Best Hiking Trails in Maine

Home to some of the most stunning natural beauty in the country, Maine is a premier hiking destination, offering everything from relaxing strolls to heart-pounding ascents, boasting views of geographical wonders like Machias Seal Island, North Rock, the Bay of Fundy and Old Sow, the largest tidal whirlpool in the Western Hemisphere. Maine’s land is 83 percent forested, the most forest cover of any U.S. state, and it boasts 3,478 miles of rocky coastline including lighthouses, beaches, fishing villages and thousands of offshore islands.

Ranging from easy to difficult, here are some of the best hiking trails in the state.

For an easy, scenic hike, visit The Jordan Pond Shore Path in Acadia National Park. The natural phenomenon is the result of retreating glaciers and the shoreline path is especially scenic in autumn.

For another relaxing experience, head to Blueberry Mountain for a gentle, 2.4-mile hike among wild Maine blueberries. The 2,890-foot peak has less traffic than others, so bring a bucket, enjoy the views and stock up on blueberries.

The Gorham Mountain Ocean Path Loop is a moderate, 3.2-mile scenic excursion near Bar Harbor, featuring beautiful wild flowers and ocean views.

Building in difficulty, Beehive Trail is a 2-mile hike through Acadia National Park, featuring granite cliffs pitching toward Penobscot Bay. The trail includes stone staircases and sweeping views of the forest to the west and Atlantic to the east.

The Bigelow Range Traverse is a rite of passage for New England hikers comprised of 16.3 miles of challenging terrain dipping in and out of conifer forests, rock cairns and a windy alpine zone.

In Baxter State Park, find the 1.1-mile Knife Edge Trail, situated at the end of the Appalachian Trail for hikers moving south to north. The rocky spine stretches from Katahdin to Pamola Peak and requires boulder scrambling on class-three terrain with slopes on each side. It’s exhilarating for experienced hikers and borderline terrifying for novices.

Finally, the 100-Mile Wilderness Trail is exactly what it sounds like (well, almost). The 99.4-mile hike goes through the most remote section of the Appalachian Trail, passing lakes, waterfalls and towering peaks. The venture often takes five days for experienced hikers, but others take eight to 10 days to enjoy the rugged scenery.