8 Hikes in Maine to Cross Off Your Bucket List
Maine is called vacationland for a reason, and one of the biggest reasons people visit Maine is its beautiful hiking trails. Here are the eight hikes we at Rogue Industries recommend are a must for those who casual hikers. Difficulty ratings are courtesy of AllTrails. You can download trail maps on the AllTrail app.
1. Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park
This trail has one of the most beautiful views in Acadia. This 1.4-mile loop, however, is not for those afraid of heights. There is a rock scramble right from the start of the trail, which starts at Sand Beach. This trail is also a perfect place to see the sunrise, as many people choose to go to Cadillac; this is another excellent option for the more adventurous.
Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
Length: 1.5 miles
2. Burnt Meadow Mountain Trail, Portland Area
This trail is only a short one hour drive from Portland, has stunning views of Mt. Washington (on a clear day), and is surrounded by large swaths of wildflowers. This trail is exposed, so I recommend wearing sunscreen and a hat. This moderate hike is a perfect day hike in the summer and fall.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.4 miles
3. Southwest Ridge Trail, Pleasant Mountain
This trail is an out-and-back trail, and most of the land is owned by the Loon Echo Land Trust. Pleasant Mountain has six trails that stretch over 10 miles. The Ledges Trail, the most straightforward trail (3.6 miles), will be packed with people on a nice day; if you enjoy solitude, I recommend the Southwest Ridge Trail. Get an early start, pack a picnic lunch and relax on the granite ledges of the summit.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5.8 miles
4. Moxie Falls Trail
One of Maine's most incredible, but easy (!) hikes is to Moxie Falls, one of the state's Highest waterfalls. Not only is this trail accessible to all levels of hikers, but it's very picturesque, featuring dozens of small waterfalls along the Moxie Stream leading up to the big cascade at the end of the trail. In the summer, you can take a nice swim as well!
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.7 miles
5. Table Rock Trail
This trail is located in Grafton Notch State Park, close to the border of New Hampshire. The path has stunning views. One of its most attractive features is the view of Old Speck, Maine's fifth-tallest peak. The summit of Table Rock is, as the name suggests, a very flat, large, table-like rock.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.9 miles
6. Stone House Trail, Blueberry Mountain
This popular trail in Evans Notch is excellent for the whole family. But, as the Mountain suggests, there are no better opportunities to go blueberry picking and to see some stunning views from the top.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.7 miles
7. Gulf Hagas Gorge, Brownville
Not to be confused with the “Grand Canyon of the East” in New York State (Letchworth State Park) or the one in Pennsylvania (Pine Creek Gorge), we can in all modesty claim Gulf Hagas Gorge as THE Grand Canyon of the East. This is a 3-mile-long rock canyon that towers 500 ft above a beautiful bubbling river. This is a good option for families as you can make it a little longer or shorter depending on how you'd like your hike to be. On a hot summer's day, there are plenty of opportunities to swim in the cool water.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 8.2 miles
8. Tumbledown Mountain
If you are looking for an adventure and some rock scrambling, this is the hike for you. Just be careful not to tumble down! You can also observe and admire the birds you will see on this hike.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 3.7 miles