Discover these great hikes near Portland, Maine (Credit: YuziS/Shutterstock) Summit Trail at Bradbury Mountain State Park. Hike along the edge of adjacent Casco Bay as you take in Portland's gorgeous ocean cliffs and lighthouses – or find a paddleboat and experience it from the sea.. © 2018 ThemeSphere. If you’re looking for an easy, flat pathway in a beautiful setting that’s also located right in the heart of the city, there are few better hikes in Portland, ME than Back Cove Trail. As one of the only national parks in the New England area, Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful and beloved green spaces in the country. A small admission fee to the park applies. When she's not writing furiously on her laptop or editing photos, you can find Kay running, hiking, paddling, or playing in the snow. The 5.6-mile southern section between Standish and Windham is paved and wide. Blue State Park in Western Maine is one of the region’s jewels. For the most part, this moderate trail runs through forests and ends at the bald mountaintop, which offers lovely views of the surrounding forests, especially in the fall. The 11-station Marsh Trail (open to the public seasonally) is a little more than a quarter-mile long and serves as a perfect introduction to this environment. Here are our favorites under two hours driving distance from the city. With more than 21 Portland trails covering 119 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Papermill Trail or Eastern Promenade Trail . Kids love the old marsh-side clam shack that is now a nature center. Rent a canoe, launch your own, or join a guided canoe tour with an Audubon naturalist who can introduce you to the marsh's wild creatures. Additionally, the coastline here is lined with rocks, which makes for fantastic photos and opportunities to explore the area’s tide pools and nature. The 5 Best Fall Day Trips From Portland, Maine, The 9 Best New England Getaways for Families in 2021, The Top 10 Hikes in Connecticut from Shoreline to Mountains. Designed by ThemeSphere. Best Hiking Trails Near Portland, ME MyHikes has 28 amazing hiking trails with 66 miles to explore near Portland, ME. The largest city in Maine, Portland is known for its working harbor, fine and eclectic dining, and thriving bar scene. SPRING POINT SHOREWAY, SOUTH PORTLAND This historic pathway extends from Willard Beach to Bug Light Park along the South Portland waterfront. The mountain is positioned on the Denmark-Bridgton city lines and tops out at 2006 feet. Plus, the beach is a perfect spot for a picnic or a conversation with loved ones. After you begin your outing at the Maine State Pier in the Old Port District, you'll discover that Eastern Prom is more than a walking path: It's a 78-acre park, the largest in Portland. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The lowland area, where salt and freshwater marsh meet, provides great bird-watching opportunities. But hiking in Portland … Emails are serviced by Constant Contact In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the nonprofit Portland Trails organization created this 10-mile, cross-city adventure by splicing together existing trails and open spaces. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible and also dog-friendly. This 3.3-mile trail boasts a shaded, peaceful respite from the city and is suitable for hikers of all experience levels. Pleasant Mountain. Since 2006, Friends of the Eastern Promenade has worked with the city to preserve and enhance the park and all of its assets. The incline is steady but moderate, meaning you’ll get a great workout in as well! Located right off the coast in Portland, Mackworth Island is a wonderful spot for a quick hike without having to stray too far from the city. This 3.3-mile trail gains 1,512 feet along a fairly rocky area, making for some challenging and fun passes up its gradual and sometimes steep ascent. This hike combines all or a portion of four trails—Beech Cliff Loop, Canada Cliff, Valley, and Beech Mountain—en route to cliff-top panoramas of mountains and the ocean. The packed-soil path can be slippery after a rainstorm, but it is generally easy to navigate and wheelchair accessible. As you make your way up the mountain, watch out for various roots and rocks, which add a bit of fun and surprise to this moderately difficult trail. She's also the writer and photographer behind Jetfarer. You should only attempt this hike on clear days, as it can be extremely dangerous in bad weather. Here are eight of the best hiking destinations to seek and find. In the park, there are a number of trails that span leisurely paths to challenging rock scrambles. With a perfect location on Back Bay, this trail is perfect for hikers of all levels, including children and dogs. Our destinations are chosen by outdoors experts who live and play in Portland, so you’re sure to find the top adventures and maybe even a few local secrets! Opt for the Northern Loop trail, and you'll enjoy an easy, mile-long, gradual ascent to the summit for views of Casco Bay. Then the Bradbury Mountain trail is a fantastic option! Its gracious landscape was designed in 1905 by Olmsted Brothers, the landscape architects who carried on the legacy of Central Park creator Frederick Law Olmsted. This 2.6-mile hike up Bald Pate Mountain in Grafton Notch State Park —Maine’s western fence abutting New Hampshire—isn’t the summit, but a stunning vista point along the Appalachian Trail. Wolfe’s Neck State Park: Located in Freeport — a town famed for its outlet shopping — this coastal walk combines many of Maine’s most iconic scenery into a tidy little package. You can also camp at the park for a nominal fee as well. In addition to providing a home for bobolinks, meadowlarks, red-tailed hawks, and Canada geese, the property is inhabited by deer, red foxes, and other mammals (including a colony of rare black woodchucks). Hiking in Maine: Kennebec Highlands provide a wonderful winter treat. Many locals say this trail can get quite buggy, so we’d recommend bringing and wearing plenty of bug spray for your hike here. Although it’s not one of the closest hikes near Portland, it’s certainly one of the more thrilling ones in the state, and is well worth the 3.5-hour drive from the city! Protected within the Steep Falls Wildlife Management Area in and around Standish, Maine, this area offers a variety of mapped trails to explore. Portland itself is a beautiful place to hike, with trails running up extinct volcanoes, through dense forests, neighborhoods and protected natural areas in the city. The 8.1-mile hike to the summit of Mount Katahdin should only be attempted by experienced, seasoned hikers who know how to hike at high altitudes and in unfavorable (windy and potentially rainy) conditions. A family-friendly hike that takes about an hour at a laidback pace, the 1.5-mile trail around the island's perimeter offers photogenic views of Portland and busy, boat-filled Casco Bay. During hunting season, it is best to stick to hikes within the two sanctuaries that overlap part of this expansive preserve, as hunting is not permitted on sanctuary lands. Whether you have an hour or a day, there's a Portland-area hike that will stir your senses and enhance your appreciation for New England's wildest state. Tumbledown Mountain near Mt. Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite hiker? The trail ends at a sandy shore that you can swim at, picnic on, or simply hang out and enjoy the sunny, breezy weather by the coast. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. Some of the most popular hiking options in Acadia include the Beehive Trail, the Precipice Trail, Ocean Path, and more. While the hike is strenuous and typically takes an entire day, the views of northern Maine from the summit and surrounding ridges are out of this world, and undeniably some of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in the state. Open from dusk to dawn year-round, admission is free, although donations are appreciated. Explore the best trails in Portland, Maine on TrailLink. You can also see out to a few of the lakes in the area with stunning fall foliage in the later months of the year. For more trails that are ideal for small children, see Hike it Baby's recommended hikes near Portland. Hiking is first-rate on the Appalachian Trial, and to Mt Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, where visitors can choose from challenging trails and moderate hikes or one of the 200 miles of trails at Baxter State Park. It’s also one of the prettiest places in Portland, ME, with the still water of the bay gently lapping the shores by the trail. For a forest trail that leads to a rocky coastline that’s similar to Acadia National Park, head to the Harraseeket and White Pines Loop. This trail is closed indefinitely by its private owner due to logging efforts in the area. Combining coastlines, woods, and rocky areas, there’s a ton of variety on this short, sweet trail. Pleasant Mountain is one of the favorite hikes while trekking Portland Maine. Want to venture deeper into the marsh? Short offshoot trails down to the shore are steep and more challenging. While there are a few rocky areas on the trail, it’s mostly quite flat and made of dirt, making it easy and accessible to most hikers, even beginners. There are more than 21 miles of shared-use trails on both sides of Route 9, including several routes to the mountaintop (these are rated in difficulty as easier, intermediate, or most difficult). Below, we tackle some of our favorite recommendations for local hikes near Portland, Maine. One of the most famous (and most challenging) hikes in Maine is Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in the state, with an elevation of 5,269 feet. 12 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Maine That Are 1 Mile And Under With a fresh coating of snow, it’s pretty clear that winter just isn’t quite ready to leave. Check here for the latest reopening updates. Kay Rodriguez is the founder of Urban Outdoors. With expansive evergreen forests that border rocky sea cliffs, there’s no lack of variety for hiking in Acadia National Park! In the spring, hikers can help with the annual Hawkwatch count. In the Portland suburb of Scarborough, you'll find Maine's largest salt marsh, a 3,100-acre haven critical to the state's coastal ecology. Ranging from easy, flat walks in the woods to summiting mountaintops and climbing cliffs, there are several places to go hiking near Portland, ME for hikers with any level of experience. 5 Best Hikes Near Portland, Maine Wolfe’s Neck Oceanfront Camping in Maine 5 East Coast Road Trips for Adventure Travelers Things to Do in Acadia National Park for Outdoor Enthusiasts A Local’s Guide to Aspen Save this post on Pinterest Written by Katherine Oakes Katherine Oakes is an outdoor travel, sustainability writer and yoga teacher. Privacy Policy Acadia National Park is one of the best places to go for a hike in the entire state of Maine, but during the warmer months, it can get quite crowded at times. This easy trail is about half an hour from Portland, which makes it feel much more secluded and disconnected from the city than some of the more urban trails on our list. This stark, rocky ridge has dropoffs on both sides, making it a dangerous and thrilling hiking area that’s only suitable for experienced hikers. Hotels near Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine; Near Airports. These are the five best winter hikes in Maine! Your leashed dog can join you for the walk, and dog lovers take note: The island is also famously home to Baxter's pet cemetery, where 14 beloved dogs and a horse are remembered with sweetly inscribed gravestones. Another wonderful moderate summit hike in southwestern Maine is Pleasant Mountain, which is a peak situated in the mountains near the Lake District. Family- and dog-friendly, this trail is perfect for a leisurely nature walk with children, friends, or your favorite fur babies! Wondering what exactly you should pack for your next hike? The Southwest Ridge Trail is a beautiful hike near Portland that is worth taking an hour-long scenic drive through Southwestern Maine. In the fall, you can pick apples from heirloom trees, and in the winter, go snowshoeing. Skiing vs Snowboarding: Which One Should You Choose? Portland may be famous for its lobsters, but Maine hikers cherish the seaside city for its its vide variety of trails. Best kid friendly trails in Portland, Maine 1,198 Reviews Explore the most popular kid friendly trails near Portland with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Portland has majestic hikes in some of the most beautiful forests in the Pacific Northwest. Start your hike at the Tamanawas Trailhead on the side of … With 800 acres of wooded land, Bradbury Mountain State Park boasts 21 miles of trails. As it turns out, Maine – with its coastal access and its mountainous terrain – is an incredible location to explore the outdoors. Perhaps the most scenic easy hike on our list, the Morse Mountain to Seawall Beach is a beginner-friendly, fun hike from a small “mountain” (more like a hill) to the seaside. More than two miles of trails begin at the Education Center and wind through diverse habitats: woodlands, wildflower meadows, and, along the reedy banks of the Presumpscot River, a nutrient-rich estuary. RootsRated explores the best hiking trails in Portland. The best hikes near Portland Maine: There are plenty of wonderful hikes around Portland, picking just a few to recommend was rather tricky. We’re a community of outdoor-loving city dwellers who can’t wait to get outdoors! The mountain features a pond near the top perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The Lake District, with its many scenic viewpoints and proximity to the White Mountains, is a wonderful place to go hiking near Portland, ME. That isn't the case during the winter however. From the heart of Portland, it's about a 10-minute drive to this 65-acre bird sanctuary in Falmouth. With shaded, forest trails that offer peaceful views of the surrounding water, this flat, easy trail is perfect for a solo hike or a family adventure. If you’re looking for beautiful trails near Portland, Maine, the Fore River Sanctuary is one of the best hikes in Maine for waterfalls. While Portland, Maine is typically known for its lobsters, craft beer, and seaside charm, there are actually tons of stunning parks and trails to go hiking in and around the city. There is no shortage of waterfalls in the Portland area, and if you're ambitious you can see more than one in a day. One popular easy/moderate hiking trail near Portland is Mount Agamenticus, a short, easy mountain climb that borders the ocean. There is a $3.00 fee for Maine adult residents ($4.50 for non-residents). Due to its short length (2.0 miles round trip), and mostly flat trail, this hike can easily be done in an hour or less. Donated to the state in 1946 by Governor Percival P. Baxter, most of the 100-acre island is now public parkland that serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and shorebirds. Please note: before visiting any of the state parks listed in this article, be sure to check updates to ensure they are open. Type above and press Enter to search. During the cooler, snowy months the Park Loop Road is closed to outside traffic, keeping most of the usual tourist crowd to a minimum. Bradbury Mountain is the centerpiece of an 800-acre state park open year-round for diverse recreational pursuits such as mountain biking, snowmobiling, and horseback riding (admission fee applies). She's been with TripSavvy since 1998. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. On clear days, you can see all the way out to the oceanfront, too! Even more (in)famous than the summit, however, is the ridgeline, which is informally known as Knife’s Edge. Park on Forest Avenue near Back Cove Park (across from the Hannaford Supermarket) to access it. You will be pleased to hike it while hiking near Portland Maine.The mountain is big.It is far domestic to some good hikes. From Portland the drive to the state park only takes less than 30 minutes thus making it one of the closest hikes to Portland. You'll be sharing these woods with moose, deer, eagles, and waterfowl. Located in its namesake state park, Bradbury Mountain offers a 1.4-mile, easy trail through the forest to the peak’s rocky summit. For an easy, low effort adventure in nature, Mackworth Island is one of the best hikes in Portland, ME. As always, we only link to products that we recommend, and that we have tried and tested ourselves. 1. Looking for mountain hikes near Portland, ME that are accessible to all levels of hikers? But for visitors who want to stretch their legs and explore, this coastal destination also offers plenty of trails where you can breathe in ocean-cooled air scented with a whiff of pine. The Columbia River Gorge is home to many great day-hikes that also attract a crowd. The hike itself begins at the Sherwood Trailhead and is short and sweet, following the babbling creek filled with mini-falls all the way to the source. Children and seniors are only a $1.00. With several trail options, most people will hike the 5.6-mile Tumbledown Mountain Trail loop. Be sure to get there early on summer weekends, though, as it’s a popular spot for locals to go hiking near Portland, ME during peak season. In the Portland suburb of Scarborough, you'll find Maine's largest salt marsh, a 3,100-acre haven critical to the state's coastal ecology. Waterfalls Near Portland in the Columbia River Gorge. Either way, you’ll be treated to lovely scenery on this family-friendly hike in nature. This 3.5-mile trail loops around Back Cove—a 340-acre tidal basin right in the midst of Portland—and is ideal for running, walking, or biking. Work With Us 17 Essential Snowboarding Tips for Beginners to Get You Going ASAP, Best Women’s Snowboarding Pants & Bibs for Every Budget (2020), Best Women’s Ski Pants & Bibs for Every Budget (2020), 30 Totally Genius Gifts for Skiers & Snowboarders (2020 Edition), Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets for Safety and Comfort (2020), 35 Clever Gifts for Hikers That They’ll Actually Use (2020 Edition), 15 Jaw-Dropping Hikes in Maine for All Levels, 15 Gorgeous Hikes in Acadia National Park for All Levels, 55 Hiking Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure, 12 Scenic Places to Go Canoeing and Kayaking in San Antonio, 12 Stunning Places to Go Canoeing and Kayaking in the Tampa Bay Area. 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