Manchester MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Manchester, Maine.
1. Manchester Woods
VERSATILE TRAIL SYSTEM
Manchester Woods provides a non-motorized trail network popular with hikers, mountain bikers, runners, and nature enthusiasts. The approximately four-mile loop connects various segments, including the Kerns Hill Connector, which offers easy walking and nature viewing on a high ridge. This trail system is accessible year-round, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
2. Jamie's Pond Trails
SCENIC POND AND FOREST
Jamie's Pond Trails feature nearly six miles of scenic paths passing through forested terrain and along the pond's shoreline. The network offers both easy and moderate routes, making it suitable for a variety of hiking experiences. Hikers can enjoy wildlife observation, serene water views, and peaceful wooded surroundings.
3. Kerns Hill Connector
CONNECTOR RIDGE LOOP
The Kerns Hill Connector is the main trailhead for the Manchester Woods system, offering a 1.5-mile loop that links to other local trails. Its moderate grade and ridge-top path make it ideal for walking and nature viewing, while mountain bikers can test their skills on rooty, rocky segments. The trailhead includes parking and a helpful kiosk with maps for visitors.
4. Jamie's Pond Wildlife Management Area
WILDLIFE AND WATERSIDE VIEWS
Jamie's Pond Wildlife Management Area boasts over 900 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and shoreline open to hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Well-marked trails lead visitors through diverse habitats, offering frequent opportunities to see native wildlife. The tranquil setting makes it a favorite spot for peaceful walks and outdoor exploration.
5. Pine Tree State Arboretum Trails
BOTANICAL GARDENS AND PATHS
The Pine Tree State Arboretum, now known as Viles Arboretum, features a collection of beautiful gardens and an extensive trail system. Walkers and hikers can experience more than five miles of trails passing through forests, fields, and wetlands. The arboretum's accessible paths and interpretive signage make it suitable for families and nature lovers.
6. Mt. Pisgah Conservation Area
FIRE TOWER SUMMIT HIKE
Mt. Pisgah Conservation Area offers a mile-long trail leading to a historic 60-foot fire tower, open for panoramic views. The trail ascends through a mix of forest, streams, and wetlands, making it an enjoyable moderate hike. From the summit, visitors can spot the White Mountains and Maine's highlands on clear days.
7. Monument Hill
HISTORY AND MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Monument Hill provides a short, wooded hike culminating in a Civil War monument at the summit. The partially wooded peak offers broad views of Androscoggin Lake and distant mountain ranges. This peaceful site is known for its natural beauty and historical significance.
8. Gannett Woods
FOREST TRAILS AND HILLTOP
Gannett Woods features scenic trails over Monk's Hill, which rises to 665 feet and offers winter and early spring vistas. The area is ideal for hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and seasonal nature observation. With trailheads easily accessed from local roads, it provides a tranquil, wooded escape close to Manchester.
9. Wyman Memorial Forest
HISTORIC WOODS HIKE
Wyman Memorial Forest invites hikers to explore a network of wooded trails marked by stone walls and old carriage roads. The area provides a glimpse into local history and features peaceful forest surroundings. Visitors can enjoy a variety of trail lengths and terrain, making it accessible for different ability levels.
10. Kennebec Highlands
REMOTE MOUNTAIN TRAILS
Kennebec Highlands comprises a large protected area offering miles of remote trails through forests, ridges, and around ponds. Hikers can enjoy both short and long routes, with opportunities for panoramic views, wildlife sightings, and backcountry adventure. This area is popular among outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and scenic beauty.