Exploring Maine’s Extraordinary Trails: NRCM Staff, Board, and Member Picks

Maine people, communities, and businesses share a passion for Maine trails. This legislative session, 300 different groups from across the state expressed their support for a four-year, $30 million Maine Trails Bond to invest in design, development, and maintenance of trails for hiking, biking, snowmobiling, skiing, commuting, and other activities. In celebration of this effort and our shared love of the outdoors we all work to protect, NRCM staff, board, and members share with you their Maine trail picks. Do you have a favorite trail? Send us a brief write-up and photo, and we’ll share it online. Meanwhile, enjoy these much-loved Maine trails! —Allison Wells, Senior Director, Communications

Black and White Glade Ski Trails, Rumford

The Rumford Whitecap Mountain Trail is one of the best hiking trails in the summer, but did you know you can backcountry ski it in the winter?! Backcountry skiing (also called ski touring) has grown in popularity as a human-powered alternative to resort skiing. It takes some special equipment (ski skins, special bindings/boots) and a good base knowledge of downhill skiing and avalanches. But for those who dare to explore, it offers a less crowded and more wild ski experience in winter without having to buy a lift ticket. The Black and White Glade Ski Trails are a unique partnership between the Mahoosuc Land Trust, Black Mountain of Maine (which the trail connects with), and Granite Backcountry, which maintains a network of backcountry ski trails in western Maine and New Hampshire. Wanting to give it a try? Inclusive Ski Touring offers opportunities for individuals to learn more about ski touring in western Maine. —Sarah Bierschwale, Digital Content Manager

Laudholm Farm Trails, Wells

One October morning, I took my young niece, Zoe, on a trail hike to the sea at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, that serves as the headquarters of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. There are seven miles of trails at Laudholm—a historic farm complex featuring buildings and diverse landscapes—but given Zoe’s age, we chose the popular, easy-to-moderate trails. Laudholm trails guide walkers through several distinct environments and are dotted with illustrated, informative markers about the various flora and fauna in each habitat: grassland, woodland, brush, marsh, estuary, and Atlantic shore. We started our walk on the groomed, grassy Cart Path, passing through grassland, brush, and woods, and turned onto the meandering boardwalk of the Norton Trail (.42 miles) that led us through a lush, mixed woodland. We then turned east onto the Barrier Beach Trail (.23 miles) to the outstanding Laudholm Beach where my little companion gleefully flung off her shoes and socks, stuck her feet in tidal pools, and walked ankle-deep in the waves. We sat on beach rocks, enjoyed the packed lunch we brought in our backpacks, and talked about our next trip to the Reserve. The Reserve boasts many guided trail walks and family events, and offers special educational programs for all ages. Other nearby trails include the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge and the 38-acre Mousam River Wildlife Sanctuary in Kennebunk. —Laura Pope, NRCM member, Eliot, Maine

Newport/Dover-Foxcroft Multi-use Trail

Easily accessible from the Park & Ride in Newport, this multiuse trail is a fun way to experience a large stretch of diverse landscapes. Having a recreational trail on a railbed gives the unique  opportunity for riders to sustain a safe cruising speed on well-maintained straightaways and find engagement navigating long, meandering turns. While keeping an eye out for other trail users and crossing wildlife, riders can journey through small towns, along lakesides and wetlands, and even across two rivers on their ATV. Spanning 27 miles, it’s refreshing to be able to refuel and get some snacks at one of the local convenience stores before jumping back on the trail. The Newport/Dover-Foxcroft Multi-Use Trail is in many ways an artery that connects riders to networks of trails managed by the local ATV clubs along the way. For example, even though the rail-trail terminates in Dover, you can continue north on local club trails through the Maine wilderness to reach Sebec Lake. During the summer months, exploring Maine via ATV has grown into one of my favorite recreational activities. From the terrain covered and the wildlife seen, spending the day riding this trail was a positive experience. Thank you to the local clubs and State for putting in the resources and effort to maintain this trail and the surrounding networks. I look forward to coming back for another visit! —Diana Jagde, Donor Engagement Coordinator

 

Harrison Avenue Nature Trail, Gardiner

We are fortunate that Maine hosts trails in all parts of the state, but sometimes the most beloved are the ones closest to home that we can visit easily and quickly. One of these gems is found on the city-owned land along the north side of Cobbosseecontee (a name derived from the Wabanaki word that refers to the “place where sturgeon come”) Stream in Gardiner. My husband and I visit the Harrison Avenue Nature Trail often. It’s accessed, as the name suggests, from Harrison Avenue, is an easy 0.4-mile path that runs beside the stream, ending near a now-unused dam that,  tragically, blocks all passage of migratory alewives, eels, and other fish. Although found within the city, a walk along the trail makes us feel as though we are far away from the hustle and bustle. It leads past massive oak and maple trees, a cool hemlock glen, and shrubby areas beside the stream. During spring migration, the trees can be filled with brightly colored warblers—one spring, there was an exceptionally high number of Bay-breasted. In summer, Baltimore Orioles pipe their songs, Yellow Warblers abound, feisty Eastern Kingbirds breed here, and multiple pairs of Warbling Vireos give their repetitive songs from the green leafy vegetation. Whether you live in Gardiner or are just passing through, I highly recommend a visit to this outstanding trail.—Allison Wells, Senior Director, Communications

 

Hodson & Rheault Trail, Camden

My family’s go-to trail is the Hodson & Rheault Trail on the Coastal Mountain Land Trust’s Richard S. Hodson Preserve in Camden. We return to this trail because it is short enough that we can hike it after work, but it is long enough so that you have time to get lost in your thoughts. I hiked this trail during various stages of pregnancy and following that, while wearing an increasingly heavy baby. This hike starts by crossing a gurgling stream, then gradually hiking up a hill through the woods. On the way, you will cross over an old stone wall. Eventually, you emerge from the woods into a blueberry field, which is picturesque in every season, complete with glacial erratics. Even though you need to resist snacking on the blueberries because this is a working organic blueberry farm, it is a joy to walk through the field. When you arrive at Howe Hill Summit with the wind in your hair, the view is stunning. On your way back down, there is an optional loop in the woods, which we take if the mood strikes us. Last winter, we hiked the loop after a recent snowfall and saw evidence of where turkeys had hunkered down for the night. Our family has hiked this trail in every season, and it has never disappointed us. Please remember that while this trail is family-friendly, dogs are not allowed. — Sarah Cotton, NRCM Board member

Trout Mountain Preserve, T2R9, Piscataquis County

When you’re exploring the Katahdin region, I highly recommend taking a short side trip to visit the Trout Mountain Preserve. It can be easily accessed off the Baxter Park Road, just before you reach the southern boundary of Baxter State Park. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, this ecological reserve boasts ponds that provide habitat for native brook trout. It features diverse forest types that play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife. During our hike, we were fortunate to encounter a Ruffed Grouse, proudly displaying its ruff and tail—quite the spectacle! The preserve has a 2.5-mile trail that leads up to a 1,400-foot summit, where you’ll have the option to ascend a recently refurbished 80-foot fire tower. The reward for your efforts is nothing short of spectacular: a 360-degree view of the nearby Baxter State Park, including Katahdin, OJI, and Doubletop, and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument as well as the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area and Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land in the distance. The vistas are incredible. My husband and I hiked this trail during peak foliage season, and we were treated to stunning views that surpassed all expectations. I highly recommend this trail and encourage you to give it a try on your next visit to the Katahdin region! —Emmie Theberge, Outreach Director 

Blueberry and Speckled Mountains, Evans Notch, Oxford County

Blueberry and Speckled Mountains are within the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness, part of the Maine portion of the White Mountain National Forest. The trailhead sits off State Route 113, which you can only access via Fryeburg or Gilead. From Augusta, getting to the trailhead is half the adventure. Our favorite trail starts at Brickett Place and climbs steadily to a junction where you  can continue up the Bickford Brook Trail, or you can drop down to Bickford Brook Falls (recommended) and take the longer Blueberry Ridge Trail. I think the climb from Bickford Brook Falls to  the summit of Blueberry Mountain is the hardest part of the trail—as with most Maine trails, it is a steep, unforgiving path straight up the side of the mountain. There is a loop trail at the summit that takes you out to a ledge that affords fantastic views south and west. From the ledges, you continue a long ridge hike to the summit of Speckled Mountain where views of the Whites and Mount Washington greet you on a clear day. Though there’s a network of trails in the area, we like to descend via the Bickford Brook Trail back to Brickett Place. This is a trail our family enjoys hiking every year. —Codi Riley-Havu, Gifts, Records, & Stewardship Coordinator

Eastern Trail, South Portland to Kittery

The Eastern Trail is a feat of collaboration between municipalities, communities, and trails groups to connect recreationists and commuters to locations throughout southern Maine. The Eastern Trail runs 65 miles from Kittery to South Portland, including 22 miles of off-road trail. The impressive route is managed and maintained by the Eastern Trail Alliance, and the segment is part of the East Coast Greenway, an active transportation route that runs from Maine to Florida. I have particularly enjoyed the 16-mile stretch between Scarborough and Saco, an uninterrupted trail  segment entirely separated from roads and sidewalks. The entirety of the trail is ADA-accessible, and is used by joggers, walkers, rollers, and bikers alike. It is rare to find this type of trail infrastructure in Maine; it is an incredible value to local recreationists and commuters. In fact, a study of the Eastern Trail conducted in 2021 highlights a total annual economic impact of $44.6M associated with Eastern Trail use between its northern terminus in South Portland and the state border in Kittery. Combining safety, access, and aesthetics, the Eastern Trail is a staple for outdoor access in southern Maine. The Eastern Trail Alliance has plans for expansion of off-road trail, and I look forward to supporting their efforts to connect more Mainers to the outdoors. —Josh Caldwell, Climate & Clean Energy Outreach Coordinator

Center Pond, Phippsburg

One of the greatest joys in these first months of my return to Maine is that I can basically step out my door and right into nature. Nearly every day, I visit one of the many trails maintained by the Phippsburg Land Trust. Because I’m so often accompanied by my canine companion Rex, I seek out trails where he can explore alongside me. We regularly enjoy PLT’s Cooley Preserve at Center Pond. With its interlocking set of trails, we can choose a quick 1.4-mile hike in the preserve’s Drummond Trail Loop or enjoy a more robust multi-mile hike tracing the preserve’s perimeter, walking parallel to Center Pond itself. This spring, the preserve has been teeming with migratory birds, from a flock of Wood Ducks in the late winter to a diversity of warblers hopping through the trees in May. —Rebeccah Sanders, CEO

The Bait Hole, Millinocket

One of the reasons I love Maine’s trails so much is because there are endless options, but if I had to choose just one, I’ll always come back to The Bait Hole. Located just outside of Millinocket on Route 11, the trail is a short drive from where I grew up, and since I’m still in the area, it continues to be a frequent stop for me. The 4.5-mile trail network weaves through a thick forest and alongside a lake, pond, and river. Talk about bang for your buck! There are two loop options, so depending on how you’re feeling or how much time you have, you can make it short and sweet or a slightly longer adventure. The reason I’ve come to love it as much as I do is because, over the years, I’ve brought many family dogs to The Bait Hole. There’s something about sharing the trail with a dog that leaves an imprint on me. It’s as if their pawprints are forever stamped into the dirt path, and each time I return there, I am reminded of each and every one of them. There’s even a handmade wooden memorial for all the four-legged friends— keep your eyes out for it. The Bait Hole is a lovely local trail network that somehow still remains kind of off the radar. So, if you find yourself in Millinocket, I encourage you to check it out. Pup or no pup, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. —Sarah Sindo, NRCM Rising Leadership Team member

Boothead Preserve, Lubec

Do you want to experience all the wonders of Maine coastal hiking but skip the tourist crowds of the most popular, well-known trails? Well, the Boothead Preserve Trail is probably just what you are looking for. Situated on Bootcove Road off Route 191 in Lubec, Boothead Preserve will take you on a tour of the best the Maine coast has to offer in one trail. It is a 2.5-mile, moderate, pet-friendly, loop trail. At the fork in the trail, choose to go right and explore a beautiful bog that has been preserved. Tread left and explore one of the beautiful coastal rock beaches that Maine is  known for. Whichever way you choose to explore first, you will wind through some beautiful forest scenes, and you will eventually find yourself at the edge of the world, or at least North America. There are several little side trails where you can sit and enjoy vast, sweeping views of the ocean, the rock cliffs, and forest area in complete serenity. The colors on this trail, especially in the fall, really show off. I love hiking Boothead for all of these reasons. I can go there and get lost in nature for hours and most days not run into another soul. While absolutely amazing at any time of day or year, the optimal times to visit are sunrise, sunset, or the fall. You can also link this trail with nearby Hamilton Cove, Bog Brook Cove (two other hidden gems), or even more popular attractions such as the Bold Coast in Cutler or trails at the Quoddy Head Park. —NRCM supporter Stephanie Griffin, East Machias, Maine

Green Point Preserve, West Bath

Our family loves to get outside, and Maine has a wealth of spectacular outdoor options. But with two young kids (and a dog) sometimes something shorter and closer to home is just the ticket. The trail at Green Point starts from a small parking lot and crosses some low marshy areas on footbridges before rising gently up and across a small ridge through evergreen woods, then down to a spectacular lookout over Winnegance Bay. The trail is about a half-mile long one way—perfect for a walk, snack, return, and home in time for a nap. This trail is one of the many fantastic bite-sized coastal options along this part of Casco Bay maintained by the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust, the Brunswick-Topsham Land Trust, the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust, and many other  conservation organizations. —Jack Shapiro, Climate & Clean Energy Director