13 Best Southern Maine Hikes Worth Doing

Discover the beautiful, diverse terrain of southern Maine hikes that offer something for everyone, from casual hikers to experienced mountaineers!

Whether you’re looking for an easy walk near the ocean or a challenging climb to the top of one of the state’s tallest mountains, you can find it in the southern half of the state.

Our family has enjoyed exploring this area of Maine on both shorter trails and longer hikes for almost 10 years since our children were quite young. Plan ahead and bring along a pair of binoculars, some good hiking snacks, water, and maybe even some bug spray!

From Maine’s wild bogs and forests filled with wildlife to spectacular ocean vistas, hiking here will allow you to experience some of the most beautiful natural wonders in southern Maine.

Enjoy the trail descriptions offered here to help you plan your next hike!

Southern Maine Hikes

No matter what kind of trail adventure you’re seeking, southern Maine has a truly great selection of hikes for you to choose from! You can pick from short hikes that take just a few hours or longer trails that stretch out over multiple days.

Hiking through some regions is like taking a stroll through a fairytale – lush forests, sparkling rivers, mountains, and rolling hills create an enchanting atmosphere.

Below you will find some top recommended and favorite hikes in southern Maine from fellow travel bloggers as well as myself. Enjoy!

1. Mount Megunticook Out and Back

Located in the Camden Hills State Park, this trail offers stunning views of Penobscot Bay and other nearby islands. Megunticook is the second-highest coastal mountain along the Atlantic!

This 3.8-mile hike is NOT an easy trail but so rewarding! It makes for a perfect adventure for hikers of all ages. Be ready because the trail gets steeper and steeper as you hike but it’s never too extreme.

It winds its way around the mountain, transitioning from dense forests to granite outcroppings and open views. At the overlooks (which surprisingly are not at the summit), you’ll find several areas ideal for taking in the views. From the ocean lookout, you can see Mount Battie!

After reaching the summit, turn back and at the intersection and make your way back down by following Adam’s Lookout Trail.

Along this route, you’ll be treated to more stunning sights as you descend a slightly steep incline. At the junction with Megunticook Trail, take a right and continue on until you reach the parking area.

If you’re looking for clear views, head out early in the morning when visibility extends up to 20 miles. You might also get lucky and find yourself surrounded by a low cloud deck and a nice breeze at the top as the fog lifts off the nearby ocean.

📍Camden Hills State Park is located two miles north of Camden on U.S. Route 1. After arriving at Camden Hills State Park, take a left at the fork and proceed to park in the parking lot directly to your right.

🐾 Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

2. York Cliffs

🆘 Long pants are recommended on this hike to avoid contact with plentiful poison ivy. Parents of young children beware.

For a short out-and-back hike, consider the Cliff Walk in York, the perfect place for stretching your legs during a Boston to Maine road trip. York is a cute small town in Southern Maine, popular with holiday-makers and New England road-trippers. 

While it is a short 1-mile trail, some visitors find the Cliff Walk difficult as, at times, the route consists of a narrow path with rocks and gravel. The duration of the trial is around 20-40 minutes.

There is 2-hour free on-street parking close to the start of the trail. Public restrooms are located near the beach. The Cliff Walk is open all year round from sunrise to sunset but will freeze over during the winter months.

You will be rewarded with views over York Harbor, Beach, and Maine’s southern coastline during the hike. Before or after the walk, check out the monuments and plaques at Hartley Mason Reserve.

📍 The parking for Cliff Walk in York is at the two-hour spaces on the side of York Street, starting at Hartley Mason park and continuing all the way to Norwood Farms Road. The cliff walk trail begins below the park and is to the north side of the beach.

🐾 Dogs are not allowed on this hike.

Contributed by Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA who recommends York Cliff Walk because it is quick and scenic.

3. Mount Blue Trail

Located in Weld, Maine, the Mount Blue Trail is 3.2 miles round trip and it is popular with hikers of all skill levels. It provides sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and also offers glimpses of local wildlife.

The trail begins at the base of Mount Blue and gradually ascends to its peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views on clear days and an observation tower before beginning your descent back down.

Plan 2-3 hours for this hike in order to enjoy and take in your surroundings and the great view while you hike.

As you make your way through this scenic trail, you’ll have the opportunity to observe wildflowers and maybe even enjoy some birding. Bring your binoculars! Some areas of the trail can be steep or muddy so worn hiking shoes are recommended.

You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and lakes in every direction. The Mount Blue area also offers good camping spots for those who want to make a weekend out of this hike.

📍Mount Blue and Center Hill hiking are off Route 142, northeast of Webb Lake in Weld.

🐾 Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

4. Bald Head Preserve and Squirrel Point Light

The Bald Head Preserve and Squirrel Point Light hikes in Arrowsic, Maine offer hikers a unique mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks. This area lies on an island surrounded by three rivers, the Kennebec, the Sasanoa, and the Back.

It’s a nice adventure when staying in the Georgetown, Maine area to scoot over to check out this preserve! This scenic trail will lead you through forests and marshes and along the Kennebec River.

After hiking on the main trail for a bit, just beyond the footbridge on the main trail, the path forks. The trail on the right goes to Squirrel Point and the one on the left is to Bald Head. Hiking BOTH spurs totals about 4.4 miles.

Squirrel Point is the shorter of the two hikes at 1.4 miles total if you opt for a quicker adventure to the lighthouse. Bald Head takes about an hour one way and totals about 3.5 miles round trip from the trailhead.

The terrain on both hikes involves rocky areas and roots, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers with little legs can handle it with ease and will really enjoy the lighthouse reward at the end!

📍 Follow Route 127 to Bald Head Road. Stay to your right after the pavement turns to dirt. Just before the end of the road, there is a small cemetery on your right. A little ways from the cemetery is a turnaround and parking area with the trailhead. It is well-marked.

🐾 Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

5. Mount Agamenticus

The tallest point in the Southern tip of Maine, Mount Agamenticus, has 360-degree views that stretch out to the ocean to the east and mountains to the west. 

With well-established trails, this is an excellent hike for families and the trail network off the backside of the mountain offers additional options if you want a longer hike.

The shortest hike to the summit of Mount Agamenticus starts right where the Mount Agamenticus road begins.  There is a sign and parking area directly on the site of the road. 

Follow the trail uphill crossing over the road several times.  The trail is about 3.3 miles and is generally easy with some rocky footing and about 350 feet of elevation gain.  The trail can be completed in about 1.5 hours.  

While the hiking trail is the best way to reach the summit, it is also possible to drive to the top and take in the views.  You will find a viewing platform at the summit with some general information about the mountain and the surrounding area. 

There are many more miles of trails that extend off the western side of the mountain offering longer and more challenging hikes.

📍Located near Cape Neddick Maine. To get to Mount Agamenticus Trailhead, take the I-95 N towards Exit 7/Route 111. Take exit 7 and continue onto Route 111. After 9.2 miles turn right onto Mountain Road and drive for 4.9 miles until you reach the Mount Agamenticus Trailhead parking lot on your left.

🐾 Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Contributed by Gretchen of Chasing ADVNTR who grew up in southern Maine and has hiked this mountain many times as a kid and adult.

6. Damariscove Island

Uninhabited and breathtakingly beautiful Damariscove Island is about 5 miles off the coast of Maine near Southport and is a unique spot for hikers looking to explore the ecology of Southern Maine.

The island has quite a history and once had a large thriving fishing community as early as the 1600s. There is a small rustic museum on the island. The land is now protected by the Boothbay Region Land Trust.

There are 3 miles of well-tended trails that take you around the southern portion of the island, with stunning views. If you’re lucky enough, you may even catch sight of some local wildlife such as ospreys or bald eagles.

The northern half of Damariscove is a protected bird nesting area without trails. 

As you make your way around the island, you’ll come across a variety of different habitats, including marshlands, a freshwater small pond, rocky shorelines, tidal pools, and wooded areas.

Pack a picnic and put this incredibly beautiful destination on your list for a memorable hike and adventure. Damariscove Island is definitely worth a visit.

📍 The island can only be reached by private boat or a chartered boat. Contact the Boothbay Region Land Trust for more information as they periodically have boat trips for the public out to the island.

🐾 Dogs are not allowed on Damariscove Island due to the fragile ecosystem.

7. Acadia Mountain

The hike to Acadia Mountain is on the quiet side of Mount Desert Island inside Acadia National Park. It is less visited than some of the other hiking trails in the park but is no less spectacular.

The 2.8-mile loop is moderate, but most of the effort is in the first half and you will be rewarded with incredible views from the top. It typically takes 1.5 – 2.5 hours for the full loop. 

From the small parking lot, cross the street and take the trail, and then very soon after turn left and then right again. You are now on the main loop trail. The trail goes through woods as it climbs up the west side of Acadia Mountain.

The first section is steep and requires some scrambling over rocks. At the summit, there are wonderful views of Somes Sound and the surrounding islands.  Continue to a second viewpoint that is even better.   

You can take a loop back – the first section is steep, but then it levels off somewhat. On the return trip, you can take a very short side trail down to the Man o’ War Brook Waterfall, which falls directly into Somes Sound.

18th-century sailing ships used to pull alongside the waterfall to refill their water barrels from the small waterfall.  

📍 The trailhead is on ME-102. The parking lot at the trailhead is small and fills up, so it’s best to get there early to secure a spot. 

🐾 Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet

Contributed by James of Parks Collecting, who recommends Acadia Mountain because it’s a fun hike with incredible views at the summit. 

🥾 Looking for more hikes in the Acadia area? Check out my Ultimate Guide to the Best Hikes in Acadia National Park!

8. Bradbury Mountain Northern Loop

Staying in Freeport, Maine for the weekend and doing some shopping? Take a break from the stores and head for a simple hike to stretch your legs at Bradbury Mountain State Park on the Northern Loop trail!

This easy loop is only 1.5 miles long and is the perfect chance to enjoy some solitude and soak up some nature with your family. This is a great little hike for young kids as the incline is not steep and the trail only has gradual elevation gain.

There is an annual Hawk Watch at the summit of Bradbury Mountain from March 15-May 15, making the hike even more exciting if you bring your binoculars to view some birds of prey!

I definitely recommend it as a great way to experience nature while learning something new and spending quality time outdoors.

Please note: There is a $4 admission fee to get into the park.

📍Located in Pownal at Bradbury Mountain State Park. The trailhead for the summit trail lies between the cookout area and the playground.

🐾 Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

9. Cliff Walk Trail along the Portland Headlight

One of the most picturesque hikes in southern Maine is the Portland Headlight in Fort Williams Park. To view this stunning and historic lighthouse and ocean views, you can hike along the Cliff Walk trail.

Stretching .4 miles along the rocky coast, the Cliff Walk trail takes you past dramatic overlooks, tide pools, and beach coves and eventually leads to a small beach called Ship Cove.

The Cliff Walk trail is an easy hike on a graveled path that can be completed in under 30 minutes. You can choose to wear hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes. But if you’d like to dip your toes in the Atlantic, a pair of sandals would be ideal.

The Cliff Walk trail is free to visit, but it’s best experienced in the morning or evening when crowds are less likely. Be sure to bring a camera, because you’ll be able to take some incredible photos at this scenic location!

📍 Fort Williams Park is located at 1000 Shore Road, Cape Elizabeth. Park in the lot once you arrive. There is plenty of parking available.

🐾 Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Contributed by Pafoua at Her Wanderful World who recommends the Cliff Walk trail along the Portland Headlight because it’s an easy hike with stunning views of a historic lighthouse.

10. Morse Mountain to Seawall Beach

From its stunning shoreline to breathtaking views, this area of midcoast Maine is home to a truly remarkable paradise. The 600-acre preserve, Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area, in Phippsburg, has become an absolute must-see.

The hike to Seawall Beach is 2 miles one way with an elevation gain of 500′.

You’ll enjoy walking on the trail through the shimmering salt marshes that are part of the riverbed which leads to the ocean.

After summiting Morse Mountain be sure to take a short detour to discover 180° views of this stunning conservation area. Just follow that small path off to your right and prepare for a gorgeous view.

Head down the trail toward the ocean afterward. Bring a swimsuit along for this coastal hike! You will want to leave some extra time to enjoy Seawall Beach.

It’s important that you plan your trip right: arrive early (8 am) on those glorious weekends if you want to be able to enjoy all of what this place offers! Otherwise…you may get turned away due to a full parking lot.

📍 The trailhead and parking lot are found by driving on Route 216, going past Popham Beach, and turning onto Morse Mountain Road.

🐾 Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

11. Rattlesnake Mountain via Bri-Mar Trail

This is a relatively short but steep hike in Raymond, Maine through a beautiful forest of white oaks that is sure to wake you up and get your heart pumping on a nice brisk morning!

The trail 2.6 mile trail starts off at the base of the mountain with an immediate climb up a steep incline without switchbacks, making it a more moderately difficult hike.

Take a break and soak in your surroundings on the forested trail. Listen carefully to hear an abundance of birds chirping away – it’s nature at its finest!

Despite the relentless climb, this trail is definitely doable for children. The total elevation gain is 500′. You can see Raymond Pond from the first overlook.

The second viewpoint, also near the summit, overlooks Crescent Lake and Panther Pond. The view at the highest point is less impressive through trees and definitely more stunning in the off-season when trees are bare.

Set aside 1.5 hours for this hike, longer if you choose to picnic at an overlook.

📍 Arrive early to get a parking spot because the lot is very small. The parking area is off Webbs Mills Road (ME-85), on the side of a field on the right, and is open from sunrise to sunset.

🐾 Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

12. Burnt Meadow Mountain Trail

This is a super popular hike in Brownfield, Maine and with good reason! It is only an hour’s drive from Portland, Maine and it is a relatively easy hike with beautiful views.

The Burnt Meadow Mountain trail is a 3.5-mile loop that offers spectacular views of the surrounding forests and lakes. It’s a challenging yet rewarding hike with plenty of climbs and descents that provide a great workout.

This hike takes about 2.5 hours to complete.

The Blue Trail is the most direct to the summit and there is a steep section that involves scrambling on some rocks, so decide if this is for you before heading out. The Yellow Trail is longer, curvier, and more gradual ascent to the top.

A bonus on this trail is that sometimes you can enjoy snacking on wild blueberries all the way to the summit if you pick the right time of year!

📍Trailhead is at It is 487 Spring Rd (Maine Route 160), in Brownfield

🐾 Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas

13. Speckled Mountain:
Bickford Brook and Blueberry Ridge Trails

This is the longest hike on the list so I saved it for last! Speckled Mountain, with its alpine landscape and amazing views, is located in the Evans Notch area of Maine close to the border of New Hampshire.

While there are many ways to summit 2,906-foot Speckled Mountain, I recommend an 8-mile loop hiking up Blueberry Ridge Trail and taking Bickford Brook Trail down.

There are really great views of the Royces, North and South Baldface, and Carter mountains from the Blueberry Ridge Trail as well as an incredible panoramic view from the summit of Speckled Mountain.

On the way back as you stroll along Bickford Brook take time to enjoy the stunning waterfalls: The Slides. It’s really something special!

Hiking the Bickford Brook and Blueberry Ridge Trails on Speckled Mountain is a worthwhile experience but definitely set aside a day for this hike between the drive to the trailhead and the hike itself.

📍 The hike begins at the Brickett Place Parking Lot just across the Maine/New Hampshire Border on Rt 113. A parking fee/pass is required at the self-service kiosk.

🐾 Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

The Wrap Up on Southern Maine Hikes

I hope after reading this post that you have added a few of these hikes to your master list for your next Maine adventure! Whether you choose a very short hike or a half-day hike, it will be full of beautiful scenery.

Remember, as you hike along some of the trails in Southern Maine, you can enjoy stunning views of the nearby ocean or take in gorgeous fall foliage from the summit of a mountain. Maine has it all!

Be sure to take breaks to listen to the chorus of wildlife that inhabits the area you are hiking in. No matter your route, a hike through Southern Maine is sure to be an unforgettable journey!

So grab your gear and hit the trails; you won’t regret it!