It's early fall and there’s still plenty of great weather in the forecast for those wonderful hikes before the bitter winter arrives.
With the natural beauty of Maine, a walk anywhere could feel like a nice hike, but we wanted to highlight some of our favorites.
Located near Camden, this 1.1-mile hike is great if you’re looking for a quick hike.
However, don’t let the distance fool you. The elevation gain of 590 feet and steepness of the trail will have you stopping to take a few extra breaths.
There are also some areas where you have to scramble across rocks, so it’s best to go on a sunny day. The rain can make the rocks slippery and a little more dangerous.
The peak of the mountain will take your breath away (in a good way). Here, you get to see the beautiful view of the ocean and the town of Camden.
If you’re looking for a hike with a waterfall, look no further. This easy 1.7 mile-long trail will not let you down, and people of all ages can enjoy it.
Located in Forks, Moxie Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in New England.
There is a little up and down on the trail, but none of it is too steep. The trail is generally flat and smooth. However, be mindful that there are a lot of stairs to the viewing area.
This hike is perfect in any season. Bring a bathing suit in the summer for the swimming area. If you decide to go in the winter, bring snowshoes.
No matter the weather or season, this waterfall makes a perfect backdrop for all your photos.
If you’re looking for a challenging one to two-day hike, this is the one for you. Standing at 5,269 feet, Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park is the tallest mountain in the state.
Many trails lead to Mount Katahdin, but whichever one you pick, you want to make sure to bring extra snacks and water with the elevation gain.
Before making it to the summit, you’ll have to hike across Knife Edge trail, and this is no easy task, especially if you’re scared of heights. Winds can gust around 60 mph and each side of the trail boasts a 2,000-foot drop. It can sometimes take over an hour to scramble across.
But once you make it to the peak, you’re in for a treat. The vast land and mountain peaks all around make it worth it.
Just make sure to start the trip early in the morning or go on a day when there is no bad weather in the forecast. The open land can become dangerous if lightning is around.
For a long, easy hike, try this trail near Portland. It’s around 5 miles out and back, and you’ll see some nice views on the trip, with a waterfall as your reward at the end.
The hike also features a river, beautiful flowers and excellent bird watching. Keep in mind that mosquitoes love posting up near bodies of water in the summer, so bug spray is a must on this one.
This trail can also get a little muddy in the rain. Come prepared so you don’t slip and fall. A dry or sunny day would be best for this hike.
This hike comes in as the most challenging on the list. Located towards the end of the Appalachian Trail, it can take 9 to 12 days to complete.
The trail got its very specific name to alert hikers that there are no resupply points along the 100-mile stretch of land, which is still mostly the case today.
The weather will be your biggest challenge, as this hike is best done in the summer, starting in late June.
Hot and humid weather and torrential downpours will have you rethinking your decision to hike the trail. Make sure you’re well prepared. You don’t want to get caught with wet boots, a wet sleeping bag, and a wet tent when the rain hits.
Drought can also be an issue some years, so do your research and bring extra water or a filter if this is the case.
If you get through it, the sense of accomplishment alone will make it worth it. Along the way, you’ll get to see beautiful mountains and lakes and maybe even some wildlife.
Always prepare before your hike, and bring any essentials you might need.
This can include:
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Fire starter
- Repair kit
- Extra layers of clothing
Get the full list here, as well as other safety hiking tips.
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