Arundel MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Arundel, Maine.
1. Arundel Community Trails
MULTI-USE FOREST LOOP
Arundel Community Trails offers a year-round, multi-use loop that connects the new Town Hall property on Limerick Road to the renowned Eastern Trail. The trail features bridges and a variety of natural settings, making it popular for walkers, bikers, and hikers of all skill levels. Convenient parking and public restrooms are available at Arundel Town Hall, ensuring easy access for visitors.
2. Welch Woods
PEACEFUL RIVERSIDE WALK
Welch Woods is a gentle, half-mile loop trail through rich forest and along the tranquil Kennebunk River. Visitors enjoy boardwalks, a small brook crossing, and a clearing with benches, making it ideal for quiet strolls or a relaxing picnic. Its serene setting and riverside location offer a perfect escape within Arundel.
3. Eastern Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE GREENWAY
The Eastern Trail is a 65-mile section of the East Coast Greenway that passes through Arundel, offering wide, dog-friendly paths for walking, biking, and more. Entrances in Arundel and neighboring Kennebunk provide easy access to this well-maintained and highly popular trail. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, the Eastern Trail is a regional favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
4. Bridle Path
RIVER AND MARSH VIEWS
The Bridle Path is a flat, scenic dirt trail approximately two miles long that parallels the Mousam River and adjacent marshes. This family-friendly trail is perfect for beginners, with parking available at Sea Road School. The path offers beautiful natural views and opportunities for birdwatching.
5. Madelyn Marx Preserve
LAND TRUST WOODLANDS
Madelyn Marx Preserve features woodland trails as part of the Kennebunk Land Trust, including access to the Bridle Path. The area provides peaceful hiking and opportunities to observe local wildlife in a protected natural environment. Trailheads are well-marked and offer convenient parking.
6. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
COASTAL WILDLIFE TRAILS
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge boasts the Carson Trail, a one-mile, well-groomed gravel path perfect for easy hikes and birdwatching near coastal marshes. The refuge features an interpretive center and accessible facilities, making it popular with families and nature lovers alike. This scenic destination is renowned for its abundant wildlife and striking views.
7. Laudholm Beach at Wells National Estuarine Reserve
BEACH AND MARSHLAND HIKE
Laudholm Beach is reached by a 1.5-mile trail through diverse environments, including fields, forests, and marshes within the Wells National Estuarine Reserve. The Beach Barrier Trail leads visitors to a pristine stretch of Maine coastline, ideal for exploring or relaxing. The reserve is celebrated for its ecological diversity and scenic beauty.
8. Wonderbrook Park
FOREST LOOP TRAILS
Wonderbrook Park offers a series of short but technical forest loops, popular with hikers and mountain bikers seeking a challenge. The interconnected trails feature bridge and log crossings, providing both fun and exercise. Its location near downtown Kennebunk makes it a convenient outdoor option.
9. Parsons Way
SCENIC COASTAL PATH
Parsons Way is a renowned coastal path winding around Cape Arundel, offering excellent views of Maine's rugged shoreline and unique rock formations. The trail is favored for its accessible walking paths and dramatic ocean vistas. It provides an ideal opportunity for a leisurely seaside hike.
10. Madelyn Marx Preserve (Bridle Path)
NATURE OBSERVATION LOOP
The Bridle Path through the Madelyn Marx Preserve is a 1.5-mile walk offering rich opportunities to experience local flora and fauna. The trail is flat and accessible, making it suitable for all ages while connecting to broader Kennebunk Land Trust properties. Visitors enjoy peaceful woodlands, the Mousam River, and interpretive signs along the route.