Bradley MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Bradley, Maine.
1. Leonard's Mills Hiking Trails
FOREST AND STREAM PATHS
Leonard's Mills Hiking Trails offer visitors a chance to explore a classic Maine forest with diverse wildlife and peaceful scenery. The Nature Trail runs along Blackman Stream with interpretive signs, making it perfect for a moderate 30-minute hike or winter snowshoeing. More adventurous hikers can take the Blue Trail, a 60-minute trek through old growth forests, providing an immersive natural experience.
2. Bradley-Sunkhaze Preserve
REMOTE WOODS ESCAPE
Bradley-Sunkhaze Preserve features trails like the Birch Stream Trail, beginning as an overgrown woods road bordered by wildflowers and dense greenery. The preserve provides a quiet retreat into traditional Maine wilderness, highlighting the region's lush plant life and wildlife. It's an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and the feel of untamed nature.
3. University of Maine Bicycle Path
SCENIC URBAN TRAIL
The University of Maine Bicycle Path offers a well-maintained, multi-use trail connecting the university campus with nearby communities. It is popular with hikers, joggers, and cyclists year-round, providing easy access to local woodlands and fields. This trail is perfect for those seeking a convenient and accessible outdoor experience just outside Bradley.
4. Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
WILDLIFE AND WETLANDS
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge spans thousands of acres of peatlands, forests, and streams, offering a unique wetland hiking experience. Visitors can enjoy an intricate trail system with boardwalks and overlooks for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. The refuge is a prime spot for those interested in natural habitats and peaceful hikes close to Bradley.
5. Penobscot River Walkway
RIVERSIDE WALKING TRAIL
The Penobscot River Walkway is a scenic paved trail running alongside the Penobscot River in downtown Bangor, providing panoramic river views and access to city parks. This easy, flat pathway is great for all ages and fitness levels, and is a favorite for walkers, runners, and families. The walkway combines natural beauty with urban amenities, creating a unique hiking experience.
6. Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
NATURE AND EDUCATION TRAILS
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge features over seven miles of trails winding through forests, wetlands, and along Pushaw Stream. The refuge offers educational programs and wildlife observation, making it a prime spot for families and nature lovers. Hikers can enjoy peaceful landscapes and the chance to spot a variety of Maine wildlife.
7. Bangor City Forest (Rolland F. Perry City Forest)
URBAN FOREST OASIS
Bangor City Forest boasts over nine miles of well-kept trails through lush woodlands, offering year-round outdoor recreation. The popular Orono Bog Boardwalk is accessible here, presenting a one-mile loop above a unique peat bog ecosystem. The forest is ideal for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing just minutes from downtown.
8. Acadia National Park Carriage Roads
GRANITE BRIDGES AND VIEWS
Acadia National Park's Carriage Roads cover over 45 miles of smooth gravel paths, winding through breathtaking coastal and mountain scenery. Iconic stone bridges and sweeping vistas await on routes such as the Eagle Lake Loop and Around the Mountain Road. These historic trails are suitable for hikers and bikers seeking a world-class outdoor experience.
9. Bradbury Mountain State Park
SUMMIT VIEWS AND HISTORY
Bradbury Mountain State Park features over 24 miles of multi-use trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Its summit offers sweeping views of Casco Bay and Portland's skyline, with colorful fall foliage displays. Unique historic sites, like an old cattle pound and feldspar quarry, can be found along the trails, enriching the hiking experience.
10. Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve
RESERVE WITH SHORELINE TRAILS
Heald and Bradley Ponds Reserve protects 802 acres of forests, streams, and hills, with over a mile of shoreline on scenic Heald Pond and Bradley Pond. The trail network provides tranquil hikes through mixed woodland habitats, perfect for nature observation and solitude. This reserve is a favorite for those seeking unspoiled natural beauty in western Maine.