Leeds MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Leeds, Maine.
1. Monument Hill
CIVIL WAR MONUMENT VIEWS
Monument Hill features a rewarding one-mile loop trail that leads to the top where a Civil War monument stands. The hill was named for the peace monument erected in the late 1800s by local resident Major General Oliver Otis Howard who served in the Civil War. From the summit, hikers can enjoy excellent views of Androscoggin Lake and the surrounding area.
2. Curtis Homestead Conservation Area
FIELDS AND FOREST LOOPS
Curtis Homestead Conservation Area offers a 2.8-mile trail network with pretty loops through fields and woods. The trails are rated as easy to moderate difficulty with dirt, forest floor, and grass surfaces. This conservation area provides hikers with a diverse landscape to explore in Leeds.
3. Mt. Pisgah
FIRE TOWER PANORAMIC VIEWS
Mt. Pisgah features a one-mile easy to moderate trail that climbs to a 60-foot fire tower which is open to the public. On clear days, hikers can enjoy outstanding views from the top of the tower spanning across the region. The area consists of relatively large undeveloped forests, wetlands, streams, ponds, mountain tops and ridges that provide a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
4. Manchester Woods
MULTI-USE TRAIL NETWORK
Manchester Woods offers a non-motorized recreational trail system spanning approximately 4 miles for activities including hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. The property consists of several sections including the Kerns Hill Connector, the "Pipeline" utility right-of-way, and "Rock and Crafts" areas. The Kerns Hill Connector serves as the primary trailhead with moderate trail grades and includes a 3/4 mile internal loop mostly on a high ridge, ideal for walking and nature viewing.
5. Jamie's Pond Trails
POND VIEW HIKING
Jamie's Pond Trails is listed as one of the Ten Healthy Walks in the Manchester area. The trail system offers scenic hiking opportunities around Jamie's Pond with varying terrain and difficulty levels. Hikers can enjoy water views and forest settings while exploring this natural area on the border of Hallowell and Manchester.
6. Pine Tree State Arboretum Trails
BOTANICAL WALKING PATHS
Pine Tree State Arboretum Trails provide walking paths through a diverse botanical collection in Maine's capital city. The arboretum features various plant species, gardens, and natural areas that change with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy both casual strolls and more extensive hiking while learning about Maine's native flora.
7. Kennebec Highlands
EXTENSIVE WILDERNESS NETWORK
Kennebec Highlands is an extensive trail system spanning multiple towns including Mt. Vernon and New Sharon. The highlands offer diverse terrain including mountain summits, forest paths, and wetland areas for hikers of varying abilities. This large undeveloped area provides opportunities for longer hikes and a true wilderness experience not far from the Leeds area.
8. Kerns Hill Connector
GATEWAY TO TRAIL SYSTEMS
The Kerns Hill Connector is a 1.5-mile loop that connects to the larger Manchester Woods and Hallowell trail systems. Located at 325 Kerns Hill Road, the trailhead features off-road parking for three vehicles and an informational kiosk with a map constructed by Eagle Scout Silas Bartol. While the trail is relatively easy for walking with moderate grades, mountain bikers should be aware of rooty, rocky sections, tight turns, and several bridges.
9. Androscoggin Riverlands State Park
RIVERSIDE TRAIL ADVENTURES
Androscoggin Riverlands State Park offers extensive hiking opportunities along the scenic Androscoggin River not far from Leeds. The park features over 12 miles of multi-use trails with varying difficulty levels winding through diverse ecosystems. Hikers can enjoy river views, forest settings, and opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the seasons.
10. Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary
URBAN WILDLIFE REFUGE
Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary is a 450-acre wildlife preserve and conservation area located in Lewiston, offering multiple hiking trails within a short drive from Leeds. The sanctuary features a network of well-maintained paths that wind through fields, forests, and rocky outcroppings with some offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. As one of New England's oldest wildlife sanctuaries, it provides opportunities for both hiking and bird watching in a surprisingly serene setting close to urban areas.