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Family Hiking Adventures in Maine: Easy Trails & Scenic Wonders for All Ages

  • Writer: Gerry Caron
    Gerry Caron
  • 5 hours ago
  • 5 min read


Family Hiking Adventures in Maine: Easy Trails & Scenic Wonders for All Ages

Explore Together: The Ultimate Guide to Family Hiking Adventures in Maine

Maine’s vast wilderness and stunning scenery make it one of New England’s best states for family hiking adventures . From coastal boardwalks and waterfall treks to blueberry-covered ledges and wildlife preserves, the trails here are perfect for explorers of all ages. Whether you’re pushing a stroller or hiking hand-in-hand with little adventurers, these trails offer fresh air, big smiles, and Maine magic around every corner.



The Magic of Maine’s Family Hiking Trails

Discover easy, scenic, and fun trails for every age across the Pine Tree State


🥾 Southern Maine – Waterboro Barrens Preserve (Waterboro)

Trail Highlights:Explore 2,475 acres of rare pine barrens and wild blueberry fields. Choose your adventure from 4.4 miles of easy to moderate trails—ideal for a short 2-mile loop to the serene Sand Pool. Kids can spot rare butterflies, birds, and unique plants in this special ecosystem.


Nearby Fun:

  • Little Ossipee Lake – swimming, fishing, and paddling

  • Funtown Splashtown USA – water slides and amusement rides (Saco)

  • Old Orchard Beach – 45 minutes away for seaside fun

📍 Directions & Info: The Nature Conservancy – Waterboro Barrens Preserve


🌊 Greater Portland & Casco Bay – Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park (Freeport)

Just a short drive from Portland, this scenic park offers family-perfect hikes like the Casco Bay Trail, a half-mile loop leading to sweeping ocean views and osprey nesting sites.


Nearby Fun:

  • L.L.Bean Flagship Store – family shopping and trout pond viewing

  • Winslow Memorial Park – picnic areas, playground, and beach swimming

  • Downtown Freeport – outlets, cafés, and ice cream spots


🪵 MidCoast Maine – Devil’s Back Trail (Orr’s Island)

This easy 2.5-mile loop crosses rustic wooden bridges and offers saltwater views, seal spotting, and shady forest sections—ideal for families and leashed pets.


Nearby Fun:

  • Dine at Dolphin Marina or Cook’s Lobster & Ale House (Bailey Island)

  • Visit Popham Beach or Reid State Park for a day by the ocean


🌲 DownEast – Barred Island Preserve (Deer Isle)

A magical 1.5-mile hike through mossy spruce forests leads to a sandbar that connects to Barred Island during low tide. Perfect for curious explorers and young tide poolers.


Nearby Fun:

  • Grab lunch at Stonecutters Kitchen (Stonington)

  • Visit Sand Beach for shell collecting

📍 Info & Map: The Nature Conservancy – Barred Island Preserve


⛰️ Lakes & Mountains – Jockey Cap (Fryeburg)

This short 0.8-mile hike rewards families with 360° views of the Saco River Valley and White Mountains. A summit monument identifies visible peaks—an educational touch for young hikers!


Nearby Fun:

  • Fryeburg Fair (October)

  • Hemlock Covered Bridge (1857)

  • Weston’s Beach – swimming and rope swing fun

📍 Local Info: Visit Fryeburg


💦 Kennebec Valley – Moxie Falls (The Forks)

One of Maine’s most stunning waterfalls, Moxie Falls plunges 90 feet into a natural pool perfect for a refreshing dip. This 2-mile round-trip hike is intermediate but kid-friendly.


Nearby Fun:

  • Northern Outdoors – whitewater rafting, moose safaris & family cabins

  • River Drivers Restaurant – hearty post-hike meals

📍 Details: Northern Outdoors – Moxie Falls Info


🦌 Aroostook County – Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge (Caribou)

This 7,750-acre refuge offers gentle trails, including the 1.4-mile Beaver Pond Trail, where kids can spot moose, beavers, and bald eagles.


Nearby Fun:

  • Nylander Museum of Natural History – fossils, shells & butterflies

  • Goughan’s Berry Farm – mini-golf, corn maze, petting zoo

📍 Plan Your Visit: Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge


🫐 Maine Highlands – Blueberry Ledges (Baxter State Park)

This scenic 4-mile trail features waterfalls, swimming holes, and wild blueberry picking in mid-summer. Keep an eye out for moose tracks along the way!


Nearby Fun:

  • New England Outdoor Center – moose safaris & family rafting

  • River Drivers Restaurant – dining with mountain views

📍 More Info: Baxter State Park Trails


Plan Your Perfect Maine Family Adventure

Maine’s trails are as welcoming as they are wild. Whether your family prefers short, scenic strolls or half-day adventures, each region offers a new story waiting to unfold—complete with waterfalls, wild blueberries, and Maine’s signature charm.

For more hiking ideas and responsible recreation tips, visit Look Out for ME to ensure your adventures help keep Maine’s trails pristine for generations to come.


What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions

Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.

Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:

  • 🛶 Boating & paddling routes

  • 🎣 Fishing hotspots

  • 🏕️ Wilderness camping sites

  • 🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks

  • 🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations


  • Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.


🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure

Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:

  • Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake

  • 3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7

  • Free WiFi & TV

  • Backup Generator

  • Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs

  • Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails

  • Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports

Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.


Ultimate Outdoor Getaway

With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.


Book Your Stay

Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!


Looking at a moose at the top of Mt Kineo from Moose River









. From coastal boardwalks and waterfall treks to blueberry-covered ledges and wildlife preserves, the trails here are perfect for explorers of all ages.


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