Maine offers some of the finest hiking in the eastern United States — from the granite summits of Acadia National Park to the remote wilderness of Baxter State Park, from the rolling hills of the western mountains to the dramatic cliffs of the Bold Coast. With over 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail passing through the state and thousands of miles of additional trail, Maine rewards hikers of every ability level.
Hiking in Acadia National Park
Acadia’s 158 miles of hiking trails are among the most varied and scenic in the National Park system. The Precipice Trail is one of the most thrilling hikes in the eastern US — a nearly vertical scramble up iron rungs and ladders on the face of Champlain Mountain. The Beehive Trail offers similar exposed climbing on a shorter route. For a more moderate challenge, the Ocean Path follows the shoreline from Sand Beach to Otter Cliffs with spectacular coastal views. The summit of Cadillac Mountain can be reached by trail or road — the 7-mile South Ridge Trail is the classic approach from the south. See our Bar Harbor guide for lodging and planning details.
Hiking in Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is Maine’s ultimate hiking destination — a 209,644-acre wilderness surrounding Mount Katahdin, the state’s highest peak at 5,268 feet and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The Hunt Trail is the AT’s official route to the Katahdin summit — a strenuous 10-mile round trip with significant elevation gain and exposed ridgeline walking near the top. The Knife Edge — a narrow arête connecting Baxter Peak to Pamola Peak — is one of the most exhilarating ridge walks in the eastern US, with sheer drops on both sides. Day visitor quotas apply and advance reservations are required for camping. See our Millinocket guide for planning details.
Hiking in Western Maine
The western mountains offer some of Maine’s best hiking outside of Acadia and Baxter. Grafton Notch State Park near Bethel features dramatic gorges, waterfalls, and the challenging Table Rock and Old Speck trails — Old Speck at 4,170 feet is Maine’s third highest peak. The Rangeley Lakes region offers excellent hiking on Saddleback Mountain and the surrounding hills. Sugarloaf Mountain offers hiking in summer on the same terrain skiers use in winter, with panoramic views from the 4,237-foot summit. The Bigelow Range near Flagstaff Lake is one of Maine’s finest ridge walks, with multiple peaks above 4,000 feet and spectacular views in every direction.
Hiking on the Midcoast
Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park offers one of the finest views on the entire East Coast — Penobscot Bay spread below with islands stretching to the horizon. The summit can be reached by a 1.4-mile trail from the base or by car via the summit road. The park has 30 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to challenging ridge climbs. Maiden Cliff above Megunticook Lake offers dramatic views down to the water. The Bold Coast Trail near Cutler in Downeast Maine traverses dramatic sea cliffs above the open Atlantic — one of the most spectacular coastal walks in New England.
The Appalachian Trail in Maine
Maine’s 281-mile section of the Appalachian Trail is widely considered the most challenging and remote in the entire 2,190-mile trail. The trail enters Maine from New Hampshire at Grafton Notch and traverses the Mahoosuc Range — including the notorious Mahoosuc Notch, often called the hardest mile on the entire AT. From there the trail crosses the Rangeley Lakes region, the Bigelow Range, the Kennebec River (ford only — no bridge), Moxie Bald, the 100-Mile Wilderness, and finally climbs Katahdin to the trail’s northern terminus at Baxter Peak. Thru-hikers completing the AT end their journey in Maine; northbound section hikers often start at Grafton Notch and work their way to Katahdin.
Maine Hiking — Planning Tips
Maine’s hiking season runs from late May through October for most trails, with higher peaks accessible June through September. Black flies are notoriously bad from late May through mid-June — bug protection is essential. The best hiking weather is typically July through early October. Fall foliage hiking in late September and October is exceptional — see our Fall Foliage Guide for peak timing by region. For overnight hiking, permits are required for Baxter State Park campsites. Acadia campgrounds require reservations through recreation.gov. For a full camping guide see our Maine Campgrounds Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hike in Maine?
Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park is Maine’s most iconic hike — the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail with the dramatic Knife Edge ridge walk. The Precipice Trail in Acadia is the most thrilling hike on the coast. Mount Battie in Camden offers the most accessible summit with spectacular views. For sheer wilderness, any section of the 100-Mile Wilderness on the AT is unforgettable.
When is the best time to hike in Maine?
July through early October offers the best hiking conditions in Maine. June is good but black flies can be brutal through mid-June. September and October are ideal — stable weather, no bugs, and spectacular fall foliage. Higher elevation trails above 3,000 feet may have snow as early as October and as late as May.
Do you need a permit to hike in Maine?
Most Maine hiking trails do not require permits. Baxter State Park requires advance reservations for camping and imposes day-use quotas for the Katahdin trailheads — check the Baxter State Park website for current reservation requirements. Acadia National Park does not require hiking permits but campground reservations are required through recreation.gov.
How hard is hiking Mount Katahdin?
Mount Katahdin is a strenuous hike requiring good physical fitness and a full day — the standard Hunt Trail round trip is about 10 miles with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. The Knife Edge trail adds significant exposure and is not recommended for those with a fear of heights. Most hikers should budget 8-10 hours for a Katahdin summit day. Start early — the park requires hikers to be off the summit by 4pm.