Bristol MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bristol, Maine.
1. Bristol Recreational Trail
EASY SCHOOL-SIDE WALK
Bristol Recreational Trail is approximately 0.75 miles long and offers an easy 30-minute walking experience. The trail includes a short segment on school property designed to be handicap accessible, making it accessible to visitors of all abilities. Hikers can enjoy views over the tidal river while walking this relatively short but pleasant path.
2. La Verna Preserve
DRAMATIC COASTAL SCENERY
La Verna Preserve features approximately 2.4 miles of trails with breathtaking rocky coastline stretching almost a mile. Hikers pass through mature forest, over Meadow Brook, and along historic stone walls before reaching the dramatic Atlantic shoreline. The preserve offers 3,600 feet of stunning rocky ocean frontage and diverse wildlife habitat, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
3. Crooked Farm and Sproul Preserves
MEADOWS AND RIVER VIEWS
Crooked Farm and Sproul Preserves together offer almost four miles of walking trails through diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore meadows, forests, and trails along the peaceful Pemaquid River and quiet ponds. These connected preserves provide a more extensive hiking experience with varied natural environments to enjoy.
4. Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve
HISTORICAL NATURE SANCTUARY
Rachel Carson Salt Pond Preserve is a historical site that was a favorite spot of renowned environmentalist Rachel Carson. The preserve features a short looped trail through the forest located across from a rocky shoreline. This dog-free preserve offers visitors a chance to experience the natural environment that inspired Carson's groundbreaking work.
5. Hatchtown Preserve
RIVERSIDE WETLAND VIEWS
Hatchtown Preserve offers two short loops covering 35 acres of protected land. The trails provide pretty views of the Pemaquid River wetlands, giving hikers a chance to observe this unique ecosystem. This compact preserve packs scenic value into a relatively small area, making it ideal for a quick nature excursion.
6. Cosima's Preserve
RIVER OVERLOOK TRAIL
Cosima's Preserve features a roughly one-mile loop trail through natural landscapes. The preserve includes a short spur trail that leads to a flat ledge overlooking a wide stretch of the Pemaquid River. This compact hiking area offers a rewarding river viewpoint that makes the short journey worthwhile.
7. Keyes Woods Preserve
MARSHY RIVER LOOPS
Keyes Woods Preserve encompasses 70 acres with several possible loop configurations for hikers to enjoy. The trails bring visitors to the shore of the marshy Pemaquid River, offering unique wetland perspectives. This larger preserve provides more extensive hiking options while showcasing the natural beauty of the Pemaquid River ecosystem.
8. Bass Rock
SHORT MYSTERIOUS WALK
Bass Rock is a brief hiking experience of about half a mile that offers scenic views and a unique natural feature. Visitors can explore a mysterious hole that adds intrigue to this compact trail system. Despite its short length, Bass Rock provides an interesting geological experience that makes it worth visiting.
9. Bearce-Allen Nature Preserve
INTERPRETIVE TREE TRAIL
Bearce-Allen Nature Preserve offers a fun, interpretative walking experience where visitors can test their tree identification skills. When combined with the adjacent Norgal Preserve, hikers can enjoy approximately 2 miles of trails through diverse woodland environments. The educational components of this preserve make it especially valuable for those interested in learning about local forest ecology.
10. Harraseeket Trail
LOOP NEAR SOUTH BRISTOL
Harraseeket Trail combines with White Pines Trail to create a 2.4-mile loop hiking experience. Located near South Bristol, this trail system offers accessible hiking for various skill levels. Hikers can enjoy diverse forest environments while completing this moderately-sized loop trail.