Blaine MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Blaine, Maine.
1. Table Rock Trail
ICONIC GRAFTON NOTCH ASCENT
Table Rock Trail offers a 2.4-mile roundtrip hike in Grafton Notch State Park with dramatic mountain vistas and two distinct trail options for both moderate and challenging hikes. The summit rewards hikers with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. For those seeking more distance, the trail can be continued up to Baldpate Mountain for an extended adventure.
2. Mount Will Trail
SCENIC LOOP HIKE
Mount Will Trail is a 3-mile loop hike near Bethel featuring open ledges that provide scenic overlooks of the Androscoggin River Valley. The trail is suitable for families and offers both nature and panoramic mountain views throughout the ascent. It is located conveniently off Route 2, just minutes from Sunday River.
3. Summit Ridge Trail
BETHEL COMMUNITY FOREST GEM
Summit Ridge Trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back hike in the Bethel Community Forest that is known for its gentle gradient and four scenic viewpoints. Hikers enjoy vistas including the backside of Sunday River's Locke Mountain and White Cap. The trail is well-maintained, making it a local favorite for both beginners and experienced hikers.
4. East Royce Mountain Trail
SHORT, STEEP CLIMB
East Royce Mountain Trail, located in Evans Notch State Park, is a 2.2-mile roundtrip hike leading to a summit with expansive mountain views. Although short, the trail is steep and rewarding for those seeking a brisk, challenging adventure. It also connects to other trails for those wanting to continue hiking along the ridge.
5. Wabassus Mountain Trail
WOODLAND SUMMIT VIEW
Wabassus Mountain Trail features a 0.6-mile ascent through mixed hardwood forests, following a small cascading brook to a summit with seasonal lake views. The trail offers hikers a quiet and intimate experience in Downeast Lakes Land Trust lands. It is especially scenic in the fall when the foliage reveals the landscape below.
6. Pineo Peaks Trail
REMOTE FOREST EXPLORATION
Pineo Peaks Trail is a 1.3-mile hike that ventures into a remote ecological reserve, traversing mixed hardwood forests and climbing a ridge with partial views of West Grand Lake. Near the summit, hikers encounter fascinating geological features like granite ledges, crevasses, caves, and rockfalls. The area is perfect for those seeking a quiet, natural setting and unique terrains.
7. Hamlin Ridge Trail
BAXTER STATE PARK RIDGE
Hamlin Ridge Trail in Baxter State Park is a strenuous hike with outstanding open-ridge views, ascending to Hamlin Peak and then descending to Caribou Spring. The trail covers a long ridge and can be combined into a 4.5-mile loop for seasoned hikers seeking solitude and remarkable vistas. The journey is rewarded with panoramic mountain scenery and a classic Maine wilderness experience.
8. Chimney Pond Trail
CLASSIC KATAHDIN APPROACH
Chimney Pond Trail is a 3.3-mile one-way hike in Baxter State Park that leads to one of the most famous backcountry campgrounds in Maine. The route begins gradually, becoming more moderate with rocky sections and ample water sources along the way. It serves as a gateway for several challenging Katahdin summit routes and offers breathtaking views of surrounding cliffs and ponds.
9. Helon Taylor Trail
KATAHDIN CLIMB ROUTE
Helon Taylor Trail branches off from the Chimney Pond Trail and provides hikers with a direct but demanding ascent toward Baxter Peak on Katahdin. The route is known for its rugged terrain and continuous elevation gain, appealing to experienced hikers and climbers. It is a classic Baxter State Park trail that offers dramatic mountain views and a rewarding summit challenge.
10. Dawn Marie Beach Path
RELAXING LAKEFRONT WALK
Dawn Marie Beach Path offers a gentle trail experience along the shorelines of Grand Lake Stream, making it ideal for casual walkers or families. The trail is peaceful and passes through diverse habitats, including woodlands and beach areas, providing opportunities for wildlife observation. It is a favorite spot for a tranquil outing and lakeside relaxation in the Downeast Lakes region.