Maine has thousands of hiking trails throughout the state, from Kittery to Fort Kent to Lubec to Bethel. With nearly 40 states parks, one national park, and hundreds of miles of trails, including the Appalachian Trail, Maine has a hiking spot for everyone. Here are five excellent hiking trails to traverse in the state.
Bubble Rock is perhaps the most popular boulder on the East Coast—and one of the most frequently-visited spots in Acadia National Park. The rock sits on the eastern edge of South Bubble summit and is a truly stunning sight to see, so bring those cameras! The trail offers moderate hiking, and is just under a mile in length, so it won’t be too strenuous for those little hikers in the family!
This trail is one of the less challenging routes at Camden Hills State Park. At just 1.2 miles in length and categorized as “easy” on the official state park website, this is a great pick for both avid hikers and the little ones, as well. It takes only about an hour to traverse. This trail will lead you to the Tablelands Trail intersection. Once there, you have the option of heading to the summit of Mount Battie, going to Ocean Lookout, or the summit of Mount Megunticook—the highest point in the park.
Deemed Maine’s “Best Overlooked Gem,” by Down East magazine, Saco Heath is truly a natural wonder. The formation of Saco Heath occurred when two ponds filled with peat—a decaying plant. Now, the ponds have morphed together to become a bog. The preserve covers about 1,200 acres of space and offers a woodland trail to a boardwalk. Visit during the spring, and you’ll be in awe of the sprawling expanse of lavender.
Spread across about 100 acres, Mackworth Island is an ideal hike for the whole family. The trail is a little over a mile and only takes an hour to traverse—a great pace and challenge for the kids who may tire easily. Witness seagulls, osprey, and shorebirds all around while you explore. You’ll want to come back here again and again.
The Wonderland Trail is just as whimsical as it sounds. The roundtrip distance of this trail is just 1.4 miles and is classified as “very easy,” on the official national park website. The Wonderland Trail affords magnificent ocean views once you get there. The rocky shoreline is truly a sight to behold, so make sure to bring a camera for the perfect family photo op.
