Jackson MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Jackson, Maine.
1. Great Farm Brook Preserve
PEACEFUL NATURE WALK
Great Farm Brook Preserve in Jackson offers visitors a tranquil mile-long trail through woods and alongside vernal pools and beaver ponds. The path is wide and easy, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. Its serene environment is ideal for birdwatching and taking in the natural beauty of rural Maine.
2. Tumbledown Mountain and Little Jackson
HIGH PEAKS ADVENTURE
Tumbledown Mountain and Little Jackson feature a network of challenging trails leading to panoramic summits and the famous Tumbledown Pond. The area offers a mix of moderate and advanced hiking through forest, ridge, and ledges, rewarding hikers with sweeping views of the Mahoosuc Range. Multiple trail options allow for loop hikes and a variety of scenic experiences.
3. Little Jackson Mountain Trail
CHALLENGING SUMMIT HIKE
Little Jackson Mountain Trail is a 3.7-mile advanced route that features varied terrain, including stream crossings, fir forests, and rocky stretches. The last pitch is steep and demanding but opens to ledges with expansive views toward Webb Lake. The summit provides a 360-degree vista, making it a rewarding challenge for experienced hikers.
4. Brook Trail to Tumbledown Pond
DIRECT POND ACCESS
The Brook Trail offers the quickest, most direct route to the idyllic Tumbledown Pond, following Tumbledown Brook up to an alpine water feature. Hikers enjoy diverse scenery along the way before reaching a junction with several other trails at the pond. This moderate trail is a favorite for those seeking a scenic and shorter hike with a rewarding destination.
5. Parker Ridge Trail
RIDGE VIEWS AND WILDLIFE
Parker Ridge Trail is a 5.8-mile moderate hike known for its gentle grades and spectacular open ridge vistas. The path offers great opportunities for spotting wildlife and birdwatching while traversing through forest and open areas. Hikers are treated to far-reaching views and can connect to other trail systems for an extended day out.
6. Blueberry Mountain Trail
SUMMIT WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS
Blueberry Mountain Trail leads up a steep climb to a summit renowned for its 360-degree views of Maine's High Peaks Region. The trail is popular during blueberry season, when hikers can pick wild blueberries along the way. Its relatively short distance paired with an impressive payoff makes it a favorite local hike.
7. Gorham Mountain Loop
ACADIA COASTAL TREK
The Gorham Mountain Loop in Acadia National Park offers a scenic 3.6-mile hike featuring granite ridges and dramatic ocean vistas. The trail combines moderate elevation gain with stunning views of the Atlantic coastline and neighboring peaks. It is well-suited for families and anyone looking for a classic Acadia hiking experience.
8. Jordan Pond Path
PICTURESQUE LAKESIDE WALK
Jordan Pond Path circles the clear waters of Jordan Pond and provides gentle terrain with iconic views of the Bubbles mountains. At 3.4 miles, the trail is an easy loop ideal for sightseeing, picnicking, or a leisurely afternoon stroll. The sparkling pond and manicured paths make it one of Acadia's most beloved walks.
9. Great Head Trail
DRAMATIC OCEAN CLIFFS
Great Head Trail features a 1.5-mile route along rocky headlands with impressive views of Sand Beach and the Atlantic. The hike is short but includes rugged terrain and cliffside sections, adding excitement for adventurous hikers. Its unique vantage points make it a must-see for Acadia visitors seeking ocean panoramas.
10. Precipice Loop
CHALLENGING IRON RUNG TRAIL
Precipice Loop is one of Acadia National Park's most thrilling hikes, renowned for its exposed cliffs, iron rungs, and ladders. The 2.3-mile route demands both fitness and a head for heights, rewarding hikers with breathtaking vistas atop Champlain Mountain. This iconic trail is closed during peregrine falcon nesting season but is a top pick for experienced adventurers.