Top Things to do in Maine
Top Hotels in Maine
- 1. Gorges Grant Hotel
- 2. The Admiral's Inn
- 3. The Country Inn at the Mall
- 4. Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
- 5. Best Western Acadia Park Inn
- 6. Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Maine
- 7. Meadowmere Resort
- 8. Union Bluff Hotel
- 9. Hampton Inn Bar Harbor
- 10. Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
What to do and see in Maine, United States: The Best Hiking Trails
Maine has several unique regions, each with its own distinctive culture and activities. With miles of coastline, thousands of lakes, endless rivers and deep forests, visitors can find their perfect vacation spot, whether it's on a sandy beach, at a family campground or walking along Main Street in a bustling city or town. Maine is also known for abundant outdoor recreation opportunities in all four seasons, from swimming and boating in the warmer months to excellent skiing in the winter.
Restaurants in Maine
1. Precipice Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 251 reviews
Half-mile long trail for experienced hikers at Acadia.
Reviewed By SteelCity13 - Austin, United States
Really enjoyed the workout that I got this morning but I didnt expect to climb a mountain when I set out to do some hiking. This trail is INTENSE! Dont go if its raining or has been raining, get there early! Like 7 AM early. You dont want to do this trail when tons of people are on it. Its challenging but do able. You CANNOT be afraid of heights and do this trail. I think this trail is the craziness hike i have every done or will ever do. The one great thing about the hike is that there are metal rails everywhere to help you get up the straight up parts of the hike. If you want a challenge a big challenge then try this hike. Also remember that this hike is only one way!
2. Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 564 reviews
Reviewed By 130ashleyb - Yountville, United States
Fun hike! After reading many reviews, my husband and I took this hike on our recent trip to Acadia. We knew that we needed to get there early, and so glad we did! If you get there any later than 10am you'll be less likely to find parking and the trail starts filling up- which means you'll be hanging on the side of a mountain waiting for 200 other people to scramble up the ladders. Quick warning for the fair skinned - this trail is 75% exposed to the sun, so make sure to apply sunscreen before you go.
3. Gorham Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 303 reviews
Reviewed By Cari93 - Lawrenceville, United States
This is an excellent moderate hike for those just starting off on Acadia's mountains or wanting something interesting without too much exertion of challenge. The trail is not that steep and although you are walking on rocks, it is never perilous. There are a couple of false summits with nice views. The top rewards you with views of the loop road and surrounding islands. For added adventure, you can take Cadillac Cliffs trail at the junction 3/4 way through; however, be aware there are some stone step climbing areas and 2 iron rungs you must climb up. The Cadillac Cliffs trail rejoins the Gorham Mountain Trail before the summit. You can hike back down the way you came or head down in the opposite direction, which will take you by the entrance to the Beehive trail. Be aware there are quite a few rocks to walk over here. Overall, it's a fun moderate hike for families, beginners, older hikers, or anyone wanting something fun but not too difficult.
4. Beech Cliff Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By Biotech91 - Hoboken, United States
Absolutely one of the best hikes in the park! Remember to look for the iron ladder on the way up and to rest at the beach on the lake on your way down ;)
5. Step Falls Preserve Hiking Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By SherriM861 - Plainville, United States
These falls were MUCH better for swimming than Screw Auger, but the walk was much, much longer and steeper. What I read was that this was a 0.5 mile (one way) easy walk to the falls; it seemed a lot longer than 0.5 mile, and the path was quite uphill with a lot of rocks and root; it would probably be "easy" for a family with energetic kids, but it was not at all easy for my in-laws, who are 80+ years old. And the last 1/10 mile getting from the lower to upper falls is really uphill and seemed much longer than 1/10 mile. BUT, the six teens we had with us had a great time. Several actually left the path at their first opportunity and walked/hopped up the river, and everyone had a great time in the swimming area. There were some cute features that functioned like waterslides (slide down in the water on your butt through a channel), and some deep spots that could be jumped into. We did this area before Screw Auger, and when the kids saw what the Screw Auger area had to offer, they thought Screw Auger was pretty lame. Would definitely recommend, but wish we had known what the “walk” was like to get to it.
6. Hacker's Hill Preserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By DemersTalent - Apex, United States
I was wanting to find a place with a great view near, Naples, Maine. After spending some time on the water, I asked a local for a great spot for views and quiet. They said, hands down, that Hacker's Hill Preserve was the spot I would be looking for. It wasnt but about 15 minutes or so from Naples to the park. I would have driven further, as once I got there and parked, I could see why this is the spot to look out and see Mt. Washington and views exist in all directions. I got out of the car, popped an altoid, and took in the breathtaking views from this spot in Maine. Snapped some pictures and just soaked up the whole experience. Next time you are anywhere in this part of Maine, take the time to visit this spot.
7. Mountain Division Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By hippiemoose - Plymouth, United States
If your looking for a walk and dont want to be up and down in the woods this is a GREAT walk. As someone said it is paved, it does follow and old rail track and there are many interesting things to see along the way. We got about half way before we turned around because it started to get dark but we loved it and we hope to be able to get back and walk the entire thing back and forth. There were a few other walkers, a biker and a jogger. All friendly. We really loved it and there is a bunch of free parking.
8. Blue Hill Mountain
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By MarcieB97 - Blue Hill, United States
Can’t go wrong with Blue Hill Mountain. Trails for any level of hiker and type of group. Good signage and stewardship. Dog friendly. Totally worth the trip to the top!
9. Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By TomRIUSA - Providence, United States
Day 1. Had a 430 am slot to go up the mountain to see the sun rise. It did not rise until 630 am but you do need to get a good spot as the place is packed. Day 2, had a 11am slot but the view was fogged in and rain. Day 3, had a 11am slot and the view was great. Sunny day and worth it. This was when they started the, $2 per car make a reservation to get up the mountain. You need to be there 30 min before / 30 min after your slot time or you lose it. The time you spend up there is not limited. In all 3 trips up, Bring food and drinks . A jacket (wind gets you) For the 430 Sunrise. If you can bring a cushion to sit on, not a chair as y ou will be sitting on COLD rock for 2 hrs waiting for the Sun to rise. And bring gloves as it does get cold. Warm Jacket also. Bring a tripod for your camera if you are taking sunrise photos. We paid the $2 a day to go here had a 11am slot to go up, it was fogged in. had a 11am 2nd day it was great sights. Had a 430am sunrise and we were the 3rd car up there KIDS WILL BE BORED.
10. Ocean Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 945 reviews
Walking trail along Frenchman Bay.
Reviewed By donnabO8015OG - Gladwyne, United States
We always do at least part of the Ocean Path Trail when visiting Acadia NP. You can park along the roadway, or in any of the parking lots, and walk as much of the trail as you like. It's an out and back, and not a loop trail. We typically bring a picnic lunch and find a quiet place on the rocks where we can eat. Our dog loves the trail, especially since it's easy after climbing those mountains! Many people just go to Sand Beach and then drive down the Park Loop Road, but to fully enjoy this part of Acadia I think you need to park your car and walk along the trail, and then find a place to explore the tidal pools or relax on the rocks in the sun or sit under a tree in the shade. Even when Acadia is very crowded, I can always find quiet places venturing off the trail.
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