Oakland MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Oakland, Maine.
1. Messalonskee Stream Trail
SCENIC HISTORIC WATERWAY
Messalonskee Stream Trail is a two-and-a-half mile path that offers varied terrain, scenic overlooks, and historic features including the ruins of the Cascade Woolen Mill. The trail follows the stream and passes through beautiful hemlock woods to where the stream broadens into a lake. Hikers can enjoy footbridges, glacial erratics, and abundant wildlife including the black-throated green warbler.
2. Snow Pond Community Trails
ALL-SEASON WETLAND PATHS
Snow Pond Community Trails provide over 2.3 miles of well-maintained paths that travel through a beautifully wooded wetland habitat. The network of connected loops offers options of varying lengths for walkers, bikers, runners, snowshoers, and skiers of all ages and abilities. In winter, the trails are groomed for cross-country skiing and are ideal for bird watching and wildlife photography year-round.
3. Appalachian National Scenic Trail Loop
ICONIC MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE
The Appalachian National Scenic Trail Loop is a 10.2-mile loop trail located near Oakland. This iconic hiking path offers challenging terrain and spectacular views of Maine's natural landscape. The trail is part of the famous Appalachian Trail system that stretches from Georgia to Maine.
4. Quarry Road Trails
YEAR-ROUND RECREATION AREA
Quarry Road Trails is a four-season recreation area located just minutes from Oakland in neighboring Waterville. The area features over 8 miles of trails winding through fields and forests along the Messalonskee Stream. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing depending on the season.
5. Belgrade Lakes Region Trails
LAKE VIEWS APLENTY
Belgrade Lakes Region Trails offer numerous hiking paths around the seven lakes that make up this picturesque region near Oakland. Hikers can enjoy lakeside views, wildlife viewing opportunities, and forest paths of varying difficulties. The trail system connects several conservation lands and provides access to some of Maine's most beautiful inland waters.
6. Kennebec River Rail Trail
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Kennebec River Rail Trail is a 6.5-mile path following the historic railway route along the Kennebec River from Augusta to Gardiner. This accessible trail offers scenic views of the river, historic sites, and urban amenities along its relatively flat course. The paved and gravel surfaces make it ideal for casual hikers, families, and those seeking an easy outdoor experience.
7. Mount Phillip Trail
PANORAMIC LAKE VIEWS
Mount Phillip Trail is a moderate 1.4-mile round trip hike close to Oakland that rewards hikers with panoramic views of Great Pond and the Belgrade Lakes region. The trail climbs steadily through mixed forest to reach an open summit with excellent picnic spots. This relatively short hike offers some of the best views-to-effort ratio in the region.
8. French Mountain Trail
QUICK SUMMIT REWARDS
French Mountain Trail is a short but rewarding 0.8-mile round trip hike that offers spectacular views of Long Pond in the Belgrade Lakes region. The trail climbs moderately through forest before reaching an open ledge with panoramic vistas. Despite its brevity, this hike is popular for its accessibility and the quality of views from the summit.
9. Vaughan Woods State Park
HISTORIC FOREST SANCTUARY
Vaughan Woods State Park features 165 acres of old-growth forest with about 3 miles of hiking trails along the scenic Kennebec River. The park's stone bridges, hemlock groves, and babbling brooks have earned it the nickname 'Hobbitland' among locals. Visitors can explore historic sites, picnic along the trails, and enjoy the peaceful forest setting just a short drive from Oakland.
10. Bond Brook Recreation Area
URBAN WILDERNESS ESCAPE
Bond Brook Recreation Area offers over 17 miles of multi-use trails on 268 acres of wilderness within Augusta city limits. The trail system features varying terrain from gentle paths to challenging single-track routes through forests and along Bond Brook. Hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners appreciate the well-maintained paths and natural setting so close to urban amenities.