Dedham MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Dedham, Maine.
1. Bald Mountain
POPULAR STEEP SUMMIT HIKE
Bald Mountain in Dedham is a popular local hike known for its steep inclines and rewarding summit views. Once a ski mountain, it offers multiple trail options leading hikers through beautiful Maine woods to a granite summit with panoramic vistas. The trailhead is accessible from Bald Mountain Road, and the area provides an iconic picnic destination frequently visited by outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Kiski Trails
SCENIC TRAIL NETWORK
Kiski Trails is a 9-mile network of narrow, single-track trails and gravel roads winding through forest on 680 acres in Dedham. Hikers can explore destinations like an overlook and a waterfall, making it a versatile spot for both short strolls and longer hikes. The varied terrain and peaceful atmosphere make it a favored spot for nature lovers seeking tranquility and woodland scenery.
3. Dedham-Kiski Trails
WOODED GRAVEL PATHS
The Dedham-Kiski Trails, situated in the heart of Dedham, offer a well-maintained network of gravel roads and single-track trails on the expansive Kiski Lot. The trails provide a mix of gentle and moderate grades, appealing to families and avid hikers alike. With ample opportunities for wildlife sightings and forest immersion, this area is a wonderful local resource for outdoor adventures.
4. Acadia National Park - Beachcroft and Champlain Mountain Trails
ICONIC MOUNTAIN AND COASTAL VIEWS
The Beachcroft and Champlain Mountain Trails in Acadia National Park feature a historic memorial pathway and stunning panoramic views of Mount Desert Island and Frenchman Bay. This advanced 3.7-mile route is famed for its challenging climbs and breathtaking coastal scenery. Hikers are treated to unique stone stairways and historic vistas throughout the journey.
5. Acadia National Park - Beech Mountain South Ridge Loop
FIRE TOWER SUMMIT LOOP
The Beech Mountain South Ridge Loop is a forested trail culminating at a mountaintop fire tower with sweeping views of Long Pond and the surrounding landscape. This advanced 2.1-mile loop is well-loved for its moderate challenge and picturesque scenery. The trail offers both wooded ascents and open summit vistas, making it a rewarding hike for visitors to Acadia.
6. Acadia National Park - Beech Mountain West Ridge to Valley Trail
LEDGE CLIMB AND WOODED DESCENT
This trail combines a dramatic climb up steep ledges with a gentle descent through lush forest, providing a varied hiking experience on Mount Desert Island. The 2.5-mile loop is known for its spectacular summit fire tower and panoramic views. It's an excellent choice for hikers seeking both adventure and natural beauty in Acadia National Park.
7. Acadia National Park - Beehive Loop
CHALLENGING CLIFFS AND VISTAS
The Beehive Loop is one of Acadia's most famous hikes, featuring exposed cliff sections and iron rungs for a dramatic ascent. This advanced 1.9-mile network rewards brave hikers with outstanding views over the ocean and Mount Desert Island. The hike is best suited for experienced adventurers comfortable with heights and scrambling.
8. Acadia National Park - Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach
HISTORIC PATH BY THE SHORE
Hiking from Sieur de Monts to Sand Beach takes visitors along a historic memorial pathway offering stunning coastal mountain panoramas. The route traverses Beachcroft and Champlain Mountain trails, allowing hikers to experience both mountain and seaside landscapes. This trail is a favorite for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and spectacular views in a single outing.
9. Acadia National Park - Gorham Mountain Trail
CLASSIC COASTAL MOUNTAIN HIKE
The Gorham Mountain Trail is a beloved Acadia hike offering a relatively moderate climb with rewarding ocean and mountain vistas. The summit provides panoramic views of the coast, making it a popular choice for families and avid hikers alike. Its accessible trailhead and manageable length make it a quintessential Acadia hiking experience.
10. Acadia National Park - Jordan Pond Path
LAKESIDE LOOP AND SCENERY
The Jordan Pond Path in Acadia is a scenic loop that circles the crystal-clear Jordan Pond, offering gentle terrain and iconic views of the Bubbles mountains. This easy, family-friendly trail is immensely popular for its tranquil lakeside walking and beautiful photo opportunities. Visitors consistently rate it as one of the park's most pleasant and accessible hikes.