Augusta MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Augusta, Maine.
1. Harraseeket Trail and White Pines Trail Loop
SCENIC FOREST LOOP
The Harraseeket Trail and White Pines Trail Loop is considered the best hiking trail near Augusta, offering a 2.4-mile loop experience. Hikers can enjoy the beautiful forest scenery and well-maintained paths throughout the journey. This trail is suitable for various skill levels and provides a peaceful escape from the city.
2. Augusta Nature Education Center
URBAN NATURE OASIS
Augusta Nature Education Center features nearly 5 miles of trails winding throughout 175 acres of meadow and forest within minutes of downtown Augusta. The center reveals historic granite quarries, small waterfalls, quiet lily ponds, active beaver ponds, and native Maine flora and fauna. Open 365 days a year during daylight hours, it offers free access for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and nordic skiing.
3. UMA Nature Trails
CAMPUS WOODLAND PATHS
The University of Maine at Augusta offers 3 miles of well-maintained nature trails with varying difficulty zones on its campus. The wooded paths are suitable for leisure walking, running, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing depending on the season. These community-accessible trails feature different trailheads including the beginner-friendly Deer Trailhead and the intermediate Moose Trailhead.
4. Howard Hill Conservation Area
STATE HOUSE BACKDROP WILDERNESS
Howard Hill Conservation Area is a 164-acre natural area serving as the wooded backdrop to the Maine State House in the middle of Augusta. The property features three miles of trails with various loops, a cascading stream, steep ravines, large boulders, an expansive ridgeline with sheer cliffs, and diverse wildlife habitat. Multiple trailheads provide access, including Stevens Commons, Sewall Street, and Ganneston Drive options.
5. Kennebec River Rail Trail
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PATH
The Kennebec River Rail Trail is a 6-mile long path that follows alongside a seldom-used railroad bed in Augusta. This trail is more of a pleasant walk than a challenging hike, making it accessible for visitors of all ability levels. Hikers can enjoy scenic views of the Kennebec River throughout the journey.
6. Bond Brook Recreation Area
ALL-SEASON TRAIL NETWORK
Bond Brook Recreation Area offers an extensive network of trails just minutes from downtown Augusta. The area features varied terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and in winter, some of the best Nordic skiing in central Maine. Visitors can explore forests, meadows, and enjoy scenic views from several lookout points along the trails.
7. Viles Arboretum
BOTANICAL HIKING PARADISE
Viles Arboretum encompasses over 224 acres featuring six miles of trails winding through botanical collections, forests, and fields in Augusta. Hikers can explore diverse ecosystems while viewing unique plant collections, sculpture exhibits, and abundant wildlife. The arboretum offers year-round accessibility with trails suitable for walking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
8. Vaughan Woods State Park
HISTORIC FOREST PRESERVE
Vaughan Woods State Park is a picturesque 250-acre forested area located in Hallowell, just outside Augusta. The park features beautiful hiking trails along Vaughan Stream with historic stone bridges that give it the local nickname 'Hobbit Land'. Visitors can enjoy scenic woodland paths, cascading waters, and the tranquil atmosphere of this well-preserved natural area.
9. Jamies Pond Wildlife Management Area
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Jamies Pond Wildlife Management Area offers over 5 miles of trails around a pristine 107-acre pond near Hallowell. Hikers can explore diverse habitats including forests, wetlands, and rocky outcroppings while potentially spotting various wildlife species. The area provides scenic views of the pond and surrounding landscape throughout all seasons.
10. Kennebec Highlands
RUGGED MOUNTAIN TRAILS
The Kennebec Highlands offers more than 30 miles of trails across 6,800 acres of protected wilderness within a short drive from Augusta. Hikers can summit multiple peaks including McGaffey Mountain, the highest point in Kennebec County, offering spectacular panoramic views. The diverse terrain features forests, ponds, streams, and rocky outcrops that provide challenging and rewarding hiking experiences.