Complete Guide to Hiking in Maine

Maine offers some of the finest hiking in the Northeast, from the rugged peaks of the Mahoosuc Range to gentle coastal walks through Acadia National Park. With over 250 mountains above 3,000 feet, countless miles of trails, and terrain ranging from easy forest walks to technical scrambles, Maine has hiking for every ability level. This guide will help you find the right trails, prepare properly, and enjoy Maine’s backcountry safely.

Understanding Difficulty Levels

Maine doesn’t use a standardized trail rating system across all areas, but understanding general difficulty categories helps match your abilities to appropriate trails.

Easy Trails

These trails have minimal elevation gain (under 500 feet), well-maintained paths, and suitable surfaces for most fitness levels. Families with young children, beginners, and those seeking relaxing walks will find these trails enjoyable. Examples include many Acadia carriage roads, nature center loops, and lakeside paths.

What to expect: Wide, clear trails. Gentle grades. Few obstacles. Often accessible for extended season. Generally under 3 miles round trip.

Moderate Trails

Moderate trails involve noticeable elevation gain (500-1,500 feet), potentially rough terrain, and require reasonable fitness. These trails may include rocky sections, stream crossings, or sustained climbs. Most hikers with basic experience handle moderate trails comfortably.

What to expect: Varied terrain. Some steep sections mixed with gentler stretches. Occasional obstacles like roots, rocks, or wet areas. Typically 3-6 miles round trip.

Difficult Trails

Difficult trails feature significant elevation gain (1,500-3,000 feet), sustained steep climbs, rough terrain, and potential exposure. These demand good fitness, proper equipment, and hiking experience. Examples include most 4,000-footers and trails with notable technical sections.

What to expect: Steep, sustained climbs. Rocky, rough trails. Potential for scrambling over boulders. Exposure on ridges or summits. Often 6-10 miles round trip.

Strenuous/Expert Trails

These trails push even experienced hikers with extreme elevation gain (over 3,000 feet), technical scrambling, exposure, or remote locations. Katahdin’s Knife Edge, the Mahoosuc Notch, and certain winter ascents fall into this category.

What to expect: Serious physical and mental challenge. Potential use of hands for scrambling. Possible exposure requiring confidence with heights. Remote locations far from help. Distance may vary, but difficulty comes from terrain rather than just length.

Top Hiking Destinations

Mount Katahdin

The northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and Maine’s highest peak at 5,267 feet, Katahdin represents the ultimate Maine hiking challenge. Located in Baxter State Park, Katahdin offers multiple routes ranging from very difficult to nearly impossible.

Knife Edge Trail: The most famous route traverses a narrow, exposed ridge between Pamola Peak and Baxter Peak. This mile-long section features drop-offs of over 1,000 feet on both sides, requires scrambling and route-finding, and should only be attempted in good weather by experienced, confident hikers. The full loop via Helon Taylor, Knife Edge, and Saddle Trail is roughly 11 miles with 4,000+ feet of elevation gain.

Hunt Trail (Appalachian Trail): The most direct route to Baxter Peak, this 5.2-mile trail gains over 4,000 feet. The trail is relentlessly steep, particularly the upper sections through the Tablelands. This is a full-day hike requiring early start, good fitness, and proper preparation.

Abol Trail: A shorter but steeper alternative at 3.9 miles one-way, the Abol Trail climbs directly up an old landslide path with significant boulder scrambling. This trail is harder than Hunt despite being shorter.

Practical considerations: Baxter State Park limits day-use parking—arrive before 6 AM or risk being turned away. Reservations for parking at some trailheads are required. No pets allowed. Weather on Katahdin changes rapidly—what starts as a nice morning can turn to high winds, rain, and temperatures near freezing. Rangers close trails when weather becomes dangerous. Plan 8-12 hours for summit hikes.

Tumbledown Mountain

Located near Weld in western Maine, Tumbledown offers spectacular alpine terrain, including cliffs, caves, and a beautiful mountain pond near the summit. At 3,068 feet, Tumbledown provides big mountain experience with less commitment than Katahdin.

Loop Trail: The most popular route combines the Brook Trail up and Loop Trail down (or vice versa), creating a 5.6-mile loop with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The Brook Trail features steep scrambles through boulder fields and past small waterfalls. The Loop Trail descends through different terrain with excellent views.

Pond access: Tumbledown Pond sits in a dramatic glacial cirque just below the summit. The clear, cold water invites brave swimmers after the climb. This is one of Maine’s most scenic alpine ponds.

When to go: Summer and early fall are best. Spring brings black flies and potentially icy conditions on upper scrambles. The boulder fields can be treacherous when wet or icy.

Bigelow Range

The Bigelow Range runs for 12 miles along the spine of western Maine, with multiple 4,000-foot peaks including Avery Peak (4,088 feet) and West Peak (4,145 feet). The range offers both day hikes and excellent backpacking opportunities.

Avery Peak via Fire Warden’s Trail: This 9.8-mile round trip climbs 2,350 feet to the summit and fire tower. The tower provides 360-degree views of Flagstaff Lake, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rangeley Lakes region. This is a long day hike but not technically difficult.

Traverse hikes: Multiple routes allow traversing the range from end to end, with varying lengths depending on which peaks you include. The full traverse is roughly 17 miles and best done as an overnight backpacking trip with camping at designated sites.

Horns Pond: This pair of alpine ponds sits at 3,100 feet between the main peaks. A lean-to provides overnight shelter. The ponds offer swimming and excellent sunset views.

Acadia National Park

Acadia contains over 120 miles of hiking trails, from easy ocean-side paths to challenging mountain scrambles. The compact nature of the park means you can hike multiple trails in a day.

Precipice Trail: When open (closed during peregrine falcon nesting season, typically April-August), this 2.6-mile loop provides the most thrilling hike in Acadia. Iron rungs and ladders ascend near-vertical cliff faces on Champlain Mountain. This requires comfort with heights and good upper body strength. Not for anyone with fear of exposure.

Beehive Trail: Similar to Precipice but shorter, the Beehive offers iron rung climbing with spectacular views for a 1.5-mile loop. Also closed during falcon nesting season.

Cadillac Mountain: Maine’s highest peak on the coast at 1,530 feet can be hiked via multiple routes. The South Ridge Trail (7.4 miles round trip) provides the most gradual ascent with excellent views. Note that many people drive to the summit, so expect crowds at the top.

Ocean Path: For easier hiking, this 4-mile trail along the coast between Sand Beach and Otter Point provides stunning ocean views, interesting geology, and minimal elevation change. Perfect for families or when weather makes mountains unwise.

Jordan Pond Path: A relatively flat 3.3-mile loop around Jordan Pond offers classic Acadia scenery with the Bubbles rising behind the pond. Partially wheelchair accessible.

Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary

This Audubon-managed preserve near Monson offers a excellent moderate hike to a 1,947-foot summit with two mountain ponds and a nature center. The 3.8-mile round trip climbs about 1,500 feet through diverse forest to open ledges with expansive views.

The hike passes both Summit Pond and Midday Pond before reaching the bare rock summit. The former fire tower warden’s cabin serves as a seasonal visitor center. This is family-friendly hiking with big payoff for moderate effort.

Table Rock (Grafton Notch)

Located in Grafton Notch State Park, the Table Rock Trail offers one of the best views-per-effort ratios in Maine. The 2.4-mile round trip climbs about 900 feet to a massive overhanging cliff with views across the notch to Old Speck Mountain.

The trail is steep but short, making it accessible to reasonably fit hikers. The Table Rock itself is an impressive granite overhang extending out from the cliff face—worth the short scramble to get out onto it for photos.

Mount Blue

Near Weld in western Maine, Mount Blue offers multiple trails and spectacular views for relatively moderate effort. The 3,187-foot summit provides views across the mountains and lakes of western Maine.

The Center Hill Trail (3 miles round trip) is the most direct route, climbing steadily but not overly steep. The fire tower at the summit extends views even further. This is excellent family hiking for active kids.

Moxie Falls

While more of a walk than a hike, the 2-mile round trip to Moxie Falls rewards minimal effort with views of Maine’s highest waterfall at 90 feet. Located near The Forks in central Maine, the relatively flat trail through forest leads to viewing platforms overlooking the dramatic falls on the Moxie Stream.

Pleasant Mountain (Shawnee Peak)

Rising above the Sebago Lakes region, Pleasant Mountain (2,006 feet) offers multiple routes to a summit with 360-degree views. The fire tower climb provides even better perspectives.

The Ledges Trail is most scenic, following open ledges with views for much of the climb. The full round trip is about 5 miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The mountain also hosts Shawnee Peak Ski Area, which operates scenic chairlift rides in summer.

Western Foothills Day Hikes

West of Sebago, the foothill towns of Brownfield, Denmark, Sweden, and Greenwood are packed with short hikes and ponds. Try Burnt Meadow Mountain (Brownfield) for White Mountain views, Bald Pate Mountain Preserve (Denmark) for a quick ledgy loop, or Mount Abram/South Pond access near Greenwood for family-friendly outings.

Trail Etiquette and Leave No Trace Principles

Right of Way

On narrow trails, the uphill hiker has the right of way—they have momentum and it’s harder to restart after stopping. That said, uphill hikers often appreciate breaks and may yield. On bike-legal trails, bikes yield to hikers. Everyone yields to horses.

Hiking Speed and Passing

If you’re moving slower than people behind you, step aside at a convenient spot and let them pass. If you’re the faster hiker, ask politely to pass and wait for a safe spot. Don’t crowd slow hikers—everyone has different paces.

Trail Courtesy

Keep voices at reasonable levels—many people hike for peace and quiet. Music should be kept off or use headphones (though this impacts safety awareness). Step completely off trail for breaks to allow others to pass. Don’t crowd others at summits or viewpoints—share the space.

Leave No Trace Principles

Plan ahead and prepare: Know your route, check weather, bring proper gear. Don’t get yourself into situations requiring rescue.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Stay on marked trails. Don’t cut switchbacks, as this causes erosion. Camp in designated sites when available. If dispersed camping, choose sites at least 200 feet from trails and water.

Dispose of waste properly: Pack out all trash, including toilet paper. For backcountry bathroom needs, dig cat holes 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Pack out used toilet paper in sealed bags.

Leave what you find: Don’t remove rocks, plants, or historical artifacts. Don’t build cairns or rock stacks. Leave natural and cultural features undisturbed for others to discover.

Minimize campfire impacts: Use established fire rings where fires are permitted. Keep fires small. Burn only dead and downed wood. Better yet, use camp stoves instead of fires. Make sure fires are completely out before leaving.

Respect wildlife: Observe from distance. Don’t feed animals. Store food securely. Don’t approach or follow wildlife. Keep pets under control.

Be considerate of others: Respect other visitors. Let nature’s sounds prevail. Share trails and campsites courteously.

Essential Gear

The Ten Essentials

These form the foundation of any day hiking kit:

Navigation: Map, compass, GPS device or phone with downloaded maps. Don’t rely solely on phone batteries.
Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat. You burn faster at elevation.
Insulation: Extra layers beyond what you’re wearing. Weather changes fast in Maine mountains.
Illumination: Headlamp with extra batteries. Even day hikes can run late.
First-aid supplies: Basic kit with bandages, pain relievers, any personal medications, blister treatment.
Fire: Waterproof matches or lighter, fire starter. Useful in emergency situations.
Repair kit and tools: Knife or multi-tool, duct tape, cordage.
Nutrition: Extra food beyond what you plan to eat. Bring more than you think you need.
Hydration: Water and ways to purify more. Carry capacity for your full hike; don’t count on finding water.
Emergency shelter: Space blanket, bivy sack, or large trash bag. In case you’re stuck overnight unexpectedly.

Footwear

Good boots or trail shoes make the difference between enjoyable hiking and misery. Maine trails are often rocky, wet, and rooted—sturdy footwear with good tread and ankle support prevents injuries.

Hiking boots: Provide ankle support, good for rough terrain and carrying heavier packs. Require break-in period. Can be heavy and hot in summer.

Trail runners: Lighter, more flexible, comfortable for experienced hikers on well-maintained trails. Less ankle support. Dry faster when wet.

Approach shoes: Middle ground between boots and trail runners. Work well for scrambling terrain.

Whatever you choose, break them in before attempting long hikes. Blisters ruin hiking experiences.

Clothing

Layer appropriately for Maine’s variable conditions. Cotton kills when wet—choose synthetic or wool materials.

Base layer: Moisture-wicking shirt and underwear. Keeps you dry when sweating.

Mid-layer: Fleece or light insulated jacket. Provides warmth without bulk.

Outer layer: Waterproof/breathable rain jacket and pants. Weather can change in minutes.

Extras: Warm hat, gloves (even in summer for high peaks), extra socks, sun hat.

Packs

Day hikes require 20-30 liter packs for gear, food, water, and layers. Look for comfortable hip belts and chest straps to distribute weight. Hydration bladder or water bottle pockets provide easy access to water.

Overnight backpacking requires 50-70 liter packs depending on trip length and season. Proper pack fitting is crucial—visit outdoor retailers for professional fitting.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (June-August)

Peak hiking season offers the most stable weather, warmest temperatures, and longest daylight. It also brings crowds to popular trails, especially in Acadia and on Katahdin.

Advantages: Reliable weather windows, warm temperatures, all trails accessible, longest days allow early starts and late finishes.

Challenges: Crowds at popular destinations, parking fills early, black flies in June, mosquitoes throughout, afternoon thunderstorms possible.

Tips: Start early to beat crowds and afternoon storms. Bring bug protection. Carry plenty of water as streams may be low. Book Baxter State Park parking well in advance.

Fall (September-October)

Many hikers consider fall the best season. Cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, spectacular foliage, and thinner crowds make for excellent hiking conditions.

Advantages: Comfortable temperatures for climbing, amazing foliage views, fewer crowds after Labor Day, bugs mostly gone, stable weather patterns.

Challenges: Shorter days require earlier starts, weather can turn cold quickly, frost possible by October, some facilities close after Columbus Day.

Tips: Bring extra warm layers. Watch sunset times and start accordingly. Peak foliage varies by region and elevation—higher and northern areas peak first. Book lodging early for foliage weekends.

Mud Season (April-May)

Spring in Maine means mud. Trails become damaged when hiked during wet conditions. Many areas request hikers avoid certain trails until they dry out.

Challenges: Trail damage from hiking on mud, black flies emerge in May and can be intolerable, stream crossings can be high and dangerous, higher elevations may still have ice and snow.

Alternatives: Hike coastal trails or rocky terrain that drains well. Consider this the off-season and focus on other activities. Wait until trails dry—they’ll still be there.

Winter (November-March)

Winter hiking is a different sport requiring specialized skills and equipment. Microspikes for icy trails, snowshoes for deep snow, full winter clothing systems, and knowledge of avalanche conditions are essential.

Advantages: Solitude, beautiful winter scenery, frozen stream crossings, no bugs.

Challenges: Very short days, extreme cold, avalanche danger in certain areas, deep snow requiring snowshoes, ice requiring crampons, serious consequences if something goes wrong.

Tips: Only attempt winter hiking with proper experience, gear, and preparation. Start with small objectives and work up. Never hike alone in winter. Tell someone your plans.

Safety Considerations

Weather

Mountain weather changes rapidly and dramatically. A clear morning can become a dangerous afternoon. Check forecasts, but more importantly, watch the sky and be willing to turn back.

Signs of trouble: Darkening clouds, increasing winds, temperature drops, your intuition saying something’s wrong.

When to turn back: Any time conditions exceed your comfort or capability. Summits aren’t worth injuries or worse.

Wildlife

Maine’s wildlife is generally not dangerous, but awareness prevents problems.

Moose: More common than many realize, especially in western and northern Maine. Give them wide berth—bulls can be aggressive during fall rut, cows are protective of calves in spring.

Black bears: Present throughout Maine but usually avoid humans. Make noise while hiking. Store food properly if camping. Don’t approach bears, especially cubs (mother is nearby).

Insects: Black flies (May-June) and mosquitoes (June-August) are the most dangerous Maine wildlife in terms of ruining your experience. Bring bug spray, consider head nets for black fly season.

Ticks: Increasingly common in southern Maine. Check yourself after hikes, particularly in spring and fall. Lyme disease is a real concern.

Getting lost is easier than many expect. Trails can be poorly marked, fog obscures views, and wrong turns happen.

Prevention: Carry map and compass and know how to use them. Download offline maps to your phone. Pay attention to blazes and cairns. Note landmarks for the return trip—trails look different going down.

If lost: Stop and think rather than panicking. Backtrack to the last known location. Use navigation tools. If truly lost and night is falling, stay put, get warm and dry, and signal for help.

Water

Drink plenty—dehydration causes fatigue and poor decisions. Carry enough for your full hike plus extra. Maine has many streams, but don’t drink untreated water. Giardia and other pathogens are present.

Water treatment: Filter, chemical treatment, or boiling makes water safe. Filters are convenient for day hikes. Chemical tablets work but take time.

Know Your Limits

The most important safety consideration is honest self-assessment. Choose hikes that match your fitness, experience, and conditions. There’s no shame in turning back. Mountains will be there for another day.

Tips for Beginners

Start with easy trails to build confidence and fitness. Join hiking clubs or groups for companionship and learning. Invest in good footwear and rain gear first—you can hike with a basic pack and inexpensive clothing, but wet, blistered feet end the fun.

Learn basic navigation skills before attempting remote trails. Take a wilderness first aid class. Build distance and elevation gradually. Don’t let social media pressure you into hikes beyond your ability.

Ask questions at gear shops, visitor centers, and of other hikers. The hiking community is generally welcoming and willing to share knowledge.

Best Resources

Maps: Delorme’s Maine Atlas and Gazetteer remains essential. Appalachian Mountain Club publishes detailed trail maps. Caltopo and Gaia GPS offer digital options.

Guidebooks: AMC’s Maine Mountain Guide is comprehensive. 50 Hikes in Maine series covers popular trails with good detail.

Online: AllTrails provides trail info and reviews, though accuracy varies. Maine Trail Finder (mainetrailfinder.com) is comprehensive. Check park websites for current conditions.

Local knowledge: Ranger stations, visitor centers, and gear shops offer current trail conditions and recommendations.

Maine hiking offers lifetime exploration opportunities. Start small, build skills and fitness, and gradually tackle bigger objectives. Whether you’re content with coastal walks or driven to climb every 4,000-footer, Maine’s trails welcome you.