Hollis MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Hollis, Maine.
1. Indian Cellar Preserve
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT TRAILS
Indian Cellar Preserve offers an 80-acre landscape with roughly three miles of interconnected trails along the scenic Saco River. Visitors can enjoy wooded paths, river views, and access to spots along the Saco that are popular for wading or swimming. The preserve is known for its tranquility and its blend of natural and historical significance.
2. California Fields Wildlife Area
REFORESTED PINE MEADOWS
California Fields Wildlife Area spans a portion of a vast 2,700-acre conservation area, featuring easy loop trails surrounded by young pines and open fields. The area is welcoming to dog walkers and is notable for its bright, flat paths, a remnant of what was once an airfield and potato farm. Ongoing reforestation efforts add ecological interest and visitors can connect to nearby multi-use trails.
3. Googins Woods Preserve
QUIET WOODED RETREAT
Googins Woods Preserve encompasses around 30 acres of peaceful forest with a simple trail system. The preserve invites visitors to stroll through a quiet landscape rich in natural beauty and seclusion. It is ideal for short walks and those seeking solitude close to town.
4. Douglas Mountain
SCENIC SUMMIT VIEWS
Douglas Mountain is a prominent hiking destination featuring a moderate summit trail that rewards hikers with sweeping views from a stone tower at the peak. The wooded trail winds through mixed forests, offering glimpses of wildlife and wildflowers. Its accessible trail network makes it a family-friendly choice nearby.
5. Sebago Lake State Park
LAKESIDE NATURE TRAILS
Sebago Lake State Park provides an extensive network of hiking trails meandering through forest, wetlands, and along the lake's picturesque shoreline. Hikers can enjoy diverse habitats and frequent opportunities for swimming or picnicking beside Maine's second largest lake. The park is a regional favorite for recreation year-round.
6. Cascade Falls
WATERFALL AND NATURE WALK
Cascade Falls is a natural attraction just outside Hollis, where a short trail leads through the woods to a scenic waterfall. The site is especially popular in spring and after rains, when the falls are at their fullest. It's an easy walk suitable for families and those seeking a quick, scenic outing.
7. Ferry Beach State Park
OCEANFRONT FOREST TRAILS
Ferry Beach State Park offers a mix of forest and beach walking trails bordered by unique sand dunes and maritime forests. The park is well known for its rare tupelo trees and sweeping views of Saco Bay. Its easy trails connect the woods directly to the ocean, providing a diverse hiking experience.
8. Eastern Promenade Trail
URBAN COASTAL PATHWAY
The Eastern Promenade Trail runs along the waterfront in Portland, offering wide, well-maintained paths with impressive views of Casco Bay. This popular multi-use trail is suitable for walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike. The trail seamlessly blends city convenience with coastal scenery.
9. Mount Cutler
PANORAMIC OVERLOOK HIKE
Mount Cutler features a moderately challenging trail that ascends through forest to open ledges overlooking the Saco River valley and surrounding mountains. The route provides rewarding views for relatively little effort, making it a favorite among local hikers. Wildflowers and scenic vistas are abundant along the way.
10. Eagle Island State Historic Site
ISLAND TRAILS WITH HISTORY
Eagle Island State Historic Site, accessible by boat, offers visitors the chance to hike trails through forests and along the island's rocky coastline. The site includes the historic former summer home of Arctic explorer Admiral Robert Peary. It is a unique blend of Maine history and natural beauty perfect for adventurous hikers.