New Sharon MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near New Sharon, Maine.
1. Kennebec Highlands Public Land
SCENIC HIGHLAND TRAILS
Kennebec Highlands Public Land offers several hiking trails with spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The area features trails like Round Top Trail and Sanders Hill Trail that provide vistas of Round Pond, Watson Pond, and various mountains in the region. Hikers can enjoy moderate loops with granite slabs and rock fields along the ridgelines.
2. Four Ponds Public Reserved Land
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Four Ponds Public Reserved Land is a natural area near New Sharon offering hiking opportunities through pristine forest landscapes. The trails wind through a region featuring multiple ponds, making it perfect for nature lovers and photographers. Visitors can experience the tranquility of Maine's wilderness while exploring the well-maintained paths.
3. Whistle Stop Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
Whistle Stop Trail is a converted railroad path offering a relatively flat hiking experience near New Sharon. The trail provides hikers with scenic views of rural Maine while traversing through forests and open spaces. Its accessibility makes it suitable for hikers of various skill levels looking for a less strenuous outdoor experience.
4. Four Seasons Adventure Trail
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Four Seasons Adventure Trail offers hiking opportunities throughout the year near New Sharon. The trail system accommodates multiple outdoor activities with varying terrain suitable for different experience levels. Seasonal changes transform the landscape, providing unique experiences from spring wildflowers to fall foliage.
5. Mt. Blue State Park
MOUNTAIN VIEWS AND FORESTS
Mt. Blue State Park features extensive hiking trails with breathtaking mountain scenery not far from New Sharon. The park contains diverse ecosystems ranging from mountain terrain to lakeshores, providing varied hiking experiences. Visitors can summit Mt. Blue for panoramic views of the western Maine mountains and surrounding valleys.
6. Cadillac Mountain North Ridge
ICONIC ACADIA HIKE
Cadillac Mountain North Ridge trail offers a 4.2-mile round trip hike with unique views of Bar Harbor village from above. The trail provides spectacular vistas of Frenchman Bay and its islands throughout the journey. Rated as advanced, this trail rewards hikers with some of the most iconic views in Acadia National Park.
7. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge
OCEAN VIEWS AND EXPOSURE
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge trail extends 7.1 miles round trip through exposed terrain with outstanding ocean views. The trail traverses the bare southern ridge of Cadillac Mountain, providing hikers with panoramic vistas of outlying islands. This advanced trail offers one of the most rewarding hiking experiences in Acadia National Park.
8. Bernard Mountain
PEACEFUL ACADIA EXPERIENCE
Bernard Mountain offers a quiet 2.9-mile loop trail away from the more crowded parts of Acadia National Park. The mostly wooded path opens occasionally to reveal beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. This moderate trail with its forest glades provides a tranquil hiking experience on the western side of Mount Desert Island.
9. Cadillac Summit Loop
ACCESSIBLE MOUNTAIN TOP VIEWS
Cadillac Summit Loop is a 0.4-mile path circling the top of Cadillac Mountain with spectacular panoramic views. The easy trail is accessible for most visitors, including those who drive to the summit rather than hiking up. This loop offers one of the most accessible ways to experience the breathtaking vistas from Acadia's highest point.
10. Saddleback Mountain via Berry Picker Trail
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ASCENT
Saddleback Mountain via Berry Picker Trail offers a challenging hike to one of Maine's prominent peaks not far from New Sharon. The trail ascends through diverse terrain including forested sections and open areas with sweeping views. Hikers reaching the summit are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and lakes of western Maine.