Howland MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Howland, Maine.
1. University of Maine Bicycle Path
SCENIC CAMPUS TRAIL
The University of Maine Bicycle Path is one of the top-rated trails in the Howland area, offering cyclists and pedestrians a well-maintained route. The path winds through the university campus, providing scenic views and a safe corridor for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy an easy, accessible experience suitable for various skill levels.
2. Ellsworth Trail
PEACEFUL WOODLAND PATH
The Ellsworth Trail offers hikers a tranquil journey through the Maine woodlands near Howland. This trail features well-marked paths and diverse terrain, making it a favorite among local outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of Maine's forests while enjoying a moderately challenging hike.
3. Beehive Trail
CHALLENGING IRON-RUNG ROUTE
Beehive Trail is a short but challenging 0.6-mile trail that includes iron rungs and steep climbs in Acadia National Park. The trail rewards hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of Sand Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Despite its brevity, the trail offers a thrilling adventure with an elevation gain of 384 feet.
4. Cadillac North Ridge Trail
SCENIC MOUNTAIN ASCENT
Cadillac North Ridge Trail is a 2.1-mile path that leads hikers to the summit of Cadillac Mountain with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. The trail offers unique views of Bar Harbor village and the waters of Frenchman Bay with its scattered islands. Hikers can enjoy the exposed ridge and spectacular vistas throughout this moderately challenging ascent.
5. Cadillac South Ridge Trail
PANORAMIC OCEAN VIEWS
Cadillac South Ridge Trail is a 4-mile route that traverses the bare and exposed southern ridge of Cadillac Mountain. This advanced trail provides outstanding views of the ocean and outlying islands throughout the journey. With an elevation gain of nearly 1,500 feet, it offers a more challenging but rewarding alternative to reach Cadillac's summit.
6. Bubbles Trail
TWIN PEAK ADVENTURE
Bubbles Trail is a 2.3-mile path that takes hikers over the distinctive twin peaks known as The Bubbles in Acadia National Park. The trail features an elevation gain of 824 feet and offers spectacular views of Jordan Pond and surrounding mountains. Hikers can enjoy diverse terrain including forest paths, open granite slopes, and scenic viewpoints along this moderately difficult route.
7. Precipice Trail
THRILLING VERTICAL CLIMB
Precipice Trail is an exhilarating 0.8-mile climbing route that ascends nearly 1,000 feet via iron rungs and ladders on the eastern face of Champlain Mountain. This trail is renowned for being one of the most challenging and exposed hiking experiences in Acadia National Park. Adventurous hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of Frenchman Bay and the surrounding landscape.
8. Cadillac Summit Loop
ACCESSIBLE MOUNTAIN TOP VIEWS
Cadillac Summit Loop is a half-mile paved trail that circles the top of Cadillac Mountain, providing an accessible adventure for visitors of all abilities. The loop offers spectacular 360-degree views of Bar Harbor, surrounding islands, and the Atlantic Ocean. This easy walking path is perfect for those who drive to the summit and want to experience the mountaintop's breathtaking panoramas.
9. Bernard Mountain Trail
PEACEFUL WOODED ESCAPE
Bernard Mountain Trail offers a 2.9-mile loop through mostly wooded terrain with occasional scenic views in the western part of Acadia National Park. The trail and forest glades provide a quiet respite from the more crowded eastern trails in the park. Hikers can enjoy moderate terrain while experiencing the natural beauty of Acadia's less-visited western section.
10. Mount Katahdin via the Knife Edge
LEGENDARY RIDGE TRAVERSE
Mount Katahdin via the Knife Edge is one of Maine's most famous and challenging hiking experiences, featuring a narrow ridge traverse with dramatic drops on both sides. The trail leads to Maine's highest peak, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding wilderness and marking the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. This advanced route requires good weather conditions and proper preparation due to its exposed nature and technical difficulty.