Naples MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Naples, Maine.
1. Summit Bald Peak and Mt. Pleasant
EXPANSIVE SUMMIT VIEWS
Summit Bald Peak and Mt. Pleasant offers a scenic, moderately challenging hike just outside Naples, showcasing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. The trail begins with an immediate uphill climb and rewards hikers with sweeping vistas at the summit, making it a favorite for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. Accessible from a dirt parking lot along Mountain Road, this 6-mile hike is a quintessential Western Maine experience.
2. Hawk Mountain
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SUNSET HIKE
Hawk Mountain features a short 1.4-mile out-and-back trail with gentle elevation, making it perfect for families and beginner hikers. The summit offers spectacular sunset views, though visitors should note the trail closes after dusk. Easily accessed from Hawk Mountain Road, this spot provides a tranquil escape amid Maine's forests.
3. Holt Pond Preserve
WETLANDS AND BOARDWALKS
Holt Pond Preserve is a 400-acre nature preserve renowned for its varied terrain, including forests, streams, and extensive wetlands. Visitors can explore well-marked trails and a distinctive boardwalk that traverses the floating bog, creating opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. The preserve is easily accessible from Grist Mill Road and is an ecological gem near Naples.
4. Sebago Lake State Park: Lookout Trail
SUMMIT AND PICNIC SPOT
The Lookout Trail in Sebago Lake State Park is a 1.25-mile strenuous hike leading to the park's highest elevation at 499 feet. While lake views at the summit are limited by trees, hikers can enjoy a steady breeze and an ideal picnic area. The trail starts halfway along the park road and offers a gradual descent after the peak.
5. Sebago Lake State Park: Beaver Lodge Trail
WILDLIFE AND FOREST LOOP
Beaver Lodge Trail is a gentle 1.5-mile loop beginning near the Sebago Lake State Park campground entrance booth. The easy path meanders through deciduous forest and along the banks of Horseshoe Bog, offering abundant opportunities to spot wildlife, including porcupines. This trail is ideal for a relaxed nature walk close to Naples.
6. Bradbury Mountain State Park: Northern Loop Trail
GRADUAL INCLINE ADVENTURE
The Northern Loop Trail at Bradbury Mountain State Park provides a gradual, scenic climb to a small summit via the park's longest route. This 2-mile hike is perfect for families and casual hikers, featuring mixed forests and clear trail markings. The summit provides pleasant views and a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a half-day outing.
7. Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine and Boott Spur Trails
EPIC WHITE MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
The Mount Washington Loop is an iconic 8.9-mile trek in the White Mountain National Forest, attracting experienced hikers seeking panoramic alpine vistas. The loop combines the Tuckerman Ravine and Boott Spur trails, offering both challenge and breathtaking scenery above the tree line. This trail is a bucket-list adventure within driving distance of Naples.
8. Jugtown Forest
VAST MULTI-USE FOREST
Jugtown Forest encompasses more than 5,000 acres of public land, featuring an extensive trail network for hiking and wildlife viewing. The varied terrain includes woodlands, wetlands, and streams, with trails suitable for both casual walks and longer explorations. Managed for ecological protection and recreation, it is a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
9. Pleasant Mountain: Ledges Trail
MAINE'S TALLEST SOUTHERN PEAK
The Ledges Trail on Pleasant Mountain is a popular route to the tallest mountain in southern Maine, offering expansive views of the Lakes Region and White Mountains. This moderately challenging trail steadily ascends rocky ledges to rewarding summit vistas. Pleasant Mountain is a regional favorite for both day hikers and avid climbers.
10. Perley Pond Trail
QUIET LAKESIDE PATH
Perley Pond Trail is a lesser-known hiking spot near Naples, skirting the scenic shoreline of Perley Pond. This short trail offers tranquil water views and opportunities for birdwatching, making it ideal for a relaxed stroll or family outing. Its easy terrain and peaceful setting appeal to hikers seeking solitude close to town.