Caratunk MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Caratunk, Maine.
1. Moxie Falls
MAINE'S TALLEST WATERFALL
Moxie Falls features one of the tallest waterfalls in Maine, plunging nearly 90 feet into a scenic gorge. The trail to the falls is relatively easy, about a one-mile walk through a beautiful forest setting. Visitors enjoy viewing platforms, picnic areas, and opportunities to swim below the falls when conditions permit.
2. Moxie Mountain
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ASCENT
Moxie Mountain offers a rugged and challenging hiking experience with rewarding panoramic views from the summit. The trail, accessed from Heald Pond Road, is steep and traverses through spruce forest and rocky stretches, marked clearly by cairns and blue blazes. High-clearance vehicles are recommended to reach the trailhead due to the rough access roads.
3. Appalachian Trail – Pleasant Pond Mountain
SCENIC SECTION OF AT
Pleasant Pond Mountain is accessed via the Appalachian Trail, offering open ledges and sweeping views of the surrounding lakes and forests. The hike ascends through a mix of hardwood and evergreen forest, becoming more strenuous as it approaches the summit. It's a popular spot for both day hikers and thru-hikers seeking peaceful wilderness vistas.
4. Appalachian Trail – Caratunk to Pierce Pond
KENNEBEC CROSSING ADVENTURE
The Appalachian Trail section from Caratunk to Pierce Pond takes hikers along Pierce Pond Stream, passing waterfalls and swimming holes. A unique feature of this route is the canoe ferry across the Kennebec River, which operates during the hiking season. The three-mile trail ends at the historic Pierce Pond sporting camp, offering a quintessential Maine hiking experience.
5. Houston Brook Falls
SHORT WATERFALL HIKE
Houston Brook Falls is a popular destination where a short trail leads to a stunning multi-tiered waterfall. The area is known for its accessible pathway and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for families or casual hikers. Visitors often enjoy swimming in the clear pools at the base of the falls.
6. Avery Peak and West Peak – Bigelow Range
HIGH PEAKS ADVENTURE
The Bigelow Range offers a strenuous but rewarding hike to Avery Peak and West Peak, which are among Maine's highest mountains. The trails offer breathtaking alpine views, wildlife spotting opportunities, and the chance to traverse dramatic ridgelines. This section of the Appalachian Trail is a favorite among experienced hikers seeking a full-day challenge.
7. Wilson's Falls
SECLUDED RIVER CASCADE
Wilson's Falls is a quiet, lesser-known waterfall and swimming spot located in a forested area along the Kennebec River. The easy hike makes it accessible for most visitors, and the area is perfect for picnics and cooling off on warm days. Its peaceful setting makes it a local hidden gem.
8. Pierce Pond
PRISTINE WILDERNESS LAKE
Pierce Pond offers a tranquil wilderness setting for hikers, with several trails circling the shoreline and venturing into the surrounding woods. The area is known for its abundant wildlife, opportunities for canoeing, and the historic Pierce Pond Camps. It's a popular spot for overnight backpackers as well as day hikers seeking serenity.
9. Pleasant Pond
LAKE AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Pleasant Pond is a popular recreation area with trails that offer scenic views of both the pond and surrounding mountains. Hikers can enjoy fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching, as well as access to nearby Pleasant Pond Mountain. It's a favorite summer destination for both locals and visitors.
10. Bald Mountain Trail
PANORAMIC SUMMIT VIEWS
The Bald Mountain Trail leads hikers through a mix of hardwood forest to an exposed summit with sweeping views of the Kennebec River Valley. This moderate trail is suitable for most skill levels and is especially popular in autumn for its vibrant foliage. The trailhead is conveniently located near The Forks, making it an accessible choice for regional visitors.