Cast by Nature: 5 Extremely Rated Trails to Hike Maine

From rugged alpine summits to oceanside cliffs and distant wilderness ponds, Maine’s panorama is as numerous as it’s awe-inspiring. Whether or not you’re in search of a brief, scenic climb or a bucket-list mountain problem, these 5 standout hikes showcase the perfect the state has to supply — every extremely rated by the AllTrails group.

Discover these epic routes under or head to AllTrails to see the complete Cast by Nature assortment of trails all through Maine.

See the Path Assortment

Pemetic Mountain Loop

Acadia Nationwide Park

A substitute for one of many hottest climbing areas in Acadia Nationwide Park, Pemetic Mountain Loop affords equally spectacular views with the possibility to have the path to your self. This under-the-radar but extremely rated path begins with a mellow hike alongside the shore of Jordan Pond.

As the trail diverges from the water, hike under the park’s iconic Bubbles rock formation. Then, start a gradual ascent via the forest earlier than tackling a steep, rocky climb to the summit, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from views of Penobscot Mountain, Sargent Mountain, and Jordan Pond. Proceed downhill on the path to finish the 4.4-mile loop.

Turtle Ridge Loop Path

Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land

Discover the rugged terrain of northern Maine on the 8-mile Turtle Ridge Loop Path. Hike via a densely wooded forest dotted with moss-covered boulders, previous a number of small ponds, and beneath rocky cliff bands. At Hedgehog Pond, the path splits.

Proceed straight towards Sing Track Pond to see the path’s namesake ridge and full the complete loop. Or use the connector path that travels previous the pond and hyperlinks to the opposite facet of the loop to chop your mileage in half.

Don’t miss the overlook on the ridge close to Henderson Pond, the place you’ll have a transparent view of Katahdin within the distance. At 5,269 ft, this iconic peak is each the tallest mountain in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Path, making it some of the sought-after summits within the area.

Whitecap Mountain through Starr and Iles Path

Rumford Whitecap Mountain Protect

Whitecap Mountain affords certainly one of western Maine’s finest bang-for-your-buck summit hikes. This 5.3-mile loop outdoors of Rumford begins with a gentle forested ascent earlier than giving option to open granite ledges close to the highest.

Comply with the Starr and Iles Trails via wild blueberry patches in mid-summer, and absorb sweeping views of the Mahoosuc and White Mountains. The broad, open summit is ideal for a picnic or a well-earned relaxation earlier than looping again via the woods.

Bald Mountain Path

Little Harmony Pond State Park

Head simply southeast of Rumford for a brief hike with huge payoffs on the Bald Mountain Path. Park on Redding Highway to start out this 2.3-mile out-and-back path. A gradual elevation achieve on the onset ultimately provides option to a steeper ascent when you attain Little Harmony Pond.

Earlier than the summit, you’ll see a spur path on the fitting that results in Shagg Crag — a preferred climbing spot on the facet of the mountain. Take a look at the motion on the crag or preserve climbing to the highest of Bald Mountain, the place you’ll have wide-open views of the encircling space. Hikers in search of an extended day on the path can hook up with the Speckled Mountain Path so as to add one other 2.3 miles and 870 ft of elevation to the journey.

Borestone Mountain Path

Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary

Go to the Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary to get pleasure from a rewarding mixture of forest, ponds, and dramatic summit views. The three.7-mile Borestone Mountain Path gives an simply accessed choice for hikers trying to expertise Maine’s rugged panorama with out venturing too deep into the backcountry.

From the trailhead, hike clockwise on the Base Path, which climbs progressively alongside a gravel entry path. Then, hook up with the Summit Path for a steeper ascent that includes stone steps, ledges, and railings. The path leads previous two peaceable alpine ponds earlier than reaching twin peaks with sweeping views of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness.

This submit was sponsored by the Maine Workplace of Tourism.