Looking for the best hikes in Maine? We’re sharing our favorites from our summer adventure to Maine! These trails offer a little bit of everything, from rugged coastal paths to serene forest loops. We explored iconic spots in Acadia National Park and Schoodic Peninsula, plus some lesser-known gems up and down the coast.
We’re starting in the charming southern coastal towns and working our way up to the wild and wonderful DownEast & Acadia region of Maine. Whether you’re after summit views, tide pools, or waterfalls, these are the best hikes in Maine for families, adventurers, and summer road trippers!
Best Hikes in Maine: Starting in Charming Southern Coastal Maine
Ogunquit and Perkins Cove: Marginal Way
In Ogunquit, Marginal Way is a very popular paved walking path. This 1.25-mile easy path takes you along Maine’s rugged coastline. It was packed with families, locals, and beachgoers all enjoying the pretty summer day. Visit Lobster Point Lighthouse along the way. You can walk right up to this adorable little lighthouse and skip trying to find parking.
There are benches dotted all along the route, perfect for resting and taking in the beautiful scenery. For a little more wow factor, time your visit for a sunrise or sunset walk.
We parked at Perkins Cove, a charming fishing village in Ogunquit. From here we were able to walk the Marginal Way path down and back, before touring the quaint shops and watching the fishing boats come and go from the marina.
For more coastal views, you can extend your walk onto the Cliff Path, a slightly rougher trail that continues beyond Marginal Way with equally gorgeous scenery.
Mount Agamenticus: Southern Maine Summit Views
Taking a break from the beach, we headed to Mt. Agamenticus, located near York, for a family picnic and hike. This was a cool find. If you are feeling adventurous, you can park at the bottom of the mountain and hike or bike to the top. You can also take the scenic drive to the summit parking area, which is what we chose to do.
There is a small parking fee that you can pay with an app. At the top you will find a Learning Center, restroom facilities, picnic tables, overlooks, and many trailheads to choose from.
Take the Big A Trail, an easy 0.8-mile loop trail around the summit. You will enjoy ocean vistas on the east side of the mountain and beautiful long range mountain views to the north and west. On a clear day, you can even see the White Mountains in New Hampshire!
Orris Falls and Balancing Rock Trail: Nature Hike in Wells
Near Wells, the Orris Falls Conservation Area offered a 1.5-mile nature hike through serene woods. The Orris Falls and Balancing Rock Trail winds past beautiful wetlands, Orris Falls, and the gorge of Orris Falls. Take a side spur to Balancing Rock, a massive boulder seemingly perched impossibly on a smaller stone!
Heads-up for summer hikers: pack bug spray. We hiked in summer after a good rain, and the mosquitoes were relentless!
Timber Point Trail: Coastal Loop in Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge
At Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge near Biddeford, the Timber Point Trail is a 1.4-mile easy loop. You’ll meander through marshlands, forests, and rocky shores along the coast. Bonus: at low tide, you can cross to Timber Island- just be sure to check the tide charts so you don’t get stuck!
This was a laid-back hike with big coastal payoffs. The kids enjoyed wading and skipping rocks in the bay near the parking area.
Parsons Way: Coastal Stroll in Kennebunkport
In Kennebunkport, Parsons Way is a 2-mile paved walking path along Ocean Avenue with spectacular coastal views. We parked at Blowing Cave Park, a scenic stop with a small parking area. This was a perfect spot to watch the waves crash onto the rugged shore, exactly how we pictured coastal Maine would look like.
We paused at the “An Anchor to Windward” tribute to President George H. W. Bush and took in views of Walker’s Point, the Bush family’s summer retreat. Parsons Way is also popular with runners and bikers. Whichever way you choose to take this path; the ocean views will not disappoint!
Best Hikes in Maine: DownEast & Acadia
Tidal Falls Preserve Trail: Tide Pools and Wildlife
Heading to the DownEast region of Maine, Tidal Falls Preserve is located in Hancock. The Tidal Falls Preserve Trail is a quick 0.2-mile easy loop along the shores of Frenchman Bay. We observed starfish in the tide pools of all shapes, colors, and sizes! Otters and seals can also be spotted in the river along with a variety of seabirds and even eagles.
Observation platforms overlook the bay and picnic tables make for a great lunch spot after exploring the tidepools.
If you time it right, you might catch the reverse falls in action as the tide shift. The best time to see the phenomenon is two hours before or after low tide.
Acadia National Park: Iconic Trails with Epic Views
Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island was a bucket-list stop. Already known for having some of the best hikes in Maine, the wild beauty and stunning vistas found on the trails were everything we were hoping they would be.
Jordan Pond Path
Our absolute favorite trail in Acadia and tops our list of best hikes in Maine. This 3.3-mile easy loop around Jordan Pond was a family win. The trail is mostly flat, with a few rocky and root-filled spots to be aware of. The path offers views of the stunning blue pond and the very popular “Bubbles” rock formation.
We started near the Jordan Pond House, taking in the thick summer foliage of ferns and evergreens. The kids’ favorite part was the raised boardwalk section of the path. And of course, the little bit of rock scrambling!
If you are hungry after your hike, stop by the Jordan Pond House and try the famous popovers! There is also a large gift shop stocked full of souvenirs and goodies.
Cadillac Summit Loop Trail
At the top Cadillac Mountain, Acadia’s highest peak, this 0.5-mile easy loop offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands. We also stopped by the visitor center and gift shop before finding our seat for a snack while awaiting the sunset.
Unfortunately, the fog rolled in just before we were able to catch the sun going down behind the clouds. We’ll have to try again next time! The hikes and vistas from the summit were still worth the drive up.
Timed reservations are required during the busy summer months, you can find more information on the park website. If you can snag a reservation, Cadillac Mountain is also an epic spot to catch the sunrise.
Other Popular Hikes in Acadia
Beehive Loop Trail: Although it is a very popular hike, we skipped the Beehive Loop this time around. It’s a 1.4-mile strenuous trail with steep climbs, iron rungs, and exposed cliffs. It’s a thrill for hikers, offering incredible views, but a little too challenging for us with young kids.
The Bubbles: We chose to take in the views of the Bubbles from the Jordan Pond Path, however you can also climb the iconic rock formations! The Bubbles 1.5 mile hike takes you to the top, with excellent views of Jordan Pond below.
Best Hikes in Maine: Acadia’s Schoodic Peninsula District
The Schoodic Peninsula is about 45 minutes from Mount Desert Island. A little quieter than the main part of the park, it offers less crowded trails with amazing scenic views.
Schoodic Head Trail: A short but steep 0.6-mile climb to Schoodic Head’s summit at 440 feet, this trail was a kid favorite for its rock scrambling. The vistas from the top were incredible- breathtaking blue ocean and views of the surrounding islands. Mount Desert Island and Acadia can be seen across the bay on a clear day.
Lower Harbor Trail: Near Schoodic Woods Campground, this 1.5-mile easy hike took us through forests along the water with pretty coastal views. The trail has rocky sections and tree roots, but it’s still manageable. We enjoyed the views of the shoreline and a boardwalk creek crossing at the top of a small cascade.
Read more about Acadia in our post- Exploring Acadia National Park: Top 5 Things To See
Quoddy Head State Park: Easternmost Adventures
At Quoddy Head State Park in Lubec, we explored trails near the iconic, red and white striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.
The West Quoddy Head Lighthouse Trail is a short 0.3-mile walk to the lighthouse and to the easternmost point marker. For a longer walk and more coastal views, take the full 1-mile loop on the Quoddy Coast Guard Trail. Whales can be spotted from here during the summer months.
For a fun detour, take the Inland Trail to a set of steep stairs that lead down the rocky beach. The waves flowing over the smooth stones are pure ASMR. The hike back up was quite the workout, but totally worth it.
Another popular hike in the state park is the Bog Trail, a 0.2-mile boardwalk loop off the Inland Trail that takes you through a peat bog. There are interpretive signs along the trail as you learn about the plants that call this unique feature home.
Wrapping up the Best Hikes in Maine
From the gentle seaside strolls of Marginal Way to the wild beauty of Acadia, Maine’s hiking scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re chasing lighthouses, tide pools, or mountain vistas, these trails deliver. We hope you enjoy some of the best hikes in Maine!
Looking for more to do in Maine? Check out our post– How To Experience The Best of Coastal Maine in One Summer.
Happy Travels!
*This post contains affiliate links. We are compensated from these links, but that compensation does not effect our review.
