Top 15 Scenic Hikes in Maine with Stunning Views

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Whether you’re a novice or an experienced trekker, there’s a hiking trail in Maine for you.

Fact checked by Sarah Cahalan

It doesn’t get much wilder than Maine — a state that features rocky shores, roaming moose, and the most difficult (and remote) segment of the Appalachian Trail. Here in the northeasternmost U.S. state, it’s easy to find a hiking trail that takes you out into the woods, far away from the tourists who flock to the state’s quaint coastal towns seeking picturesque lighthouses and the best lobster shacks.

Of course, being Maine, there are also numerous beautiful hikes along the coastline. It doesn’t matter if you’re a total newbie or a seasoned hiker; the Pine Tree State offers a dose of adventure that’s suitable for everyone. Here’s an overview of some of the best hikes in Maine.

100-Mile Wilderness

Known as the most arduous section of the Appalachian Trail, the 100-Mile Wilderness derives its name from the distance between the towns located on either side of this segment. Prepare for an eight- to 10-day backpacking trip if you take on this expedition, as this hike should serve as a goal for the hiking season rather than your first trek of the year. Those who meet the challenge are rewarded with access to some of Maine’s most remote landscapes, including wooded mountains and scenic valleys where you can encounter moose, lynxes, and loons.

Table Rock Trail

From Andover, Maine, embark on the scenic Table Rock Trail in Grafton Notch State Park, which is considered one of the best hikes in Maine. The 2.1-mile loop has a hard rating due to some steep sections, but you can tailor your experience by choosing trails that match your expertise. The key is to travel counterclockwise while taking the orange-marked trail up and the blue and white trails down. Along the way, you will pass natural caves perfect for exploration.

Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail

While you can drive up Cadillac Mountain, taking the moderately challenging 6.7-mile path to the summit offers a more rewarding experience. The trail winds through the woods before ascending to rocky ledges that lead to the peak. You can start your hike at the Blackwoods Campground and enjoy a cozy night under the stars.

Mount Kineo

Mount Kineo rises dramatically from Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine. The mountain connects to the mainland by a narrow road, but your hiking journey begins at the Rockwood boat launch, followed by a boat trip to the trailhead. From land, conquer the Indian Trail to the summit and ascend the converted fire tower for sweeping views of the expansive lake below.

Knife Edge Trail

If you are a skilled hiker, consider tackling Mount Katahdin, the highest peak and one of the best hikes in Maine. The Knife Edge Trail offers a short yet steep climb from Katahdin’s western face to Baxter Peak, the summit’s apex. Be aware that this 1.1-mile scramble is only suitable for confident hikers, due to steep drop-offs and loose rocks along the route.

Angel Falls Trail

The stunning 90-foot Angel Falls is often touted as Maine’s tallest waterfall, thanks to its mesmerizing braided silver cascades. To access the trailhead, head about 18 miles south of Oquossoc on Bemis Road, an old railroad grade. The hike is short, covering just one mile, yet involves steep sections and a few stream crossings. The reward at the end is certainly worth the effort, offering breathtaking views.

Fire Warden’s Trail

The nearly five-mile Fire Warden’s Trail offers a steep climb up Bigelow Mountain, which has six separate peaks. Bigelow Preserve receives less attention compared to bigger spots like Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park. Therefore, you may find solitude among the cool hardwood forests and rocky ridges along the way.

Mount Battie Trail

This moderate 1.1-mile hike, located just outside Camden, Maine, is an ideal complement to a morning on Penobscot Bay. Despite the high daily traffic, the bird-watching opportunities are excellent, and the summit provides views of the Atlantic Ocean and its offshore islands.

Ocean Path Trail

The family-friendly and relatively flat Ocean Path Trail stretches 2.2 miles one-way from Sand Beach to the Otter Point Overlook, with an option to detour to Thunder Hole. This trail offers splendid views of the eastern coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Take your time on this popular hike, which typically takes about 1.5 hours round-trip and is favored by trail runners, walkers, and bird watchers.

Great Head Trail

Located in Acadia National Park, the 1.4-mile Great Head Trail leads hikers over granite rocks, near hidden coves, and through lush forests, starting and ending at Sand Beach. This moderate loop is an excellent inclusion to a beach day or an afternoon exploring Acadia’s wonders.

Gulf Hagas Rim Trail and Pleasant River Tote

For a longer hiking experience, head to Beaver Cove and tackle the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail, an 8.6-mile loop that boasts views of “The Grand Canyon of Maine.” During high water seasons, typically in spring, leave your car at the Head of the Gulf Parking Area. This entrance includes a bridge over the river, unlike the Gulf Hagas Parking Area entrance, which may require you to cross the river on foot. The journey grants you access to waterfalls and remote forests where cell service is unavailable, so bring a reliable map and compass.

Burnt Meadow Mountain and Twin Brook Trails

This challenging 3.4-mile loop, situated just outside Brownfield, ranks among the best hikes in Maine, with panoramic mountain views and trails that wander through ancient forests and stark alpine landscapes. Start on the trail marked with blue markers towards the summit and then complete the loop on the Twin Brooks Trail, marked with yellow markers, back to your vehicle. Completing this hike may take up to four hours, but the impressive scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

Borestone Mountain Trail

Located about 90 minutes north of Bangor in Guilford, the Borestone Mountain Trail offers two options. You can either stick with the original loop, which leads you on a scenic hike through the woods and returns you to the parking area via a road, or take the more challenging route back. Whichever path you choose, you’ll experience beautiful forest views, steep sections, and an incredible adventure through the Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary, which is part of the scenic 100-Mile Wilderness region.

Moxie Falls Trail

With a drop of roughly 90 feet, Moxie Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Maine. This moderate two-mile out-and-back hike begins with a flat walk through the woods, then ascends a slightly steeper section leading to several wooden boardwalks and steps, which provide access to various overlook points. Take your time enjoying the views from each lookout before retracing your steps.

Tumbledown Mountain

This 5.3-mile loop trail located just outside Byron presents more of a challenge than one might expect. It begins with a vigorous 1.5-mile climb along the Loop Trail, rewarding hikers with stunning views of the western mountains, then leads down to scenic Tumbledown Pond for additional picturesque vistas. As you navigate the connecting routes (Tumbledown Ridge Trail and Brook Trail) back to Byron Road, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as red squirrels and endangered peregrine falcons, which are known to nest in the area, as well as trees like spruce, red maple, and yellow birch.