15 Best Hikes in Maine With Jaw-Dropping Views

Looking for some of the best hikes in Maine with incredible views? You’ve come to the right place!

There are several hikes in Maine to satisfy the cravings of any nature lover, thanks to the state’s extensive wilderness, picturesque coastline, and abundance of rivers and lakes.

All sorts of hikers can enjoy the stunning landscapes in Pine Tree State, from those who want a stroll along the Atlantic coast to those who seek a more strenuous trek through the state’s hills and mountains.

Maine hikes to waterfalls are also available and some of these waterfalls are seriously incredible. Or if climbing mountains is your thing, you can visit the state’s highest peak.

Let’s explore 15 of the best hikes in Maine with absolutely stunning views!

15. Shoreline Trail

Camden, Maine | 1.7 miles | Easy | 66 Feet Elevation Gain

Going on a short, simple hike in Lily Bay State Park is definitely beginner-friendly. The park is famous for being kid-friendly, and the trail’s flat terrain along the lakeside makes for comfortable walking.

Besides being a great alternative to water sports like boating, swimming, and fishing, the 30-minute stroll along Shoreline Trail is also just plain fun.

The trail has clear markings, and much of the underbrush is cleaned each year.

The highlight is Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest lake, but you should also look out for moose and other wildlife. Don’t leave home without your fishing gear and appropriate license if you plan to fish!

We recommend this as one of the best Maine hikes for beginners. It’s really more of a walk but is perfect if you’re in the area and want to explore Maine’s scenery.

14. Moxie Falls Trail

West Forks, Maine | 2.1 miles | Easy | 233 Feet Elevation Gain

We think Moxie Falls Trail is among the best Maine hikes if you’re looking for spectacular scenery.

Besides being one of the most accessible climbs, this one is exceptionally user-friendly. The presence of well-marked trails and the comforting luxury of wooden platforms and stairways make the ascent a breeze without compromising visitors’ safety.

You can complete the loop in roughly an hour without stopping. On the other hand, Moxie Falls is breathtaking, and the numerous wooden platforms that serve as lookout spots make stopping to take photographs a breeze.

Moxie Falls, which drops 90 feet into Moxie Stream, is among the tallest waterfalls in Maine. Both above and below falls are swimming holes.

If you’re looking for an all-around great Maine hiking experience that isn’t too difficult but includes insane views and swimming, Moxie Falls is your place.

13. Mount Kineo Trail

Greenville, Maine | 3.4 miles | Easy | 906 Feet Elevation Gain

Want to go on a hike that won’t have many people on it but is still one of the greatest in Maine? Then make your way over to Mount Kineo.

This Maine hike is near Greenville, on the coast of Moosehead Lake, and contained within the appropriately named Mount Kineo National Park.

Take the local boat from Rockwood boat launch to the trailhead on Mount Kineo across the lake for a pleasant and inexpensive day trip.

Honestly, there is no better way to see the lake. The boat ride itself is just so beautiful before you even begin the hike!

Once you begin the actual hike, making it to the peak shouldn’t be too difficult. There are two paths you can take to reach the peak. Both routes are simple, with clear signs and easy access.

You can see all of Moosehead Lake’s splendor from the mountain!

This is one of our favorite hikes in Maine for panoramic views of the lake.

12. Ocean Path Trail

Bar Harbor, Maine | 4.5 miles | Easy | 374 Feet Elevation Gain

The Ocean Path in Maine’s Acadia National Park is one of the state’s most iconic short hikes due to its proximity to some of its most breathtaking coastlines.

It’s more of a promenade along the water than an actual “hike,” but it’s a terrific way to get used to the park and see some of Acadia’s most well-known sights. It includes Otter Cliffs, Sand Beach, and Thunder Hole.

There are a few small rocky outcroppings to explore from the path down to the water. It’s a hiker’s paradise, with a “choose your own adventure” vibe and plenty of opportunities to scramble over rocks and take in panoramic views of the lake and cliffs.

It’s an ideal starting point for hikers of all skill levels, and you can bring the whole family, including the dog! If you’re looking for Maine hikes with views of the Atlantic Ocean, this should definitely be on your list.

11. Ship Harbor Trail

Southwest Harbor, Maine | 1.4 miles | Easy | 66 Feet Elevation Gain

The Ship Harbor trail in Acadia is an excellent alternative to the more popular Ocean Path if you’re searching for a scenic stroll in Maine that won’t wear you out.

This trail is 1.4 miles long and takes hikers through beautiful woodland before emerging onto a rocky beach. Pebble beaches abound, as are tidal pools teeming with sea life as the tide goes out.

Spend some time at the end of this short hike exploring the rocks and taking in the scenery, especially around sunset, when the horizon turns a brilliant orange color on clear evenings.

This is another one of our favorite easy hikes in Maine near the ocean!

10. Borestone Mountain Trail

Central Maine | 3.5 miles | Moderate | 1,224 Feet Elevation Gain

The Borestone Mountain Trail is one of the popular hikes in Maine because it is a moderate climb that offers remarkable views of the surrounding mountains.

Borestone Mountain sits in central Maine, and this climb will take you to its peak. At the peak, you can take panoramic views of the lake, the mountains, and the forests all around you.

Due to the abundance of deciduous trees in the area, this trail is stunning in the fall, but it’s great any time of year. Hikers looking to get some climbing practice will enjoy the top section’s rough passes and boulders.

We recommend this as one of the top Maine hikes for moderate climbers who want insanely gorgeous views!

9. Stone House Trail (Blueberry Mountain)

Stoneham, Maine | 4.8 miles | Moderate | 1,253 Feet Elevation Gain

Blueberry Mountain lies on a route system stretching the border between Maine and New Hampshire in the White Mountains National Forest.

The summit location offers spectacular views of the New Hampshire border and the many sparkling waterways of Maine’s Lake District.

In the late summer, hikers and foragers flock to the area’s higher elevations to harvest the abundant wild blueberries that bloom there.

The Rattlesnake Pools is a beautiful waterfall area with little pools, perfect for a refreshing dip after a long day of climbing.

This is one of our favorite moderate hikes in Maine during the summer, especially when we plan to spend the whole day in the area! You’ll definitely want to block out a good 6-8 hours so that you can experience everything Blueberry Mountain has to offer.

8. Gulf Hagas Rim Trail

Monson, Maine | 8.2 miles | Moderate | 955 Feet Elevation Gain

The Gulf Hagas Rim Trail is an attractive option for a day hike in Maine, taking you through a particularly gorgeous region of the state.

Although it is one of the lengthier paths on our list at 8.2 miles, it is only moderately challenging and is accessible for any hiker who is up for the task.

There are forests, gorges, and waterfalls there. This day trip through the Appalachians is jam-packed with magnificent sights.

Have your camera ready for the scenery, and don’t forget your swimwear for the refreshing (though chilly) swimming spots that dot this trail.

7. Pleasant Mountain Via Ledges Trail

Denmark, Maine | 3.2 miles | Moderate | 1,512 Feet Elevation Gain

Pleasant Mountain, a mountain peak near the Lake District in southwest Maine, is another fantastic option for a moderately strenuous summit trek.

This trail climbs 1,512 feet throughout a rocky section, making for some interesting and exciting passages throughout its steady or sometimes steep ascent.

You can relax on a flat rock at the peak and enjoy the expansive alpine scenery while enjoying a snack or midday picnic.

6. Bald Rock Mountain Trail

Lincolnville, Maine | 3.4 miles | Moderate | 833 Feet Elevation Gain

Located in Camden Hills State Park, the moderate Bald Rock Mountain Trail is a favorite among Maine hikers.

Maine hikers flock to this area for its rocky peaks and slopes, which offer breathtaking panoramas of the state’s quaint villages and undulating landscape.

The summit is a favorite with locals since it offers access to one of the state’s most beautiful landscapes, yet the trail leading there is only moderately challenging.

5. Beehive Trail

Bar Harbor, Maine | 1.5 miles | Hard | 509 Feet Elevation Gain

Located directly across the street from Sand Beach, the Beehive path in Acadia National Park is a must-do for every outdoor enthusiast.

This trail is challenging because of the sharp rocks and ladder rungs that enable hikers to gain almost 500 feet in elevation in a little over a half mile.

Because you need to use your hands and feet, you should only attempt this on days when the weather is clear and the rocks are neither damp nor slick.

Ascend to the peak for breathtaking panoramas of the ocean, mountains, lakes, and rivers surrounding Sand Beach and Thunder Hole.

4. Mount Katahdin & Knife Edge Trailhead

Medway, Maine | 8.1 miles | Hard | 3,897 Feet Elevation Gain

Mount Katahdin, the state’s highest summit at 5,269 feet, is a popular destination for hiking in Maine.

Despite the peak’s prominence, the ridgeline, known as Knife’s Edge, has garnered the most attention. The sheer cliffs on both sides of this ridge make for an exciting but risky climb that those with significant hiking expertise should only attempt.

Although the hike is challenging and usually takes a whole day, the views across northern Maine from the peak and neighboring slopes are breathtaking.

3. Table Rock Trail

2.1 miles | Hard | 876 Feet Elevation Gain

The Table Rock path in Maine is ideal for a short yet challenging hike with plenty of rock scrambling.

On the orange track, you’ll use your feet and hands to climb over and around enormous stones to reach the summit, and then you’ll take the blue trail, which is much easier, to return to the beginning.

If you’ve never scrambled before while hiking in Maine or other locations, we wouldn’t suggest this trek, but if you love scaling the sides of mountains and scaling enormous, picturesque boulders, the Table Rock trail is a blast and a thrill!

You can see views of Old Speck Mountain, the state’s fourth-tallest peak, and the gorgeous autumn foliage surrounding the summit in late summer and early October.

2. Precipice Trail

Bar Harbor, Maine | 2.1 miles | Hard | 1,053 Feet Elevation Gain

The Precipice Trail is one of Maine’s most renowned treks. And it’s essentially an even more difficult counterpart of the Beehive Trail.

The walk itself may be exciting and enjoyable if you’re prepared to hike safely and diligently. Plus, the sights from the highest point of Acadia’s coastline are breathtaking.

It’s a mixed bag of granite “staircases,” metal staircases and rungs, and regular old-fashioned climbing up this cliffside. We wouldn’t recommend it to the easily frightened!

1. Tumbledown Mountain Trail

West Central Franklin, Maine | 5.3 miles | Hard | 1,952 Feet Elevation Gain

Tumbledown Mountain Trail is one of Maine’s most popular and challenging hikes and ensures a lot of fun.

This hike has stunning scenery, challenging scrambling, and a great time with fantastic payoffs.

Those seeking a more demanding walk without technical challenges or narrow cliffs can enjoy this roughly 2,000-foot-elevation-gain summit.

Fantastic vistas of the Alps, a gorgeous lake, and several rocky outcrops are visible from the peak.

In Closing

That’s it for this rundown of 15 of the best hikes in Maine with stunning views!

We are confident at least one of these hikes in Maine will satisfy your outdoor itch. Enjoy!

Next: Visiting Acadia National Park In Winter: The Ultimate Guide