Mars Hill MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Mars Hill, Maine.
1. Mars Hill Mountain
BREATHTAKING SUMMIT VIEWS
Mars Hill Mountain offers hikers a 2-mile round trip journey along the International Appalachian Trail to its summit. At the top, visitors can enjoy expansive views across the Aroostook Valley and into Canada, while standing beneath the massive wind towers of New England's largest wind farm. The mountain is also known for being one of the first places in America to see the sunrise due to its location and elevation in the far northeastern part of Maine.
2. Big Rock Mountain Ski Trails
SCENIC YEAR-ROUND PATHS
Big Rock Mountain Ski area provides access to hiking trails in addition to its winter activities. Hikers can follow the wide ski slope before turning onto narrower trails that lead to the Mars Hill Mountain summit. The parking lots at the base of Big Rock Ski Mountain serve as a convenient starting point for day hikers exploring the area.
3. Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CONNECTION
The Southern Bangor and Aroostook Trail passes right through downtown Mars Hill on its journey from Houlton to Presque Isle. This trail offers hikers a chance to experience both the town and surrounding rural landscapes of Aroostook County. It serves as a connector to other trails in the region, making it an important part of the area's trail network.
4. International Appalachian Trail
CROSS-BORDER MOUNTAIN PATH
The International Appalachian Trail crosses over the summit of Mars Hill Mountain on its long journey from Baxter State Park to Fort Fairfield, Maine. Mars Hill is the last summit on the IAT before crossing over into New Brunswick, Canada. A lean-to at the summit provides shelter for hikers traversing this international trail system.
5. St. John Valley Heritage Trail
CULTURAL COUNTRYSIDE EXPERIENCE
The St. John Valley Heritage Trail offers hikers a journey through the historical and cultural landscape surrounding Mars Hill. This trail showcases the rich heritage of the St. John Valley region while providing scenic natural views. Hikers can explore the unique blend of Franco-American and Acadian influences that characterize this northern Maine area.
6. Mount Chase
WILDERNESS MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Mount Chase is located just east of the famous Mt. Katahdin and offers hikers a less crowded wilderness experience. The mountain provides spectacular views of the surrounding Aroostook County landscape and is a popular destination for day hikers. After exploring Mount Chase, many hikers continue their journey to Mars Hill to complete the experience of hiking in northern Maine.
7. Aroostook State Park Trails
MAINE'S FIRST STATE PARK
Aroostook State Park, Maine's first state park, offers multiple hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts near Mars Hill. The park features trails around Echo Lake and up Quaggy Jo Mountain, providing diverse terrain and difficulty levels for hikers of all abilities. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding Aroostook County landscape, particularly from the summit of Quaggy Jo.
8. Nordic Heritage Center Trails
WORLD-CLASS TRAIL SYSTEM
The Nordic Heritage Center near Mars Hill offers an extensive network of trails that are popular for hiking during the non-winter months. Originally designed for world-class cross-country skiing and biathlon events, these well-maintained trails provide hikers with varying levels of difficulty through the beautiful Aroostook forests. The center's trail system spans over 20 kilometers, offering plenty of exploration opportunities for day hikers.
9. Haystack Mountain Trail
PANORAMIC SUMMIT LOOKOUT
Haystack Mountain Trail offers hikers a relatively short but rewarding climb to a distinctive peak visible throughout the Aroostook region. The trail culminates at an observation tower on the summit, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside including potato fields, forests, and on clear days, Mount Katahdin. This family-friendly hike is popular with locals and visitors seeking a quick outdoor adventure near Mars Hill.
10. Deboullie Public Reserved Land Trails
REMOTE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Deboullie Public Reserved Land offers hikers a remote wilderness experience within driving distance of Mars Hill. The area features multiple trails around pristine ponds and up rugged mountains, including the challenging Deboullie Mountain with its historic fire tower. Hikers can explore unique geological features such as ice caves and glacier erratics while enjoying the solitude of this less-traveled region of northern Maine.