Mariaville MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Mariaville, Maine.
1. Mariaville Falls Preserve
WATERFALL AND RIVER TRAILS
Mariaville Falls Preserve is a conservation area offering scenic trails along the West Branch of the Union River. Visitors can enjoy a short hike to dramatic step falls, with benches providing peaceful overlooks and options to scramble down closer to the water. The site also carries local history, once being home to a now-vanished 19th-century village.
2. Fisherman's Trail
RIVERSIDE WOODLAND PATH
Fisherman's Trail is an 0.85-mile riverside route within Mariaville Falls Preserve, following the banks of the Union River. The path meanders through forested terrain, offering hikers woodsy views and tranquil river sounds. It is a relatively short trail, suitable for families or those seeking a quick, scenic adventure.
3. New Trail – Mariaville Falls
LOOP THROUGH FOREST
The New Trail at Mariaville Falls is a 0.48-mile loop connecting forested sections east of the main preserve. This route provides an alternate approach to the falls, joining near the river for expanded exploration. Hikers can combine it with other preserve trails for a longer walk.
4. Beech Hill Pond
LAKESIDE RECREATION SPOT
Beech Hill Pond is located just south of Mariaville and offers scenic lakeside hiking opportunities. The area is popular for swimming, boating, and shoreline walks with forested landscapes. While there are no formal trails, the surrounding conserved lands provide gentle terrain for outdoor exploration.
5. Great Pond Mountain Wildlands
EXPANSIVE MOUNTAIN TRAILS
Great Pond Mountain Wildlands is a large conservation area northwest of Mariaville, featuring over 17 miles of trails. The trails wind through forests, wetlands, and up to scenic summits, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Hikers can choose from multiple routes, including easier walks and more challenging ascents.
6. Donnell Pond Public Lands
LAKES, PEAKS, AND TRAILS
Donnell Pond Public Lands lies northeast of Mariaville and boasts a network of trails around lakes and up rugged mountains. Hikers can ascend Schoodic Mountain for breathtaking vistas or explore the shores of Donnell Pond and Tunk Lake. This area is noted for its remote beauty and diverse trail experiences.
7. Blue Hill Mountain Trail
SUMMIT VIEWS OF COAST
Blue Hill Mountain Trail is a popular route offering sweeping views of the Blue Hill Peninsula and the ocean. The main trail leads hikers through varied woodlands to an open summit ideal for picnicking and photography. Several interconnected paths allow visitors to customize their hike's length and difficulty.
8. Black Mountain – Tunk Lake Area
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN HIKE
Black Mountain's trail in the Tunk Lake area provides a challenging climb rewarded by far-reaching views across Downeast Maine. The route is varied, climbing through mixed woods and past rocky outcrops. It is a favorite among seasoned hikers seeking a rugged and scenic adventure.
9. Acadia National Park – Schoodic Peninsula
COASTAL NATIONAL PARK TRAILS
The Schoodic Peninsula section of Acadia National Park offers less-crowded hiking trails along dramatic rocky coastlines and through pine forests. Visitors can enjoy ocean views, birdwatching, and varied routes suitable for all skill levels. The area is known for its tranquility and natural beauty away from the busier sections of Acadia.
10. Birdsacre Sanctuary (Stanwood Wildlife Sanctuary)
FAMILY WILDLIFE WALKS
Birdsacre Sanctuary, located in Ellsworth, features a network of gentle woodland trails perfect for birdwatching and nature exploration. The sanctuary protects a variety of wildlife habitats and offers interpretive trails suitable for all ages. It's an ideal destination for families and those interested in learning about Maine's native species.