Cooper MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Cooper, Maine.
1. Vining Lake Community Preserve
LAKE LOOP AND SWIMMING
Vining Lake Community Preserve features a trail network that encircles a picturesque lake and offers multiple access points for swimming and relaxation. The main hike is roughly 2.8 miles long, providing options for either a full circuit or a shorter walk to the popular swimming hole. The preserve is dog-friendly and provides visitors with a natural, moderately challenging outdoor experience.
2. Cooper Farm Trails at Caterpillar Hill
BLUEBERRY FIELDS AND VIEWS
Cooper Farm Trails at Caterpillar Hill offer over 1.5 miles of interconnected footpaths through rolling blueberry fields, wildflower meadows, and mossy coastal forest with sweeping views of Penobscot Bay and the Camden Hills. The trails are suitable for hikers of all ages, and a fully accessible segment called the Peter Clapp Trail provides easy access to scenic overlooks and picnic spots. The property, managed by Blue Hill Heritage Trust, is a favorite for picnics, nature walks, and winter snowshoeing.
3. Cooper Pond Trail
PONDSIDE WOODLAND WALK
Cooper Pond Trail is set within the Appalachian National Scenic Trail network, providing a peaceful setting for a woodland hike near the water's edge. Visitors can enjoy serene views of the pond and surrounding forest habitat, making it a quiet retreat for wildlife watchers and hikers alike. The trail is best suited for those seeking solitude and immersion in nature.
4. Machias River Preserve
RIVERSIDE FOREST TRAILS
The Machias River Preserve offers a network of forested trails that run alongside the scenic Machias River, featuring a variety of habitats and wildlife viewing opportunities. Hikers can explore well-maintained paths that vary in length and difficulty, making the preserve accessible for families and experienced trekkers alike. Numerous river viewpoints and rest spots enhance the hiking experience.
5. Cobscook Bay State Park
COASTAL EDGE TRAILS
Cobscook Bay State Park features several miles of coastal hiking trails along dramatic shorelines, providing outstanding scenery and opportunities to observe tidal wildlife. The park's trails weave through forests and along the bay, offering both short and extended hikes with plenty of picnic and camping options. Visitors often spot soaring bald eagles and experience the immense tidal changes characteristic of Cobscook Bay.
6. Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
REFUGE TRAILS AND WILDLIFE
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge boasts an extensive system of trails through forests, wetlands, and open fields, making it an excellent destination for hiking and wildlife observation. The refuge is home to a variety of birds, moose, deer, and other wildlife, with several well-marked trails catering to all levels of hikers. Educational kiosks and observation decks along the paths enrich the visitor experience.
7. Great Wass Island Preserve
ISLAND COASTAL ADVENTURE
Great Wass Island Preserve is celebrated for its rugged trails that wind through spruce forests, peat bogs, and along breathtaking granite shorelines overlooking the Atlantic. The nearly 5-mile Little Cape Point Trail is a highlight, rewarding hikers with sweeping ocean vistas and diverse plant life. This preserve is ideal for those seeking a challenging hike paired with exceptional scenery.
8. Bold Coast Trail
CLIFFTOP OCEAN VIEWS
The Bold Coast Trail offers hikers a spectacular route along high cliffs and through coastal forest, presenting dramatic ocean views and opportunities for spotting seabirds and whales. The main loop covers over 9 miles and includes both forested and open headland terrain, appealing to experienced hikers seeking a full-day adventure. Its remote, pristine nature makes it one of Maine's most renowned hikes.
9. Blueberry Barrens Trail
BARRENS AND BIRDING
The Blueberry Barrens Trail leads visitors through expansive open fields of wild blueberries, interspersed with patches of forest and wetland areas ideal for birdwatching. During late summer, the barrens are particularly colorful and provide a unique landscape for hiking enthusiasts. The flat terrain and open views make it accessible to all ages and skill levels.
10. Roque Bluffs State Park
BEACH AND FOREST PATHS
Roque Bluffs State Park is home to a variety of trails that meander through forests, past ponds, and along a sandy saltwater beach on Englishman Bay. With both easy and moderate hikes available, visitors can enjoy a blend of coastal and inland scenery in a single outing. The park is well-loved for its swimming beach, picnic areas, and scenic beauty year-round.