Bowdoin MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bowdoin, Maine.
1. Bowdoin Coastal Studies Center
DIVERSE COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
Bowdoin Coastal Studies Center offers a trail system covering diverse ecosystems along Harpswell Sound. Visitors can explore spruce-fir forests, cedar swamps, or walk out to Wyer Island at low tide. The center provides access to miles of coastal habitat including rocky intertidal, cobble beach, soft sediment, and subtidal eelgrass areas.
2. Spruce-Fir Forest Trail
COASTAL FOREST HIKE
Spruce-Fir Forest Trail is a 0.5 mile path located at the Bowdoin Coastal Studies Center. The trail winds through characteristic Maine coastal forest habitat. Hikers can enjoy this short but scenic trail as part of the larger trail network on the property.
3. Long Cove Loop
SCENIC COASTAL CIRCUIT
Long Cove Loop is a 0.8 mile trail at the Bowdoin Coastal Studies Center. The loop provides hikers with beautiful views of the cove and surrounding coastal landscape. It's a perfect option for those wanting a moderately short hike with scenic ocean vistas.
4. Brewer Cove Trail
WATERFRONT NATURE PATH
Brewer Cove Trail extends 0.8 miles along the coastline of the Bowdoin Coastal Studies Center. The trail offers hikers access to one of the many coves that dot the Harpswell peninsula. Visitors can observe coastal ecosystems and enjoy the natural beauty of Maine's coastline.
5. Dipper Cove Path
COASTAL WILDLIFE VIEWING
Dipper Cove Path is a 0.6 mile trail that leads hikers to a scenic cove at the Bowdoin Coastal Studies Center. The path offers opportunities to observe coastal wildlife and marine ecosystems. This trail is part of the center's network that provides walking access to miles of coastal habitat.
6. Stonewood Trail
CONNECTING NATURAL AREAS
Stonewood Trail connects Bliss Woods and Sayles Field trails in the Freeport area. The trail can be accessed at the end of Stonewood Drive with a 0.3-mile walk to the main trail. This connector path allows hikers to explore multiple preserved natural areas in a single outing.
7. Bliss Woods
PEACEFUL FOREST RETREAT
Bliss Woods is a forested trail area located in the Freeport region near Bowdoin. The woods offer a peaceful retreat with typical New England forest scenery and wildlife. Hikers can connect to other nearby trails including the Stonewood Trail for a more extended hiking experience.
8. Bald Peak Trail
MODERATE MOUNTAIN HIKE
Bald Peak Trail is a moderate 4.6-mile hiking route near the Bowdoin area. The trail leads to a summit with panoramic views of the surrounding Maine landscape. Rated as moderate difficulty, it provides a more challenging option for hikers looking for elevation gain.
9. Harraseeket Trail and White Pines Trail Loop
EASY FOREST CIRCUIT
The Harraseeket Trail and White Pines Trail Loop is an easy 2.4-mile circuit near Bowdoin. This family-friendly trail winds through forest featuring mature white pine trees and views of the Harraseeket River. The relatively flat terrain makes it accessible for hikers of all skill levels.
10. Southwest Ridge Trail
SCENIC RIDGE HIKE
Southwest Ridge Trail offers hikers a scenic route along a natural ridge formation in the Brunswick area near Bowdoin. The trail features typical Maine forest scenery with opportunities to view local wildlife. Hikers can enjoy moderate terrain while exploring this natural area not far from Bowdoin College.