15 Best Hikes in Maine For Beautiful Views

It doesn't get much wilder than Maine — a state that's home to rocky shores, roaming moose, and the most difficult (and remote) segment of the Appalachian Trail. Here in the northeasternmost U.S. state, it's easy to find a hiking trail that gets you out into the woods and away from the flocks of tourists who tend to head to Maine's quaint coastal towns in search of picturesque lighthouses and the state's best lobster shacks.

Of course, it's Maine, so there are also plenty of beautiful hikes along the coastline — let's just say those flocks of tourists are coming here for a reason. It doesn't matter if you're a total newbie or a seasoned hiker, the Pine Tree State has a little dose of adventure that's suitable for everyone. Here's a look at some of the best hikes in Maine.

100-Mile Wilderness

Long known as the most arduous section of the Appalachian Trail, the 100-Mile Wilderness gets its name from the approximate distance between the towns on either side of the segment. You'll want to prepare for an eight- to 10-day backpacking trip if you tackle this expedition, so think of this hike as something to work toward — not your first trek of the year. Those who take on the challenge are rewarded with access to some of Maine's most remote landscapes. The trail follows the slopes of wooded mountains and lake-speckled valleys, providing hikers with an authentic taste of the Maine Northwoods, complete with moose, lynxes, and loons.

Table Rock Trail

From Andover, Maine, you can hop on the scenic Table Rock Trail in Grafton Notch State Park, easily one of the best hikes in Maine. While the 2.1-mile loop is rated as hard due to some steep spots, you can customize your experience by picking trails that suit your level of experience. The trick is to travel counterclockwise and take the orange-marked trail up and the blue and white trails down. Along the way, you'll pass natural caves you can duck into.

Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail

Sure, you can drive up Cadillac Mountain, but why do that when you can take this moderately challenging 6.7-mile path to the top and back? The trail weaves through the woods, then ascends to open rocky ledges leading to the summit. Start your journey at the Blackwoods Campground, or pitch your tent there and have s'mores supplies waiting for your triumphant return.

Mount Kineo

Mount Kineo rises prominently out of Moosehead Lake, the largest lake in Maine. The mountain is connected to the mainland by a narrow road, but you'll start your hiking journey at the Rockwood boat launch for a boat trip to the trailhead. From land, brave the Indian Trail to the top and make your final ascent up the converted fire tower for outstanding views of the sprawling lake below.

Knife Edge Trail

If you're a confident hiker, an excursion up Mount Katahdin, the tallest peak and one of the best hikes in Maine, is a must. To climb the 5,269-foot peak from Katahdin's western face, take the short but steep Knife Edge Trail from Pamola to Baxter Peak, the mountain's highest point. Note that the 1.1-mile scramble is only for the sure-footed, as the trail has steep drop-offs and plenty of loose rocks.

Angel Falls Trail

These ribbony, 90-foot falls are perhaps Maine's tallest, depending on who you ask — but it's hard to see how the braided silver cords could be anything but the most photogenic. The trailhead is located about 18 miles south of Oquossoc on an old railroad grade called Bemis Road. The hike is short — just a mile — but a bit steep, and requires a few stream crossings. The payoff, however, is sublime.

Fire Warden’s Trail

The nearly five-mile Fire Warden's Trail climbs (sometimes steeply) up Bigelow Mountain, a 4,000-footer with six separate peaks. Bigelow Preserve, where the trail is found, gets less attention (and less traffic) than larger spots like Baxter State Park and Acadia National Park, and as such, you shouldn't have too much company while passing through cool hardwood forests and rocky ridges on the way up.

Mount Battie Trail

This moderate 1.1-mile hike is located just outside Camden, Maine, making it the perfect addition to a morning spent on the waters of Penobscot Bay. The trail can see a lot of daily traffic, but the bird-watching is superb and you'll be able to see the Atlantic Ocean and Maine's offshore islands from the top.

Ocean Path Trail

Stretching 2.2 miles one-way from Sand Beach to the Otter Point Overlook, with a possible detour to Thunder Hole, the family-friendly and relatively flat Ocean Path Trail in Acadia National Park offers beautiful views of the eastern coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. Take your time on this popular hike, which takes about 1.5 hours round-trip and is a favorite among trail runners, walkers, and birding enthusiasts.

Great Head Trail

This hike, also located in Acadia National Park (and not far from the Ocean Path Trail mentioned above) traverses the Atlantic coast while staying within the park's boundaries. The 1.4-mile Great Head Trail leads hikers over granite rock, near hidden coves, and into lush forests with a start and end at Sand Beach. The loop is rated as moderate and makes a great addition to a day at the beach or an afternoon spent exploring the wonders of Acadia.

Gulf Hagas Rim Trail and Pleasant River Tote

For a longer hike, head to Beaver Cove and take on the Gulf Hagas Rim Trail, an 8.6-mile loop offering views of “The Grand Canyon of Maine.” If the water is high — it usually is in the spring — leave your car at the Head of the Gulf Parking Area. From this side, there's a bridge over the river, which can't be said of the trail's other starting point, Gulf Hagas Parking Area. From that end, you'll have to cross the river by foot, with water that’s often up to your knees. Along the way, you’ll pass several waterfalls as you hike through remote forests (there's no cell service, so bring a good map and trusty compass, just in case) and take in views of the mountain vistas around you.

Burnt Meadow Mountain and Twin Brook Trails

This challenging 3.4-mile loop just outside Brownfield is one of the best hikes in Maine, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and a trail that meanders through both ancient forests and stark Alpine landscapes. Start by taking the trail designated with blue markers up to the summit, then complete the loop by taking the Twin Brooks Trail, marked with yellow markers, back to your car. Doing it this way can take up to four hours, but the impressive views and pleasant walk through the woods are well worth the effort.

Borestone Mountain Trail

The Borestone Mountain Trail, located about 90 minutes north of Bangor in Guilford, gives you two options: you can stick to the original loop, which sends you on a scenic hike through the woods and then returns you to the parking area via a road, or you can make it more challenging by going back the way you came. Either way, you’ll encounter forest views, steep sections near the summit, and a memorable adventure on this bird-filled 3.5-mile hike through the Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary, located in scenic Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness region (mentioned above).

Moxie Falls Trail

With a drop of roughly 90 feet, Moxie Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Maine. This moderate two-mile out-and-back hike starts by taking you on a flat walk through the woods before leading you up a slightly steeper section to a series of wooden boardwalks and steps that allow you to reach various overlook points. Take your time checking out the views of the impressive falls from each of the lookout areas before retracing your steps.

Tumbledown Mountain

This 5.3-mile loop trail just outside Byron is more challenging thank you’d think — it starts off with a vigorous 1.5-mile climb up the Loop Trail, where you’re rewarded with stunning views of the western mountains, before leading you downhill a bit to scenic Tumbledown Pond for yet more Insta-worthy views. As you follow the two connecting routes (Tumbledown Ridge Trail and Brook Trail) back to Byron Road, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as red squirrels or endangered peregrine falcons, which have nesting sites here, as well as flora like spruce, red maple, and yellow birch trees.