Top Maine Parks & Hiking Trails
Explore the Top Parks and Hiking Trails in Maine
Find Your Perfect Park or Hiking Trail in Maine
Maine is home to many beautiful state parks and scenic hiking trails that draw visitors from around the world. Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, offers stunning coastal views and granite peaks. Baxter State Park features Mount Katahdin, the endpoint of the Appalachian Trail. Bradbury Mountain State Park contains moderate hiking trails with panoramic views of lakes and forests. Camden Hills State Park overlooks the rocky Maine coastline with panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and Camden Harbor. With scenic ocean vistas, rugged mountain hikes, lush forests, pristine lakes, and a variety of landscapes, it’s easy to see why Maine’s parks and hiking trails collectively draw legions of outdoor enthusiasts and vacationers to experience the best of Maine’s natural beauty.
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Portland, ME
Aloft Hotel is a modern hotel in Portland, ME. The hotel features modern rooms with airy high ceilings, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Amenities include a lobby bar, a game room, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. Whether you’re looking for a fun and vibrant place to stay or a convenient base for exploring Portland, the Aloft Hotel is the perfect choice.
379 Commercial Street
Portland, ME 04101
Cambria Hotel Old Port
Downtown Portland, ME
Cambria Hotel Old Port Downtown Portland is a modern hotel in Portland’s historic Old Port district. The hotel features spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, and on-site dining and a bar that serves local craft beer. The hotel is within walking distance of downtown Portland attractions like the Portland Museum of Art and the Old Port district.
25 Hancock Street
Portland, ME 04101
TOP 10 MAINE PARKS
Maine’s Top 10 Parks
Top 10 Maine Parks
Maine is home to some of the most beautiful and unique state parks in the country. From scenic ocean views to mountainous hikes, Maine’s parks offer something for every outdoor enthusiast. Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, Camden Hills State Park, and Bradbury Mountain State Park are just a few of the must-see destinations. With over 30 state parks stretching from the rugged northern woods to the rocky southern coast, there is an abundance of natural beauty to explore. Whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk, a challenging summit hike, or breathtaking coastal vistas, you’ll find an unforgettable park experience in Maine. This article summarizes ten of the top parks to visit in Maine for an unparalleled outdoor adventure.
TOP MAINE PARKS
Acadia National Park
Cadillac Entrance Road,
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Located on Mount Desert Island near Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park is renowned for its scenic ocean vistas, granite ledges, and wooded forests. Acadia offers stunning views of the Atlantic, with opportunities to explore granite peaks, quiet ponds, and wooded mountains on over 120 miles of hiking trails suited for all skill levels.
Baxter State Park
Togue Pond Gatehouse
Millinocket, ME 04462
Baxter State Park provides access to true wilderness, with hundreds of miles of hiking trails across mountainous terrain, crystal clear lakes, and dense forests. Its most notable hike leads to the summit of Mount Katahdin, the iconic endpoint of the 2,190 mile Appalachian Trail. Baxter offers an escape into the true Maine wilderness.
Bradbury Mountain State Park
528 Hallowell Road,
Pownal, ME 04069
Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal, Maine contains moderate hiking trails to a granite summit with panoramic views of forests and lakes below. Its prime destination is the short hike up Bradbury Mountain, which rewards hikers with a scenic 360-degree outlook.
Camden Hills State Park
280 Belfast Road,
Camden, ME 04843
Overlooking Penobscot Bay in Camden, Camden Hills State Park features a 900 foot mountain summit, scenic hiking trails across rocky cliffs, granite outcrops, and an oceanfront park. The park’s hiking trails provide panoramic ocean vistas of islands and lighthouses dotting the rugged Maine coastline. Camden Hills offers accessible paths and challenging climbs to suit all hiking abilities.
Cobscook Bay State Park
40 S Edmunds Road,
Dennysville, ME 04628
Located in Dennysville overlooking Cobscook Bay, this scenic state park offers spectacular ocean views and access to the dramatic reversing tidal falls. Hiking trails traverse along rugged headlands and past quiet coves, providing opportunities to observe seals, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife. With its diverse habitats, Cobscook Bay State Park is a prime destination for nature lovers.
Crescent Beach State Park
109 Bowery Beach Road,
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Situated along the southern Maine coast in Cape Elizabeth, Crescent Beach State Park features a beautiful sandy beach stretching over a mile with views of craggy offshore ledges. The park offers swimming, hiking on scenic trails along rugged headlands, and wildlife watching for shorebirds and seals. Its convenient location near Portland, Maine makes Crescent Beach a popular summertime destination.
Damariscotta Lake State Park
8 State Park Road,
Jefferson, ME 04348
Located in Jefferson, Maine, Damariscotta Lake State Park provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating on the scenic, spring-fed lake. Hiking trails loop through the park, offering views of the sparkling waters and surrounding pine forests. With cabins and campsites on the lakeshore, Damariscotta is a peaceful getaway to experience the natural beauty of inland Maine.
Ferry Beach State Park
95 Bayview Road,
Saco, ME 04072
Situated along the southern Maine coast in Saco, Maine, Ferry Beach State Park features over a mile of sandy beachfront perfect for swimming, surfing, and relaxing seaside. With onshore pine forests, coastal wetlands, dunes, hiking trails, and a sandy beach, Ferry Beach State Park offers diverse habitats to explore on scenic nature trails that overlook Saco Bay and the Atlantic Ocean shoreline.
Fort Knox State Historic Site
740 Ft Knox Road,
Prospect, ME 04981
Overlooking the Penobscot River in Prospect, Maine, the Fort Knox State Historic Site is an impressive granite fortification built in the 1800s. This restored fort features underground tunnels, earthworks, and mountings for massive cannons. Fort Knox exemplifies Maine’s military history and fort garrison assignment, offering guided tours that brings 19th century military service to life.
Fort McClary State Park
Pepperrell Road,
Kittery Point, ME 03905
Situated along the picturesque Maine coast in Kittery Point, the Fort McClary State Historic Site is a scenic 18th century fortification overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This well-preserved fort features picnic areas, nature trails, and guided tours of the blockhouses and batteries that defended the Piscataqua River. Fort McClary offers a glimpse into Maine’s rich military history.
Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Road,
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Fort Williams Park in Cape Elizabeth offers ocean views and the chance to explore a historic coastal Maine fort. The park’s scenic location on Casco Bay overlooks the famous Portland Head Light. Fort Williams Park provides opportunities for picnicking, hiking along the rocky shore, and learning about the fort’s role defending Portland Harbor dating back to the late 1800s.
Grafton Notch State Park
Grafton Notch State Park,
Newry, ME 04261
Located in Newry, Grafton Notch State Park features mountain terrain, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. Recreational opportunities include swimming at Screw Auger Falls, exploring the deep gorge of the Bear River, and taking in views from the summit of Old Speck Mountain. Grafton Notch showcases the natural beauty of Maine’s mountains.
Macworth Island State Park
Andrews Avenue off, US-1,
Falmouth, ME 04105
Located in Falmouth, Macworth Island State Park is a coastal park on Casco Bay, accessible by a short causeway bridge. Miles of trails traverse dense woods, rocky shores, and open fields, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The park’s scenic location overlooking the water makes it a perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, and nature appreciation.
Moose Point State Park
310 W Main Street,
Searsport, ME 04974
Situated in Searsport, Moose Point State Park offers ocean vistas, cobblestone beaches, and scenic hiking trails. The park’s diverse coastal habitats make it a prime destination for spotting seals, birds, and other wildlife. With its idyllic coastal setting and options for swimming, picnics, and nature walks, Moose Point showcases the natural beauty of Maine’s coast.
Mount Blue State Park
297 Center Hill Road,
Weld, ME 04285
Mount Blue State Park near Weld contains the scenic Mount Blue tract featuring rugged, mountainous terrain surrounding pristine Webb Lake. Hiking trails traverse diverse forest ecosystems and lead to panoramic mountaintop views. With options for swimming, camping, and nature walks, Mount Blue is a recreation destination in Maine’s scenic Western Mountains region.
Owls Head State Park
186 Lighthouse Road,
Owls Head, ME 04854
Located in Midcoast Maine in Owls Head, this scenic oceanfront park contains hiking trails and shoreline footpaths that provide striking views of Penobscot Bay. Picnicking on the rocky shore and exploring the intertidal zone are popular activities. The park’s panoramic vistas of the ocean and surrounding lighthouses create a memorable coastal Maine experience.
Peaks-Kenny State Park
401 State Park Road,
Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
Nestled near the mountains in Dover-Foxcroft, Peaks-Kenny State Park is centered around scenic Sebec Lake, offering swimming, boating, and angling opportunities. Hiking trails loop through the park, leading to pristine smaller lakes and panoramic views from mountain summits. Peaks-Kenny showcases some of Maine’s most beautiful inland lakes and forests.
Popham Beach State Park
711 Popham Road,
Phippsburg, ME 04562
Located along the scenic Maine coast in Phippsburg, Popham Beach State Park contains a stretch of untouched sandy beach with striking views of offshore islands and the historic Popham Colony site. Exploring tidal pools, birdwatching, beach walking, and picnicking on the sand are popular activities. Popham Beach offers refreshing Maine saltwater recreation.
Quoddy Head State Park
973 S Lubec Road,
Lubec, ME 04652
Marking the easternmost point in the continental United States, Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec offers dramatic, rugged ocean vistas. The park contains hiking trails along cliffs rising over 500 feet above the sea, passing tidal pools teeming with sea life. As the first place in the country to see the morning sunrise, Quoddy Head is a unique coastal Maine destination.
Rangeley Lake State Park
1 State Park Road,
Rangeley, ME 04970
Located in western Maine’s scenic Rangeley Lakes region, Rangeley Lake State Park offers pristine lakeside recreation. Activities include swimming, boating, fishing for trout and salmon, and picnicking along the shores of Rangeley Lake. Hiking trails lead through the park’s spruce-fir forests to panoramic overlooks above the sparkling blue waters below.
Reid State Park
375 Seguinland Road,
Georgetown, ME 04548
Situated along the Maine coast in Georgetown, Reid State Park contains sandy beaches, dunes, marshes, and rocky shores bordering Sheepscot Bay. Saltwater swimming, hiking trails along striking granite headlands, exploring tidal pools, and viewing seabirds are popular activities. Reid’s diverse natural areas provide quintessential Maine coastal recreation.
Roque Bluffs State Park
145 Schoppee Point Road,
Roque Bluffs, ME 04654
Located along Maine’s scenic Downeast coast in Roque Bluffs, this oceanfront park offers incredible views and access to beautiful sandy beaches and rocky ledges. Recreational activities include beachcombing, swimming, fishing, picnicking, and exploring the diverse coastal habitats along miles of hiking trails that yield frequent wildlife sightings.
Scarborough Beach State Park
418 Black Point Road,
Scarborough, ME 04074
Scarborough Beach State Park, located in Scarborough, contains over a mile of sandy beachfront overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Popular activities include swimming, beach walking, picnicking in the shade of scrub oak trees, and exploring the marshland on scenic nature trails. Its convenient location near Portland makes Scarborough Beach a favorite summertime destination.
Sebago Lake State Park
61 Cub Point Road,
Casco, ME 04015
Located in southern Maine in Casco, Sebago Lake State Park offers pristine lakeside recreation on Maine’s second largest lake. The park contains sandy beaches, shaded picnicking areas, lakeside campsites, and miles of hiking trails. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating, fishing for salmon and trout, and appreciating the natural beauty of busy Sebago Lake.
Swan Lake State Park
Swan Lake State Park,
Swanville, ME 04915
Located in Swanville in coastal Maine, Swan Lake State Park centers around its namesake scenic freshwater lake. Recreational activities include canoeing, kayaking, fishing for bass and perch, swimming from the sandy beach, and picnicking in the shaded pavilions along the shore. With its tranquil setting, Swan Lake offers opportunities to experience Maine’s natural inland beauty.
Two Lights State Park
7 Tower Drive,
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Located on the rocky coast of Cape Elizabeth, Two Lights State Park gets its name from the twin lighthouses overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Casco Bay. The park features scenic hiking trails along rugged sea cliffs abundantly populated with coastal wildlife. Exploring the tidal pools and appreciating the panoramic ocean views make Two Lights a quintessential Maine coastal park experience.
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
426 Wolfe’s Neck Road,
Freeport, ME 04032
Located in Freeport overlooking Casco Bay, Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park offers diverse coastal habitats to explore on hiking trails through forest, field, and shore. The park’s mix of saltwater and freshwater ecosystems creates abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Picnicking and nature walks showcase the park’s natural beauty and coastal habitat.
TOP MAINE HIKING TRAILS
Back Cove Trail
Back Cove Trail Parking,
Portland, ME 04101
The Back Cove Trail is a popular paved path circling Portland’s scenic inner city cove. This approximately 3 mile trail offers excellent opportunities for walking, running, biking, and wildlife viewing in an urban natural area. With views of the cove and the Portland skyline, the Back Cove Trail provides access to outdoor recreation right in the heart of Maine’s largest city.
Bradbury Mountain Summit Trail
528 Hallowell Road,
Pownal, ME 04069
The Bradbury Mountain Summit Trail is a short hike to the 485-foot granite summit of Bradbury Mountain State Park in Pownal. Climbing less than a mile through hardwood forest, the trail rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The moderately difficult hike to the summit of Bradbury Mountain showcases the natural beauty of inland southern Maine.
Cadillac Summit Loop Trail
Cadillac Summit Road,
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
The Cadillac Summit Loop Trail in Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor offers unforgettable 360-degree coastal vistas. This moderate 3.7 mile hike traverses steep granite slopes, culminating at the 1,530-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point along the eastern seaboard. Panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and the Porcupine Islands make the trek around Cadillac Mountain a highlight.
Fore River Sanctuary White Trail
31 Hillcrest Avenue,
Portland, ME 04102
Located in Portland, the peaceful Fore River Sanctuary features the White Trail, an easy one mile loop through marshland and forest. Winding past vernal pools and through pine groves, this nature and walking trail offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. As an oasis of nature amidst the city of Portland, Maine, the Fore River White Trail is an ideal urban hike.
Fisherman's Walk Trail to Wiggly Bridge
21 Clark’s Lane,
York, ME 03909
The easy Fisherman’s Walk Trail leads to the iconic Wiggly Bridge over the York River in coastal Maine. This approximately one mile trail traverses tidal marshland abundant with wildlife before arriving at the suspended footbridge offering scenic river views. The trail and bridge together make for a fun family-friendly hike suitable for all ages and abilities.
Jordan Pond Path
2928 Park Loop Road,
Seal Harbor, ME 04675
The easy 3.2 mile Jordan Pond Path loop encircles scenic Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park, traversing peaceful forests and granite shores along the scenic watrefront. The trail offers stunning reflective views of the Bubbles Mountains in the crystal clear lake. Highlights include taking food breaks at the historic Jordan Pond House restaurant conveniently located along the picturesque path.
Little Moose Mountain Trail
Little Moose Mountain Trailhead Road,
Greenville Junction, ME 04442
This 4.3-mile loop trail near Greenville Junction, Maine is generally considered a moderately challenging hiking trail. It takes an average of 1 hour and 55 minutes to complete. This is a popular nature trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. The best times to visit this trail are May through October.
Mackworth Island Trail
Andrews Avenue off, US-1,
Falmouth, ME 04105
Located on Mackworth Island in Macworth Island State Park in Falmouth, this easy 2.7 mile trail loops completely around the perimeter of the small scenic isle. Passing rocky shores, forested areas, and open fields abundant with wildlife, the trail offers excellent opportunities to appreciate the island’s diverse ecosystems and enjoy sweeping views of Casco Bay.
Maiden Cliff Trailhead
321-415 Turnpike Drive,
Camden, ME 04843
The moderate 1.7 mile Maiden Cliff Trail climbs to panoramic views overlooking Megunticook Lake and the surrounding forest canopy. Traversing a moderate hiking trail up to an 800-foot outcropping, the trail’s highlight is the historic Maiden Cliff viewpoint. Its summit, marked by a large white cross, commemorates a tragic 1864 accident. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of Megunticook Lake after a moderately challenging ascent.
Marginal Way Walkway
Perkins Cove Road, Perkins Cove Parking
Ogunquit, ME 03907
The scenic one mile Marginal Way follows the rocky Atlantic Ocean shoreline in coastal Ogunquit. Traversing granite cliffs and providing access to small coves and beaches, the easy oceanside path offers striking views of the waves crashing on the rocks below. Abundant with coastal vegetation and wildlife, the Marginal Way is a breathtaking walking trail and pathway along Ogunquit’s coastal shoreline.
Moxie Falls Trail
Parking lot, 503 Lake Moxie Road,
West Forks, ME 04985
The Moxie Falls Trail in West Forks, Maine is a moderate 2 mile roundtrip hike through the forest woods to the scenic Moxie Falls on the Moxie Stream. After crossing a covered bridge, the trail leads to an overlook of the stunning 90-foot waterfall cascade. The trail through the Maine wilderness and the roaring cascade make the hike to Moxie Falls an unforgettable Maine wilderness hiking experience.
Ocean Path Trailhead
Park Look Road,
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
The easy Ocean Path Trail hugs the rugged granite coastline of Mount Desert Island in Acadia National Park. Offering striking ocean vistas, the approximate 5 mile trail passes pocket coves, jagged cliffs, and iconic attractions like Thunder Hole and Otter Cliffs along Acadia’s scenic shoreline. The Ocean Path Trail exemplifies the breathtaking natural beauty of Acadia National Park and the Maine coast.
Rachel Carson Trail
321 Port Road,
Wells, ME 04090
Located in coastal Wells, Maine, the easy 1 mile Rachel Carson Trail traverses peaceful salt marshes and wooded uplands within the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. Interpretive outdoor panels guide hikers through scenic habitats while providing insight into the area’s natural history and ecology. Named for the famed environmentalist, this trail offers a scenic amd tranquil nature experience.
Ridge Trail Loop
65 Upper Mast Landing Road,
Freeport, ME 04032
The easy 1 mile Ridge Trail Loop in the Mast Landing Audubon Bird Sanctuary in Freeport traverses diverse ecosystems including forests, meadows, and saltwater tidal marshes abundant with birds. Interpretive outdoor panels and signs describe the habitats and their inhabitants along this peaceful trail featuring scenic vistas of the surrounding natural areas and wildlife observation opportunities.
Screw Auger Falls Trail
Screw Auger Falls Parking, ME-26,
Newry, ME 04261
The moderate .25 mile Screw Auger Falls Trail passes through dramatic mountain scenery in Grafton Notch State Park to reach the breathtaking 23-foot waterfall cascade. The trail features stairs and scenic overlooks before arriving at the falls, where swimmers can enjoy the pristine plunge pool and cascading waters. Screw Auger Falls is a prime destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Tablelands Trail
280 Belfast Road,
Camden, ME 04843
The 2.7 mile out-and-back Tablelands Trail ascends over 700 feet onto the exposed mountain ledges of the scenic tableland ridge overlooking Penobscot Bay. A moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete. Traversing granite slopes and cliffs, the trail showcases coastal vistas over the surrounding harbors and islands that make Camden Hills State Park famous.
Wonderland Trailhead
ME-102 Alt,
Southwest Harbor, ME 04679
Traversing the rocky coast of Mt. Desert Island, the easy 2.2 mile Wonderland Trail offers striking ocean vistas with opportunities to explore tide pools and coastal forests. Passing sand beaches, the trail loops through scenic terrain showcasing the diversity of landscapes in Acadia National Park. With abundant wildlife and iconic views, the Wonderland Trail is a must-do Acadia hiking experience.
White Pines Trail
426 Wolfe’s Neck Road,
Freeport, ME 04032
Located in coastal Freeport, the easy 1 mile White Pines Trail loops through a scenic white pine forest past vernal pools and over forested wetlands and coastal shoreline within Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park. Interpretive signs and panels describe the ecology along the way. The White Pines Trail provides a peaceful nature hike among some of Maine’s iconic white pines and diverse coastal ecosystems.
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