Long Island MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Long Island, Maine.
1. Frenchboro Preserve
REMOTE ISLAND ADVENTURE
Frenchboro Preserve offers challenging hiking trails that wind through spruce forests and along dramatic rocky bluffs with stunning ocean views. With 13.5 miles of trails, visitors can experience remote beaches and panoramic vistas of Mount Desert Island, while also spotting migratory birds and marine wildlife. The preserve promises an off-the-beaten-path experience, complete with cool breezes and opportunities for photography and wildlife observation.
2. Neds Point Preserve
SECLUDED FORESTED TRAILS
Neds Point Preserve features two scenic hiking trails through forested interiors and along the southern tip of Friendship Long Island. Hikers can enjoy peaceful picnic spots and exceptional views of surrounding islands and bays, while scanning for seals, porpoises, and seabirds. The area is accessible by boat, offering a tranquil escape and diverse wildlife observation opportunities.
3. Chebeague Island Trails
CASCO BAY ISLAND PATHS
Chebeague Island boasts accessible trails that allow hikers to explore the unique landscapes of one of Casco Bay's largest islands. Visitors can enjoy coastal vistas, wooded paths, and serene beaches, all reachable by ferry from the mainland. The island's trail network is ideal for day hikes and peaceful nature walks.
4. Cliff Island ACE Ballfield Loop
SMALL ISLAND CIRCUIT
The ACE Ballfield Loop on Cliff Island offers a short but scenic hiking experience through picturesque island neighborhoods and open fields. Trail users can enjoy views of Casco Bay and peaceful wooded sections, with easy access from the island's ferry terminal. Cliff Island is known for its quiet charm and small, friendly community.
5. Jewell Island Trails
HISTORIC AND WILD
Jewell Island's trail network guides visitors through deep forests, historic World War II lookout towers, and scenic coastal areas. The trails offer a glimpse into Maine's maritime past and abundant wildlife, with panoramic ocean views throughout. Accessible mainly by private boat, Jewell Island is a favorite among adventurous hikers and campers.
6. The Goslings Trails
ISLAND NATURE WALKS
The Goslings are a group of small islands in Casco Bay with short, well-maintained trails through coastal woods and open shoreline. Hikers can spot many seabirds and marine life while enjoying peaceful walkways and picnic spots. The islands are only reachable by private boat, making for a secluded hiking experience.
7. Warren Island State Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ISLAND PARK
Warren Island State Park features easy hiking trails looping through mature forests, past campsites, and along the island's scenic shoreline. This tranquil park is perfect for families, with opportunities for wildlife watching, picnicking, and coastal views. Accessible by private boat, the park is an ideal destination for hiking and camping enthusiasts.
8. Great Wass Island Preserve
WILD COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
Great Wass Island Preserve offers over 4.5 miles of rugged coastal trails traversing heath barrens, spruce forests, and rocky shorelines. The preserve is renowned for its rare plants, unique ecology, and dramatic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Hikers can experience the true wildness of Maine's island landscapes on these challenging and rewarding trails.
9. Swan Island Wildlife Management Area
HISTORIC AND WILDLIFE-FILLED
Swan Island Wildlife Management Area offers diverse hiking trails through fields, forests, and abandoned village sites, all surrounded by the Kennebec River. Visitors can observe deer, wild turkeys, and eagles, while learning about the island's rich history. The area is accessible by ferry and is ideal for family day trips and nature walks.
10. Mackworth Island Trail
ACCESSIBLE ISLAND LOOP
Mackworth Island Trail is an easy, one-mile loop that circles the perimeter of Mackworth Island, offering sweeping views of Casco Bay. The path is popular for birdwatching, dog walking, and leisurely strolls, with benches and interpretive signs along the way. The island is connected to the mainland by a short causeway, making it highly accessible for visitors.