Frenchboro MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Frenchboro, Maine.
1. Frenchboro Preserve
REMOTE COASTAL TRAILS
Frenchboro Preserve provides more than 13 miles of challenging hiking trails that wind through forests and along dramatic rocky shorelines. Hikers enjoy panoramic vistas of Mount Desert Island, remote beaches, and encounters with diverse wildlife including songbirds and marine mammals. The preserve is celebrated for its off-the-beaten-path experience and rugged coastal beauty.
2. Frenchboro Long Island Perimeter Loop
ISLAND CIRCUMNAVIGATION HIKE
The Frenchboro Long Island Perimeter Loop is a winding coastal trail that circumnavigates Long Island, offering hikers expansive ocean views and dramatic rugged coastlines. The loop is known for its remote tranquility and presents moderate challenges as it weaves through spruce forests and along rocky bluffs. With a total distance of nearly 9 miles, it's a rewarding adventure for those seeking solitude in Maine's island wilderness.
3. Big Beach
SECLUDED OCEANFRONT STRETCH
Big Beach is a highlight along the Frenchboro trail network, located just half a mile from the local library trailhead. This open ocean beach marks the start of a memorable hiking adventure, with expansive views and access to the rugged coastline. Visitors find the tranquility and isolation of Big Beach to be a defining feature of the Frenchboro hiking experience.
4. Lunt Harbor Trail
HARBORFRONT ACCESS PATH
The Lunt Harbor Trail begins near Frenchboro's working waterfront and is a gateway to the island's broader trail system. It offers hikers immediate access to coastal bluffs, scenic views, and the start of longer routes into the preserve. The proximity to the harbor makes it an ideal starting point for day hikes and wildlife observation.
5. Rich's Head Trail
BLUFF AND COVE VIEWS
Rich's Head Trail is a scenic route leading hikers to one of the most dramatic headlands on Long Island. The path traverses dense forest and reaches high bluffs overlooking the Atlantic, providing impressive coastal vistas and a sense of isolation. It's a favored spot for both photography and quiet reflection.
6. East Point Trail
EASTERN ISLAND VISTAS
East Point Trail leads adventurers to the eastern tip of Long Island, where sweeping ocean views and rugged cliffs await. The trail passes through thick spruce and fir woods, eventually opening up to panoramic coastal scenery. It's less traveled, giving visitors a peaceful experience surrounded by native flora and fauna.
7. Bluff Head Trail
HIGH COASTAL OVERLOOK
Bluff Head Trail climbs through forested terrain to reach one of the highest bluff points on Long Island. From the summit, hikers can gaze out at the open ocean and distant outlines of Mount Desert Island. The route is known for its dramatic elevation change and stunning views, making it a must-visit for hiking enthusiasts.
8. Northeast Point Trail
QUIET SEASIDE ESCAPE
Northeast Point Trail offers a secluded trek to the island's northeastern tip, where visitors can enjoy peaceful shoreline vistas and observe seabirds. The trail is ideal for those looking to experience solitude and the raw beauty of Maine's island coast. It's a favorite among birdwatchers and nature lovers.
9. Deep Cove Trail
SHELTERED BAY ACCESS
Deep Cove Trail leads hikers to a sheltered bay on the south side of Long Island, offering calm waters and a quiet retreat from the open ocean. The trail meanders through thick coastal forest before reaching the cove, a popular spot for picnics and wildlife spotting. Its tranquil setting makes it ideal for families and casual hikers.
10. Acadia National Park – Beech Mountain Trail
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND VIEWS
The Beech Mountain Trail in Acadia National Park is located just across the water from Frenchboro and is famed for its panoramic views of Mount Desert Island and Long Pond. This moderate loop provides access to a fire tower and sweeping vistas, with well-marked paths suitable for various skill levels. Its combination of forest, granite outcrops, and iconic scenery makes it a popular hiking destination in Maine's coastal region.