Woodstock MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Woodstock, Maine.
1. Black Mountain Resort
MOUNTAIN SUMMIT VIEWS
Black Mountain Resort features a scenic 3.1-mile hike that rewards visitors with beautiful vistas from the summit. The trail is suitable for a half-day adventure, with plenty of spots to rest or enjoy a picnic along the way. Its varied terrain and panoramic views make it popular among both locals and visiting hikers.
2. Hawk Mountain
SUNSET FAMILY HIKE
Hawk Mountain offers a 1.4-mile out-and-back trail that is ideal for families and known for its spectacular sunset views. The trail is relatively short and easy to navigate, making it accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Visitors should note the trail closes at dusk to ensure safety.
3. Screw Auger Falls
PICTURESQUE WATERFALL SPOT
Screw Auger Falls is a photogenic destination featuring a 27-foot main waterfall and several smaller cascades, conveniently accessed via a brief trail. Visitors can explore the rocks and watch the river flow over a series of ledges before plunging into the pool below. The falls are especially impressive during high water in the spring.
4. Bald Mountain Trail
PANORAMIC RIDGE HIKE
The Bald Mountain Trail in Woodstock provides a moderately challenging 4.8-mile round-trip hike through forests and up to sweeping ridge-top views. Hikers pass near Shagg Pond and Little Concord Pond as they ascend to impressive overlooks. It is a perfect choice for those seeking solitude and classic Maine scenery.
5. Buck's and Lapham Ledges
SCENIC LEDGE VIEWS
Buck's and Lapham Ledges offer three interconnected trails leading to open ledges with panoramic vistas of foothills, lakes, and ponds. The network can be combined for a longer or shorter hike, catering to different timeframes and skill levels. These ledges are ideal for those seeking a peaceful walk with rewarding views.
6. Eyebrow Trail to Old Speck
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN ASCENT
The Eyebrow Trail to Old Speck is a demanding hike that ascends steeply along a cliff face before connecting with the Appalachian Trail. Hikers are treated to dramatic views and unique rock formations along the ascent. Old Speck itself is one of Maine's highest peaks, offering stunning overlooks from the summit.
7. Mount Washington Loop
ALPINE ADVENTURE LOOP
The Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine and Boott Spur trails is a strenuous hike traversing some of the region's most iconic Alpine terrain. This loop offers hikers both challenging climbs and breathtaking views from the highest peak in the Northeast. The area is renowned for its dramatic weather and expansive mountain vistas.
8. Aqueduct Trails
QUIET WOODLAND STROLLS
Aqueduct Trails provide 4.4 miles of easy, uncrowded hiking suitable for families, with paths looping around a pond. These trails are a haven for both hikers and mountain bikers, offering peaceful surroundings away from busier locales. Dogs are allowed off-leash, making it a welcoming spot for pet owners.
9. Eshqua Bog Natural Area
UNIQUE BOARDWALK HABITAT
Eshqua Bog Natural Area features a short .5-mile boardwalk trail through a rare botanical preserve. Visitors can witness blooming Lady Slipper orchids and other unique plant species, especially during late spring and early summer. The flat, accessible boardwalk makes it suitable for all ages and abilities.
10. Ottauquechee River Trail
RIVERSIDE PATHWAY LOOP
The Ottauquechee River Trail is a flat, 2.8-mile loop following the serene river and weaving through fields adjacent to East End Park. The trail is ideal for jogging, walking with dogs, or a leisurely family outing with frequent river access points. Its gentle terrain makes it one of the most accessible hikes in the area.