Franklin MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Franklin, Maine.
1. Tunk Mountain and Hidden Ponds Trails
MOUNTAIN AND POND LOOP
Tunk Mountain and Hidden Ponds Trails feature a scenic blend of rugged mountain climbing and tranquil pondside walking. The route offers hikers a variety of environments, including mature spruce stands, peaceful ponds, rocky outcrops, and streams. Trail access is conveniently located along ME Route 182, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking nature and views.
2. Caribou Loop Trail at Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land
BACKCOUNTRY MOUNTAIN LOOP
The Caribou Loop Trail connects hikers to the rugged summits of Black and Caribou Mountains, delivering over six miles of backcountry hiking in Downeast Maine. This loop features varied terrain, lake access, and opportunities for scenic views from multiple mountain tops. Both northern and southern trailheads are accessible from roads near Franklin, making it a great choice for adventurous hikers.
3. Schoodic Beach Trail
LAKESIDE FOREST WALK
Schoodic Beach Trail provides a moderately challenging trek through shaded woodlands to the quiet shores of Donnell Pond. The trail is known for its peaceful forest atmosphere and the inviting sandy beach at its terminus. This spot is popular for swimming, picnicking, and enjoying the views of the surrounding hills.
4. Black Mountain Cliffs Trail
CLIFFTOP VISTA HIKE
The Black Mountain Cliffs Trail is a rewarding hike that ascends through forested slopes to dramatic cliff-top viewpoints. Hikers are treated to sweeping vistas across lakes and forests, especially popular in autumn for foliage colors. This moderately difficult trail is favored by those seeking both exercise and scenery.
5. Down East Sunrise Trail
MULTI-USE RAIL TRAIL
The Down East Sunrise Trail stretches for over 85 miles, following a former rail corridor through Maine's scenic rural landscape. The segment through Franklin offers opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife watching, and even horseback riding amid forests and marshlands. Its wide, accessible path makes it suitable for all skill levels and a variety of outdoor activities.
6. Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land
WILD LAKES AND PEAKS
Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land spans a vast area of wild lakes, forested hills, and mountains, providing a wide array of trails. Visitors can enjoy everything from lakeshore strolls to summiting challenging peaks like Tunk and Black Mountains. The area is popular for hiking, camping, and paddling, making it a versatile destination for outdoor lovers.
7. The Beehive Trail
ICONIC LADDER HIKE
The Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park offers an adrenaline-pumping climb with iron rungs, ladders, and exposed ledges leading to a panoramic summit. Renowned for its stunning views of Sand Beach and the Atlantic coastline, this short but steep trail attracts adventurous hikers. Located near Bar Harbor, it is one of the most photographed hikes in the region.
8. Gorham Mountain Trail
COASTAL SUMMIT TREK
Gorham Mountain Trail provides a gentle ascent to sweeping vistas over the Atlantic Ocean and Acadia National Park's famous granite peaks. The route is known for its wild blueberry patches and spectacular sunrise opportunities. Its accessibility and combination of forest and coastal scenery make it a favorite for families and casual hikers.
9. Acadia National Park Carriage Roads
HISTORIC STONE PATHS
The Carriage Roads of Acadia National Park are a network of crushed-stone paths that wind for more than 45 miles through woodlands, lakeshores, and mountains. Designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr., these paths offer a unique, car-free experience for walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Their easy grades and picturesque bridges make them ideal for a leisurely hike or family outing.
10. Acadia National Park
MAINE'S COASTAL GEM
Acadia National Park encompasses a diverse array of hiking opportunities ranging from gentle shoreline walks to strenuous mountain ascents. The park features iconic landscapes of rocky beaches, forested hills, and granite summits such as Cadillac Mountain. Its extensive trail system is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Northeast.