Eagle Lake MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Eagle Lake, Maine.
1. Eagle Lake Town Forest Trails
SCENIC WOODLAND PATHS
The Eagle Lake Town Forest Trails offer a network of hiking and walking paths through a well-maintained town forest. Visitors enjoy striking hilltop views and access to exercise stations and educational opportunities along the routes. In the winter, these trails are groomed for cross-country skiing, making them a year-round destination.
2. Hedgehog Mountain Trail
SUMMIT WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS
Hedgehog Mountain Trail is a moderately steep, forested hike leading to a summit with impressive views across the North Maine Woods and nearby lakes. The trail is approximately 0.75 miles to the top, offering a good workout before reaching a picnic area at the summit. On clear days, hikers can spot multiple mountains and lakes in the surrounding region.
3. Eagle Lake Trail (Acadia National Park)
LAKESHORE LOOP EXPERIENCE
The Eagle Lake Trail in Acadia National Park is a scenic 1.8-mile loop closely hugging the lakeshore, with moderate terrain featuring roots and rocks. It offers beautiful views of Eagle Lake and Conners Nubble, making it a favorite add-on for those hiking nearby peaks. This trail is ideal for hikers seeking a relatively short but rewarding walk through diverse Acadia landscapes.
4. Eagle Lake Carriage Road
HISTORIC MULTI-USE PATH
Eagle Lake Carriage Road is part of John D. Rockefeller's historic network of gravel roads designed for non-motorized use in Acadia National Park. This popular route weaves around Eagle Lake and is suitable for walkers, bikers, and runners of all skill levels. The carriage road provides serene lake views and easy connections to other trails in the park.
5. Chimney Pond Trail
ICONIC BAXTER HIKE
Chimney Pond Trail is a celebrated path in Baxter State Park that leads hikers through scenic forests and along streams to a high-elevation pond beneath Katahdin's peaks. The route is well-loved for its challenging terrain and stunning mountain vistas. Chimney Pond serves as a base for further alpine adventures or a memorable turnaround point.
6. Baxter Peak Loop
KATAHDIN SUMMIT ADVENTURE
The Baxter Peak Loop is a demanding circuit that brings hikers to the highest point in Maine—Baxter Peak on Mount Katahdin. Combining the Chimney Pond and Helon Taylor Trails, the route provides both strenuous climbs and spectacular panoramic views. Completing this hike is a renowned achievement for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a true wilderness challenge.
7. Baxter Peak
MAINE'S HIGHEST SUMMIT
Baxter Peak crowns Mount Katahdin, offering dramatic 360-degree vistas of Baxter State Park and beyond. The summit is a highlight for hikers, often reached via rugged trails that ascend through forests and rock scrambles. It stands as a bucket-list destination for both Mainers and visiting adventurers.
8. Helon Taylor Trail
RIDGE ASCENT ROUTE
The Helon Taylor Trail is a strenuous route ascending the eastern ridge of Mount Katahdin, leading to Pamola Peak. Known for its rocky, exposed sections, the trail rewards hikers with sweeping views over Baxter State Park. It's commonly used for challenging loop hikes that include Knife Edge and Baxter Peak.
9. Conners Nubble Trail
ROCKY OUTLOOK LOOP
Conners Nubble Trail is a moderately challenging path reaching a rocky outlook above Eagle Lake in Acadia National Park. The summit offers panoramic lake and mountain views, making it a popular side trip from the Eagle Lake or Bubbles area. Hikers can expect some steep sections and rugged footing along the way.
10. Bubbles Trail
ICONIC TWIN PEAKS
The Bubbles Trail provides access to the North and South Bubbles, two distinctive and much-photographed peaks in Acadia National Park. The hike features moderate climbs and breathtaking vistas over Jordan Pond and Eagle Lake. Its accessible length and rewarding scenery make it a must-do for Acadia visitors.