Columbia MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Columbia, Maine.
1. Pleasant River Community Forest
SCENIC FOREST AND RIVER WALKS
Pleasant River Community Forest features multiple loop trails that wind through woods and alongside rivers and streams. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, and even swimming in the summer, making it a versatile spot for outdoor enthusiasts. The trails are open year-round and cater to a variety of recreational activities.
2. Saco Falls Trail
SHORT WATERFALL HIKE
Saco Falls Trail is a brief 0.1-mile path that leads directly to the scenic Saco Falls. The trail begins near a bridge on Saco Road and provides an easy walk to a peaceful riverside waterfall view. This spot is ideal for those looking for a quick, nature-filled outing.
3. Down East Sunrise Trail - Central Trail Section
MULTI-USE RAIL TRAIL
The Central Trail section of the Down East Sunrise Trail runs through Columbia Falls, providing access for hikers, bikers, and other recreational users. Stretching over former railroad corridors, this multi-use trail offers expansive views and connects several Downeast communities. Its well-maintained gravel surface makes it accessible for users of all skill levels.
4. Acadia National Park - Bernard Mountain
QUIET WOODED ASCENT
Bernard Mountain in Acadia National Park offers hikers a mostly wooded path with occasional scenic vistas. The less-crowded trails and serene forest glades make it an attractive destination for those seeking tranquility. The 2.9-mile loop is moderately challenging, providing a rewarding natural experience.
5. Acadia National Park - Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail
PANORAMIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Cadillac Mountain's North Ridge Trail provides hikers with expansive views of Frenchman Bay and surrounding islands. The trail is regarded as moderately difficult and stretches 4.2 miles round trip, leading to one of Acadia's most iconic summits. It is also a favorite for sunrise watchers hoping to catch one of the earliest sunrises in the U.S.
6. Acadia National Park - Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
ICONIC SUMMIT HIKE
The South Ridge Trail of Cadillac Mountain is famed for its exposed granite ridges and sweeping ocean views. Covering 7.1 miles round trip, this advanced trail rewards hikers with breathtaking vistas over Mount Desert Island and the Atlantic. It's one of the classic long hikes in Acadia National Park.
7. Acadia National Park - Cadillac Summit Loop
ACCESSIBLE SUMMIT LOOP
The Cadillac Summit Loop is a 0.4-mile accessible walking trail circling the summit of Cadillac Mountain. It offers spectacular 360-degree views, perfect for those who drive to the summit but want to experience the panoramic vistas on foot. The paved loop ensures accessibility for visitors of all abilities.
8. 100 Mile Wilderness
REMOTE BACKCOUNTRY TREK
The 100 Mile Wilderness is the most remote section of the Appalachian Trail, beginning near Monson and stretching all the way to Baxter State Park. This rugged wilderness is renowned for its isolation, pristine forests, and abundant wildlife. It is considered a challenging trek even for experienced hikers and backpackers.
9. Gulf Hagas Loop
WATERFALLS AND GORGE
Gulf Hagas Loop, known as the 'Grand Canyon of Maine,' features a rugged hiking loop along a dramatic slate canyon with multiple waterfalls. The hike is moderately strenuous and offers breathtaking scenery, including cliffs and swimming holes. It's a favorite destination for hikers seeking both adventure and natural beauty.
10. Orono Bog Boardwalk
ACCESSIBLE WETLAND TRAIL
The Orono Bog Boardwalk offers a unique raised path through a peat bog and forested wetland in Orono. At just over one mile, this accessible trail is perfect for nature observation, birdwatching, and educational outings. Interpretive signs along the route provide insight into bog ecology and its flora and fauna.