Top 10 Must-Hike Trails in Northern Maine | Epic Mountains, Waterfalls & Wilderness Adventures

Top 10 Must-Hike Trails in Northern Maine | Adventure Awaits in the Pine Tree State

From the towering granite peaks of Baxter State Park to the dramatic cliffs of Acadia National Park, Northern Maine offers some of the most unforgettable hiking experiences in New England. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, summiting the state’s highest mountains, or enjoying peaceful lakeside paths, these 10 must-hike trails will inspire your next outdoor adventure.

🌲Explore Maine’s Wild Side

Discover a land where rugged mountains meet mirror-like lakes, where pine-scented forests stretch for miles, and every trail leads to something extraordinary. Northern Maine is a hiker’s paradise — a place where adventure seekers, nature lovers, and photographers alike can find their perfect path. From the iconic Mount Katahdin and its windswept summit to the serene shores of Jordan Pond, these trails showcase the best of Maine’s natural beauty.

🧭 Why Visit These Trails?

Northern Maine’s trails aren’t just hiking paths — they’re immersive journeys through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Northeast. Each trail offers its own unique character and reward:

• Epic summits like Katahdin, Bigelow, and Tumbledown challenge even seasoned hikers with world-class views.

• Scenic waterfall trails such as Moxie Falls and Gulf Hagas deliver the perfect mix of beauty and tranquility.

• Coastal hikes in Acadia National Park blend ocean air with rugged cliffs and postcard-perfect panoramas.

• Peaceful forest routes near Moosehead Lake and Camden Hills provide serene escapes for those seeking solitude and wildlife.

No matter your skill level, each trail offers a chance to connect with Maine’s true wilderness — to breathe deeply, unplug, and experience the magic that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

🏔️ 1. Mount Katahdin – Baxter State Park

Height: 5,267 ft

Location: Millinocket, MaineAs Maine’s tallest peak and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Mount Katahdin is a legendary hike. The Knife Edge Trail offers an unforgettable ridge walk with sweeping views over the North Maine Woods. For a less intense climb, try Chimney Pond Trail, leading to a stunning alpine basin.

📍 Highlights: Knife Edge Trail, Chimney Pond, Katahdin Lake

📞 Contact: (207) 723-5140

🔗 Website: Baxter State Park

🧗 2. Precipice Trail – Acadia National Park

Location: Bar Harbor, MaineIf you’re looking for a thrilling ascent, the Precipice Trail is one of the most exciting hikes in the state. Iron rungs, ladders, and sheer cliffs make for an exhilarating climb with jaw-dropping ocean views over Frenchman Bay.

📍 Highlights: Cliffside ladders, ocean views, Champlain Mountain summit

📞 Contact: (207) 288-3338

🔗 Website: Acadia National Park

🌊 3. Gulf Hagas – Katahdin Iron Works

Location: Brownville, MaineNicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Gulf Hagas is a dramatic 3-mile-long gorge carved by the West Branch of the Pleasant River. The trail features multiple waterfalls, swimming holes, and rugged terrain that showcase Maine’s natural power and beauty.

📍 Highlights: Screw Auger Falls, Buttermilk Falls, gorge swimming

📞 Contact: (207) 965-8135

🔗 Website: Gulf Hagas – Appalachian Mountain Club

🏞️ 4. Tumbledown Mountain – Weld

Location: Near Weld, Maine Tumbledown Mountain offers one of Maine’s most beloved hikes, featuring a hidden alpine pond just below the summit. The Loop Trail is steep but rewarding, while the Brook Trail offers a moderate route perfect for families and casual hikers.

📍 Highlights: Tumbledown Pond, panoramic mountain views

📞 Contact: (207) 585-2347

🔗 Website: Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands – Tumbledown

💧 5. Moxie Falls – The Forks

Location: The Forks, Maine**One of Maine’s tallest and most photogenic waterfalls, Moxie Falls plunges nearly 90 feet into a deep gorge. The trail is short (under 2 miles round-trip) and ideal for families, photographers, and anyone wanting a scenic outdoor escape.

📍 Highlights: 90-ft waterfall, easy scenic trail

📞 Contact: (207) 663-4466

🔗 Website: Visit The Forks Area

⛰️ 6. Bigelow Mountain Range – Carrabassett Valley

Location: Eustis/Carrabassett Valley, Maine**Home to the Bigelow Preserve, this rugged range includes multiple 4,000-foot peaks such as West Peak and Avery Peak. Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail for breathtaking views of Flagstaff Lake and surrounding forests.

📍 Highlights: West Peak, Avery Peak, Flagstaff Lake vistas

📞 Contact: (207) 512-5550

🔗 Website: Maine Appalachian Trail Club

🌅 7. Jordan Pond Path – Acadia National Park

Location: Bar Harbor, Maine**This easy 3.5-mile loop circles Jordan Pond, famous for its crystal-clear waters and reflection of the twin Bubbles Mountains. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll followed by lunch at the historic Jordan Pond House.

📍 Highlights: Jordan Pond views, family-friendly path

📞 Contact: (207) 288-3338

🔗 Website: Acadia National Park

🌄 8. Grafton Notch State Park – Newry

Location: Newry, Maine** Grafton Notch is a rugged wilderness with challenging climbs and rewarding views. The Eyebrow Loop offers a steep but scenic trail, while Old Speck Mountain provides panoramic vistas from its summit tower.

📍 Highlights: Old Speck Mountain, Screw Auger Falls, Eyebrow Loop

📞 Contact: (207) 824-2912

🔗 Website: Grafton Notch State Park

🌅 9. Camden Hills State Park – Camden

Location: Camden, Maine**Camden Hills blends ocean and mountain scenery like nowhere else in Maine. The hike to Mount Battie offers sweeping views over Penobscot Bay and the harbor below. Great for families, photographers, and leaf-peepers in autumn.

📍 Highlights: Mount Battie, Ocean Lookout, Penobscot Bay vistas

📞 Contact: (207) 236-3109

🔗 Website: Camden Hills State Park

🌲 10. Little Moose Mountain – Moosehead Lake Region

Location: Greenville, Maine**A hidden gem near Moosehead Lake, Little Moose offers solitude and sweeping views without the crowds. The trails wind through quiet forests and rocky overlooks, making it a local favorite for a peaceful day hike.

📍 Highlights: Moosehead Lake views, forested ridges, quiet summit

📞 Contact: (207) 287-3200

🔗 Website: Little Moose Public Reserved Land

Your Next Maine Adventure Awaits

From the adrenaline-pumping Precipice Trail to the tranquil shores of Jordan Pond, Northern Maine’s hiking scene has something for everyone. Each trail reveals a different side of the state’s wild beauty — its forests, lakes, mountains, and rugged spirit. Lace up your boots, pack your camera, and experience Maine’s wilderness one trail at a time.

🌐 Plan your trip: www.visitmaine.com

📸 Follow the journey: #VisitMaine #MaineHikes #MaineAdventure #ExploreMaine #MaineTrails #HikeMaine

🌄 In Closing

From mountaintop vistas to cascading waterfalls, the trails of Northern Maine offer something truly unforgettable for every kind of explorer. Whether it’s your first hike in the Pine Tree State or your hundredth, these scenic routes remind you why Maine is called Vacationland. So lace up your boots, grab your pack, and set out on an adventure that will leave you inspired, renewed, and ready for more.

The wild beauty of Northern Maine’s hiking trails is calling — and your next great story begins on the trail.