Milbridge MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Milbridge, Maine.
1. Milbridge Commons Wellness Park
COASTAL GREEN SPACE
Milbridge Commons Wellness Park features a 975-foot loop trail with sweeping views of Narraguagus Bay. The wide, accessible trail circles lush community gardens and offers visitors places to sit, enjoy nature, or take family photos at the butterfly wall. This park is ideal for gentle walks and connecting with the coastal landscape in the heart of downtown Milbridge.
2. Sudsbury Walking Trail
RIVERSIDE ACCESSIBLE TRAIL
The Sudsbury Walking Trail follows the scenic Narraguagus River and provides a short, paved path ideal for people of all abilities. Benches and a gazebo dot this riverside walk, offering restful spots to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It's a perfect option for a brief, refreshing stroll close to downtown Milbridge.
3. Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge – Birch Point Trail
WILDLIFE AND COASTAL VIEWS
The Birch Point Trail at Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge begins in a blueberry field and winds for 2.2 miles through forest to the salt marshes and mudflats of Dyer Bay. Hikers can enjoy wildlife spotting, especially birds, along this wide and well-maintained route that includes benches and scenic overlooks. The trail also features a side path to Lobster Cove, ending along a cobbled beach with expansive coastal views.
4. Down East Sunrise Trail
MULTI-USE RAIL TRAIL
The Down East Sunrise Trail stretches for over 85 miles along a former rail corridor through Washington County, offering expansive hiking, biking, and even ATV opportunities. Its wide, gravel surface and beautiful rural scenery make it accessible for a variety of fitness levels. Hikers can enjoy forests, waterways, and glimpses of wildlife along this extensive trail.
5. Schoodic Head Trail
GRANITE SUMMIT HIKE
The Schoodic Head Trail climbs through spruce-fir forest and over smooth granite to reach the 440-foot summit of Schoodic Head. Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Frenchman Bay and Mount Desert Island from the top. Several intersecting trails allow for various loop options in the scenic Schoodic District of Acadia National Park.
6. Great Wass Island Preserve
ISLAND HIKE WITH VIEWS
Great Wass Island Preserve offers rugged hiking through spruce forests, peat bogs, and open ledges with spectacular coastal vistas. The main loop trail is about 4.5 miles and provides access to ledges overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This preserve is known for its unique plant life and opportunities to spot seabirds and marine life.
7. Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land
REMOTE LAKES AND PEAKS
Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land features a network of trails leading to pristine lakes, secluded beaches, and mountain summits like Schoodic Mountain. Hikers can choose from a variety of trail lengths and difficulties, all with opportunities for swimming, camping, and remarkable views. The area provides a remote wilderness experience not far from Milbridge.
8. The Beehive Trail
ICONIC CLIFF HIKE
The Beehive Trail in Acadia National Park is a challenging and thrilling route featuring iron rungs and exposed cliffs. Short but steep, the trail climbs 450 feet to an open summit with sweeping views of Sand Beach and the coastline. It is one of the park's most popular and photogenic hikes for adventurous hikers.
9. Gorham Mountain Trail
COASTAL MOUNTAIN PATH
Gorham Mountain Trail offers a moderately easy hike to the 525-foot summit of Gorham Mountain in Acadia National Park. The trail features open granite ledges with spectacular views over the ocean and surrounding forest. It is a family-friendly route that showcases the dramatic beauty of Maine's coastline.
10. Precipice Trail
DARING CLIFFSIDE ROUTE
The Precipice Trail is Acadia National Park's most famous and strenuous cliffside ascent, featuring iron ladders and narrow ledges. Hikers ascend nearly 1,000 feet up Champlain Mountain for extraordinary views, but the trail is recommended only for experienced hikers comfortable with heights. It is often closed in spring and summer for peregrine falcon nesting, so checking its status before visiting is essential.