With spring and its warming temperatures upon us, Mainers are turning once again to outdoor recreation, including taking in the state’s walking trails. 

Jane Arbuckle is the director of stewardship for the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the state’s largest single land trust with offices in Topsham, Whiting, Rockport and on Mount Desert Island. She said 2020 in particular featured “a crazy spring” in that people tired of being cooped up indoors due to the pandemic took to Maine’s trails in droves. This year won’t be quite so bad, she said, but there’s still a strong interest on the part of Mainers in getting outside.

“We once again expect that it will be a crazy summer,” she said.

The interest, while welcome, is overwhelming at times, particularly for popular spots such as Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. Already, Arbuckle said, the park is getting crowded.

“A lot of the parking lots at the park are full,” she said. 

Still, Arbuckle said she would never discourage people from getting outside.

“It’s good for people to get outdoors. It’s healthy. It’s a mentally, spiritually good thing to do,” she said.

In fact, Arbuckle said, this may be the summer for people to consider new locations they haven’t been before. For example, she said, starting on June 18, a passenger ferry will resume daily trips to Long Island, a small island less than two miles southeast of Swans Island and roughly five miles south of Mount Desert Island. Visitors arrive at the town of Frenchboro, she said, but there are 12 miles of hiking trails on the island, perfect for a day trip. 

Arbuckle encouraged the public to find trails on preserves listed on the trust’s website, but she also said it’s worth investigating in one’s hometown to see what hidden, less-advertised gems are available.

“You just have to go and ask people locally,” she said.

Here is a sampling of trails and land preserves, both from the trust’s website and ranked trails on AllTrails.com. 

Located in Brunswick, this preserve is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on northern Casco Bay. It includes 1.5 miles of trails that go through forests and open fields. 

A former dairy farm, this location in Rockport includes a 1.4-mile loop that is dog-friendly. It even includes additional fitness stations at strategic points. 

This Castine location has nearly eight miles of family-friendly trails spread out over four different land preserves. 

You’ll need to take an early-morning passenger ferry to Long Island to get there and plan to spend the day, but there are 13.5 miles of trails, many with views of Mount Desert Island. 

This Harrington Preserve includes nearly two miles of trails. The Maine Coast Heritage Trust indicates this might be a good place for birdwatchers, as the convergence of tidal rivers in the area attracts a lot of waterfowl.

This Machiasport preserve offers views of the islands of outer Machias Bay. There is a loop that traces a path around the peninsula for just over three miles.

Covering parts of both Cutler and Trescott, this preserve has four primary trails covering a total of 5.5 miles. The trails cater to all skill levels, from a simple waterside stroll to a hike onto rocks that offer a view of the ocean.

Located in Perry, the preserve includes 1.5 miles of trails, both through forest and along the water, with views of the rocky coastline.

Despite the name, this small mountain near Cape Neddick offers a 6.5-mile network of trails for multiple skill levels. Some have found a number of unmarked trails to try in the area as well.

This 2.4-mile long out-and-back trail weaves through Sebago Lake State Park. The park itself features a number of other easy walking/hiking trails as well.

Another out-and-back trail, this 4.6-mile hike near Bridgton is described as moderate difficulty. It is open year-round and dog-friendly, though your four-legged friends must be leashed. 

Part of the Parker Pond Headland Preserve, this 2.5-mile loop near Mount Vernon is regarded as an easy hike. Dogs are welcome, and may be off leash in some areas. 

For the more experienced and hearty hikers, Knife Edge is one of five trails in Baxter State Park — the others are Hunt, Helon, Chimney Pond and the Cathedral Trail — that together form a 17-mile loop. Knife Edge is part of Mount Katahdin, Maine’s tallest peak, and offers stunning views, but it is regarded as an expert-level hike. 

This 1,600-foot peak that overlooks Moosehead Lake in Greenville boasts two trails. The “Red” trail is 1.5 miles long, and the “Green” trail is 1.2 miles long. Both are out-and-back trails that go up the mountain. They are regarded as moderately difficult, but are not as busy or well-traveled as some other trails in the state.

Near Chapman, this 3.7-mile loop is regarded as moderately difficult. The mountain offers views of Mount Katahdin, Alder Lake and local farmlands.