New Portland MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near New Portland, Maine.
1. Houston Brook Falls
SCENIC WATERFALL HIKE
Houston Brook Falls features a short, easy hike leading to a beautiful cascading waterfall that is popular for picnicking and photography. The trail passes through lush forest and offers a rewarding view of the falls at the end. This peaceful spot is an ideal destination for families and casual hikers alike.
2. Avery Peak via Bigelow Range
MOUNTAIN SUMMIT ADVENTURE
Avery Peak, accessible via the Bigelow Range, offers hikers a challenging and scenic ascent with panoramic views over Flagstaff Lake and western Maine's mountains. The trail is well-loved by experienced hikers for its rugged terrain and rewarding summit vista. Wildlife sightings are common along the way, adding to the adventure.
3. Tumbledown Mountain
ICONIC ALPINE LAKES
Tumbledown Mountain is renowned for its alpine pond perched near the summit and its dramatic rock outcrops. The hike includes several route options, with moderate to challenging terrain that rewards hikers with sweeping views and a unique mountaintop swimming experience. The mountain's varied trails make it one of Maine's favorite day hikes.
4. Black Mountain
MODERATE FOREST CLIMB
Black Mountain offers moderate hiking trails that wind through northern hardwood forests to scenic overlooks of the surrounding countryside. The area is also home to a ski resort, providing year-round outdoor recreation opportunities. The trails are family-friendly and accessible to most hikers.
5. Fore River Sanctuary
WILDLIFE AND WATERFALL TRAIL
Fore River Sanctuary features six miles of trails that traverse marshland and forest, with Jewell Falls—Portland's only natural waterfall—as a highlight. The preserve is a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, with well-marked paths suitable for all skill levels. Tranquil scenery and easy access make it a popular urban escape.
6. Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park
OCEANFRONT FOREST WALKS
Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park showcases mature forests and salt marshes bordering Casco Bay, with easy hiking trails offering picturesque water views. The well-maintained paths are perfect for families and include interpretive signage about local flora and fauna. Its proximity to Freeport makes it a convenient destination for both locals and travelers.
7. Winslow Memorial Park
BAYSIDE WALKING TRAILS
Winslow Memorial Park provides gentle walking trails along the scenic Harraseeket River, with wide views of the bay and ample picnic spots. The park is a popular location for birdwatching and quiet nature strolls. Facilities and accessibility make it welcoming to visitors of all ages.
8. Acadia National Park - Cadillac Mountain North Ridge
SUMMIT AND OCEAN VIEWS
The North Ridge Trail on Cadillac Mountain offers a moderately challenging hike with sweeping views of Frenchman Bay and nearby islands. As the highest point on the U.S. Atlantic coast, the summit grants visitors outstanding vistas and a chance to catch the first sunrise in the country. The trail is especially popular during fall foliage season.
9. Acadia National Park - Bernard Mountain
PEACEFUL WOODED TRAILS
Bernard Mountain offers a quieter hiking experience within Acadia National Park, with wooded paths and intermittent views of surrounding islands and mountains. The moderate loop trail is ideal for those seeking solitude away from the park's busier east side. Its scenic glades provide a peaceful break from coastal crowds.
10. Acadia National Park - Cadillac Summit Loop
ACCESSIBLE MOUNTAINTOP LOOP
The Cadillac Summit Loop is an easy, half-mile trail circling the summit of Cadillac Mountain, offering panoramic views of the park and ocean below. The paved loop is accessible for visitors of all abilities and provides interpretive displays about the area's geology and ecology. It's an ideal spot for sunrise or sunset viewing.