Great Pond MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Great Pond, Maine.
1. Great Pond Trail
BOARDWALK AND WETLANDS WALK
Great Pond Trail in Cape Elizabeth offers a scenic walk through fields, forests, and wetlands, with a signature 700-foot elevated boardwalk crossing Alewife Brook and hugging Great Pond's shore. The route provides a diverse habitat for wildlife viewing and tranquil water vistas. Hikers appreciate the easy terrain and rich natural settings that make this trail an ideal family-friendly outing.
2. Great Pond Mountain
SUMMIT WITH PANORAMIC VIEWS
Great Pond Mountain in Orland features a 1,009-foot summit with spectacular views of Acadia, Camden Hills, and even distant Schoodic Mountain. The well-maintained Stuart Gross Trail leads hikers on a moderate ascent, ending with an exposed summit perfect for breathtaking panoramas. This protected area is popular for its easy-to-moderate trails and year-round accessibility, including winter hiking.
3. Dead River Trail
MULTI-USE RIVERSIDE PATH
Dead River Trail is a wide and versatile route within the Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, suitable for hiking, skiing, and biking. The trail meanders alongside the scenic Dead River, providing tranquil water views and access to additional loop trails. Its gentle grades and spacious path make it a favored choice for families and multi-activity users.
4. Craig Brook Fish Hatchery Trails
NATURE AND EDUCATION LOOPS
Craig Brook Fish Hatchery offers several connecting nature trails perfect for hiking and learning about local fish conservation. These easy paths wind around ponds and interpretive signs, making them ideal for families with children. The hatchery's proximity to the wildlands adds to its appeal for a full day of outdoor exploration.
5. Wildlands North Gate Trails
EXPANSIVE FOREST ADVENTURES
The Wildlands North Gate provides access to a network of trails traversing varied terrain, including forests, wetlands, and open ridges. Hikers can choose routes of different lengths and difficulties, with all offering immersion in pristine natural habitats. This gateway serves as a starting point for exploring one of the largest conserved areas in the region.
6. Don Fish Trailhead Trails
MULTIPLE TRAIL ACCESS POINT
Don Fish Trailhead serves as a central hub for numerous trail options in the Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, including routes up to the mountain summit and surrounding loops. Its ample parking and year-round maintenance make it a popular choice for setting out on a hike. This trailhead is especially valued for convenience and variety of experiences.
7. Acadia National Park — Jordan Pond Path
ICONIC LAKE LOOP
The Jordan Pond Path in Acadia National Park is a classic loop hike that circles the crystal-clear Jordan Pond with impressive views of the Bubbles mountains. The mostly flat trail is well-maintained and popular for its serene lakeside scenery. Visitors often pair the walk with a stop at the Jordan Pond House for refreshments.
8. Bald Mountain Trail
HILLTOP VISTA HIKE
Bald Mountain Trail in Dedham delivers a moderately challenging climb through mixed forest to open ledges with sweeping panoramic views of lakes and distant mountains. The summit is a favorite for picnicking and photography. This well-marked trail is especially vibrant during fall foliage season.
9. Blue Hill Mountain Trails
COASTAL MOUNTAIN EXPLORATION
Blue Hill Mountain Trails offer routes that ascend through diverse habitats to a summit with stunning vistas of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding countryside. Trails vary in length and difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. The area is renowned for its natural beauty and rich birdlife.
10. Alamoosook Lake Trail
LAKESIDE TRAIL NETWORK
Alamoosook Lake Trail provides a peaceful walk along the lake's shore, with opportunities for water views, swimming, and wildlife observation. The trailhead is accessible from the same wildlands that include Great Pond Mountain, making it easy to combine hikes. This spot is popular with both hikers and paddlers seeking a tranquil retreat.