Some Of The Best Trails In The State Are In These 7 Maine Towns
By Michelle|Published December 08, 2021
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
There are a lot of reasons to love living in Maine, but one of the highest on our list is the access to the outdoors. From the beach to the mountains and everything in between, there’s always a way to get some fresh air. We’re happy to simply sit surrounded by the beauty, but when we’re looking to get active, we hit the trails for a hike. For some new adventures, consider heading to the towns on this list, each of which is home to some of the best hiking trails in Maine.
Bridgton (and its 11-mile-away neighbor, Naples) offers lots to do outside. The town is home to the Pleasant Mountain Preserve offering plenty of trails and access to hiking, walking, birding, camping, and kayaking. A great trail to enjoy here is the 2.7-mile route to the top of Pleasant Mountain. Here you'll find some of the most lovely panoramic views.
Not far from Bridgton is Naples where you'll find Sebago Lake State Park and all the beautiful trails that exist within it. We love the 1.3-mile loop of the Beaver Lodge Trail. Rated as easy, this route is great for kids and, as the name would suggest, it's got lots of evidence of beavers. Make sure to keep an eye out for Beaver lodges.
Bethel is home to a variety of outdoor activities, but one of our favorites is Grafton Notch State Park. Ranging from easy to more difficult, there are trails for a variety of hikers. A fun, simple route is the trail to Screw Auger Falls. This 0.2-mile hike leads to the waterfall where you can take in the views before heading back the same way you came. There's a lot to enjoy here, so plan on sticking around for a while.
Considered a simple hike due to its length (just 0.5 miles) and relatively flat terrain, this trail is a great one for those who love Maine's waterfalls. The route leads to Smalls Falls which is gorgeous any time of year.
The Rangeley area is renowned for its natural beauty and the views that can be seen from just about anywhere. One of the best is via a 5-mile section of the Appalachian Trail leading to the precariously perched Piazza Rock. Pass the rock that was placed here by glacial activity and continue to the summit of Saddleback Mountain for stunning views of the area.
Located so close to Rangeley that the two towns are often confused for one another, Oquossoc offers the same beauty you'd expect of the area. It also makes a great entry point for Rangeley Lake State Park. Visit and you can take the 5-mile South Bog Trail to the shore of Rangeley Lake.
Hike to the top of Little Bigelow by tackling an 8-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. While the route is rated moderate making it more challenging than some others, we love being able to say we did a section of that AT. Plus, the region and the route are beautiful.
What are some of your favorite Maine towns for outdoor adventures? Let us know in the comments!
