Masardis MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Masardis, Maine.
1. Aroostook River Paddling Route
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURE
The Aroostook River Paddling Route offers an 11.6-mile one-way trail between Masardis and Ashland. This moderate difficulty route flows north through a mix of farmland and forests with numerous islands and backwater channels, providing some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in the Aroostook River valley. The route is best navigated by canoe during high to moderate water levels, though kayaking is possible during summer except in extreme low water periods.
2. Aroostook State Park Trails
MAINE'S FIRST STATE PARK
Aroostook State Park, Maine's first state park, offers picturesque hiking trails near Masardis with beautiful views of Echo Lake. The park provides various outdoor recreational opportunities including camping facilities and hiking paths through northern Maine's diverse landscape. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area while exploring well-maintained trails suitable for different skill levels.
3. Schoodic Head Trail
ROCKY SUMMIT VIEWS
Schoodic Head Trail is a 1.1-mile path featuring rocky and steep sections that lead to the 440-foot Schoodic Head summit. The trail climbs through woods of ash, birch, and spruce before reaching rocky summits with incredible views from both the Anvil and Schoodic Head. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding Schoodic Peninsula and Atlantic Ocean.
4. Buck Cove Mountain Trail
LONGEST PENINSULA PATH
The Buck Cove Mountain Trail stretches 3.2 miles through forests and highbush blueberries to summit Buck Cove Mountain before continuing to Schoodic Head. As the longest trail in the Schoodic network, it skirts the edge of Birch Harbor Mountain and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. Despite its length and elevation gains, the spectacular vistas make this a worthwhile hiking experience.
5. Alder Brook Trail
PREMIER BIRDING HABITAT
The Alder Brook Trail is a short 0.6-mile path that travels through premier birding habitat from Blueberry Hill parking area to the start of Schoodic Head Trail. This easy walk traverses inland from the rocky shore along a grassy path among fruit trees and alder bushes where butterflies are common. The pleasant trail highlights the contrast between ocean and old farmland, featuring pitch pine, cedar, birch, and ash trees.
6. Schoodic Woods Bike Trails
MULTI-USE GRAVEL PATHS
The Schoodic Woods Bike Trails offer 8.3 miles of wide, packed gravel paths that are excellent for both cycling and hiking. Ranging from easy trails near the campground to steep grades near Frasier Point, these accessible paths provide moderate tree cover with limited water views. The trails are easily reached from the campground area and offer varied terrain for different ability levels.
7. Lake George Regional Park Trails
SCENIC LAKESIDE PATHS
Lake George Regional Park offers hiking trails around a scenic, spring-fed lake not far from Masardis. Visitors can enjoy these paths while taking advantage of the park's swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. The park enhances the hiking experience with convenient picnic areas placed along the trail system.
8. Maine Solar System Model Trail
EDUCATIONAL OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
The Maine Solar System Model Trail stretches along Route 1 near Masardis, creating a unique hiking and educational experience. This scale model of our solar system is built at a ratio of 1:93,000,000, with the Sun located at the University of Maine at Presque Isle and Pluto in Houlton. Hikers can walk portions of this trail while learning about planetary science and enjoying northern Maine's landscape.
9. St. Croix Stream Trail
WILDERNESS WATER ROUTE
St. Croix Stream Trail follows along the important tributary that joins the Aroostook River at Masardis. The trail offers hikers a chance to explore the beautiful confluence area where the stream meets the larger river, creating diverse riparian habitats. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous bird and animal species that frequent this less-traveled natural corridor.
10. Machias River Heritage Trail
HISTORIC WATERWAY PATH
The Machias River Heritage Trail follows along the historic waterway near its confluence with the Aroostook River just outside of Masardis. This trail combines natural beauty with cultural significance as it passes through areas once vital to the region's logging industry. Hikers can enjoy the scenic forest paths while learning about the important role this river played in northern Maine's development.