It’s tempting - and easy - to only pursue trails that have the greatest of summit rewards. I’m guilty of this as well, of course, as there are endless breezy, oceanside strolls and 3,000+ foot mountaintop climbs in Maine to conquer. I often overlook more inland, flat trails in favor of those with a serious wow-factor.
However, anytime I do re-visit my lengthy list of neglected trails, I’m quickly re-enamored with the vast, deeply beautiful, woodsy trail systems throughout our entire state. We’re the Pine Tree State after all - with over 90% of our state forested, Maine has the highest percentage in the country.
As we slowly creep into my second favorite season for hiking, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than deep in the woods amongst the changing leaves. Tripping over roots, bribing my kiddo to finish the trail, getting lost. Fall in Maine is for pine needle covered paths.
The below trails are ones that have been on repeat for me for years. I’ve never for a second wished for a big incline, crashing waves or towering views while strolling. At the risk of your eye roll: on these trails, the journey is the destination. (I eye-rolled at myself for you.)
Saco Heath Preserve (Saco, Maine)
A wooded trail just off of a busy road will eventually lead to a hidden boardwalk on this 2.1 mile out and back easy stroll. This is a unique raised coalesced bog and is the southernmost example of this bog type - and the plant species are so fascinating! The multi-colored boardwalk is outrageously gorgeous as well.
Big Falls Preserve (New Gloucester, Maine)
Go for the waterfalls, stumble upon a 1947 Plymouth. A 1.7 mile loop trail winds you against small crashing waterfalls - but before the water show, you’ll find this abandoned car towards the beginning of the trail. I know little of it’s origins - except from a blog post I found - but it’s such a fun find hidden in the woods. The waterfalls are also gorgeous no matter the season.
Vaughan Woods (Hallowell, Maine)
There are 3.7 miles of easy trails within this 160 acre park. Many locals calls this spot “hobbitland” - the stone bridges, waterfalls, and wild meadow do give off a pretty fantastical vibe.
Shaw Hill Cherry Farm (Gorham, Maine)
This was a family favorite when my daughter was little. This trail hosts a storybook walk where every few yards you’ll find pages from The Maine Birthday Book to read while you stroll the quaint farm. Also on this 2.9 mile loop you’ll find sleeping bears and moose. Carved ones, that is.
Orono Bog Boardwalk (Bangor, Maine)
This gorgeous, easy, 1 mile loop passes through changing vegetation and environments on its way to a raised peat bog. The boardwalk was completed in 2003 and is a true gem in Bangor.
I hope you get to soak up this remarkable weather for as long as we have it! Pick a trail, get a little lost and find your own hidden gem in the woods - because you never know what abandoned car, carved moose, or hobbit you might find.