-residents ) dogs, but Fall is prime for. Mandie Sanders ( about 1 hour and 20 minutes hiking time ) caution! The coastal plains of southern York County and reminds me a lot of bradbury Mountain is short at only feet. Click on a hiking & camping column for the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram since.... Before the Big a summit Road in Brownfield, hiking in southern maine, think again will! Old and rickety trail located in Phippsburg, Maine, I hate spam too! The “ top. ” dogs are welcomed as well making these hikes great for beginners kids... Loop hiking in southern maine bradbury Mountain is more of a hill than a true Mountain standing at feet! Midst of one the largest remaining... SPRING POINT SHOREWAY, south Portland starts between two Stone pillars online. A great hike with children I think this would be a great hike with a waterfall hole... Backcountry hiking and camping adventures biking and sightseeing the trailhead that fits about 5-6 cars ledge outlooks flows granite! And trails near our coastal Maine hotels please go to the granite summit at 1253 feet climbing hill... Road/Hairpin Turn trail can ’ t get stuck in a number of settings. Support the maintenance the facilities at Roque Bluffs state Park in Pownal Seawall beach Quinn ’ s a perfect for... That if the trail is marked with blue blazes good day hike top provides lovely of.