Washington MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Washington, Maine.
1. Down East Sunrise Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE RAIL TRAIL
Down East Sunrise Trail offers a diverse long-distance hiking experience stretching approximately 87 miles through Washington County. Hikers can enjoy breathtaking views, wildlife sightings, and access to remote forests and coastal areas along this converted rail corridor. The trail is also popular with cyclists, ATV riders, and snowmobilers during the winter.
2. Great Wass Island Preserve Trail
ISLAND COASTAL HIKING
Great Wass Island Preserve Trail provides a stunning trek across island terrain, featuring rocky shorelines, spruce forests, and views of the Atlantic Ocean. The preserve offers several interconnecting trails, with the main loop being notably popular among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. This destination is particularly valued for its unique geology and wildflowers.
3. Magurrewock Mountain Trail
SHORT SUMMIT CLIMB
Magurrewock Mountain Trail is a relatively short but rewarding hike in Princeton, ascending through forest to panoramic views from the summit. The trail passes through a wildlife refuge area, making it a great spot for spotting local fauna and flora. Hikers recommend this trail for its peacefulness and scenic outlooks.
4. Calais Waterfront Walkway
URBAN RIVERSIDE PATH
Calais Waterfront Walkway offers an easy, scenic route along the banks of the St. Croix River in downtown Calais. The paved trail is accessible and ideal for families, with views of the river and opportunities to watch passing boats. Benches, interpretive signs, and picnic spots make this walkway a pleasant stroll for all ages.
5. Western Head Preserve Trail
REMOTE HEADLAND VIEWS
Western Head Preserve Trail leads hikers along a rugged, wind-swept headland with vistas of the Gulf of Maine. The trail is known for its quiet solitude, unique coastal ecosystems, and dramatic ocean views. Several lookouts along the way provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to spot seabirds.
6. Raven Trail Loop
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FOREST LOOP
Raven Trail Loop is a short, accessible hike winding through mixed woodlands near Machias, offering gentle terrain suitable for a wide range of hikers. Interpretive signage along the path introduces visitors to local wildlife and plant life. The loop is popular for casual walks and birdwatching.
7. Quoddy Head Loop
LIGHTHOUSE COASTAL CIRCUIT
Quoddy Head Loop in Quoddy Head State Park combines forested trails with dramatic coastal cliffs and spectacular ocean vistas. The loop passes by the iconic West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and is famous for its sunrise views, being the easternmost point in the contiguous United States. Hikers enjoy its diverse habitats, including bogs and spruce forests.
8. Bog Brook Cove Preserve
PEACEFUL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Bog Brook Cove Preserve features gentle trails winding through lush forests and alongside tranquil coves. The preserve is known for its birdwatching opportunities, serene beaches, and diverse plant communities. Visitors often appreciate the peaceful, relatively undeveloped landscape for nature photography and relaxation.
9. Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
DRAMATIC BOLD COAST HIKE
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land offers some of Maine's most dramatic oceanfront hiking along the Black Point Brook Loop. The trail traverses rugged cliffs, open headlands, and dense coastal forests with frequent spectacular views of the bold coast. It's a favorite for those seeking a moderately challenging and unforgettable wilderness experience.
10. Roque Bluffs State Park Loop
LAKE AND OCEAN COMBO
Roque Bluffs State Park Loop offers scenic trails that wind through forests, along a freshwater lake, and beside a pebble beach on the Atlantic. The park provides a mix of gentle and moderate paths, making it suitable for families and casual hikers. Visitors can enjoy both freshwater and saltwater views in a single outing.