Old Town MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Old Town, Maine.
1. North Fourth Street Trail
SCENIC RIVER PATH
The North Fourth Street Trail begins next to the old Waterworks Building and continues along the Penobscot River before heading away from the river to end at ME-43/Gilman Falls Avenue. This scenic 2-mile round trip trail offers easy hiking with beautiful views of the historic Penobscot River. Visitors can extend their hike by crossing ME-43 to continue onto the trails in the DeMerrit University Forest.
2. Fourth Street Park Trail
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Fourth Street Park offers a trail system with a scenic walk along the shore of the Penobscot River. The park provides a boat ramp near the parking area for river access and green space along the shore for picnics and relaxation. This easy trail features dirt, forest floor, and grass surfaces for comfortable hiking.
3. University of Maine Bicycle Path
CAMPUS TO TOWN CONNECTION
The University of Maine Bicycle Path is a straight through out-and-back path connecting the Orono campus and Old Town. The trail offers a mix of sun and shade with approximately one-third of the path being shaded. While designed for cyclists, the path is also popular with walkers, joggers, and runners.
4. Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
NATURE AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge features a seven-plus mile network of trails providing amazing year-round recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities along the Pushaw and Dead Streams. The refuge offers interpretive trails with educational signage about the local ecosystem and wildlife. Visitors love the refuge for its well-maintained and clearly labeled nature trails.
5. Pushaw Trail
INTERPRETIVE STREAM PATH
The Pushaw Trail is a 0.9-mile easy path that follows Pushaw Stream with a short steep portion on the southern end. The trail features interpretive signs and connects with several other trails to create loops between 0.9 to 1.7 miles. Most hikers can complete the main trail in approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the route chosen.
6. Trappers Trail
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOREST PATH
Trappers Trail is a 1-mile easy path following an old, wooded logging road in the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. The first half-mile section, known as the Kids Trail, features information about creatures that live at Hirundo, a natural playscape, and a barefoot sensory path. Three loop trails branch off from this main path, offering hikers various route options.
7. White Pine Trail
MAJESTIC PINE FOREST
The White Pine Trail is a 0.3-mile path showcasing the largest white pines in the Hirundo Wildlife Refuge. The eastern portion features a forest floor with many exposed roots and passes through a cedar swamp via footbridge. The trail intersects with the Pushaw, Thornplum, and Lady Slipper Trails, creating loops of 0.9 to 1.7 miles.
8. 100 Acre Wood Trail
CHALLENGING FOREST ADVENTURE
The 100 Acre Wood Trail is a difficult 1.7-mile hiking path located in Milford, just adjacent to Old Town. This challenging trail offers adventurous hikers a more strenuous experience compared to the easier paths in the area. The trail provides a woodland escape for those seeking a more intense hiking experience.
9. Long Way Home Trail
EXTENDED HIKING EXPERIENCE
The Long Way Home Trail is a 2.5-mile path located in Milford, near Old Town. This trail provides hikers with a longer route option for those wanting an extended outdoor experience. The trail offers a variety of terrain and natural scenery throughout its course.
10. DeMerrit University Forest Trails
ACADEMIC WOODLAND RESERVE
The DeMerritt University Forest Trails can be accessed by crossing ME-43 from the North Fourth Street Trail. This forest is part of the University of Maine system and offers additional hiking opportunities beyond the municipal trails. The trail system provides a natural woodland experience with various path options.