Milford MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Milford, Maine.
1. Bradley-Sunkhaze Preserve
REMOTE WOODED TRAILS
Bradley-Sunkhaze Preserve offers hikers a quiet and remote experience amid 12,710 acres of preserved land adjoining Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. The Birch Stream Trail is the main hiking path, passing through boggy meadows, lush ferns, wildflowers, and stands of birch and evergreens, with a pleasant scent of sweet fern along the way. While the trails are beautiful and home to abundant birdlife, they are somewhat overgrown and unmarked, so use of a navigation app and advance preparation are recommended.
2. Johnson Brook Trail
BOARDWALK THROUGH CEDAR
Johnson Brook Trail is a 3.5-mile moderate loop trail located in the Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. It features a rare stand of mature cedar forest and over 1,000 feet of boardwalk, making it a unique hiking experience in the region. Visitors can spot an active beaver lodge near the start and enjoy diverse wetland habitats throughout the hike.
3. Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
EXPANSIVE WETLAND HABITAT
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge encompasses thousands of acres of peat bogs, streams, and forests, making it ideal for nature walks and wildlife observation. Multiple trails, including the Oak Point Trail and the Carter Meadow Road Trail, wind through diverse ecosystems and are popular for birdwatching. The refuge offers peaceful hiking away from crowds and a chance to experience Maine's wild landscape.
4. Old Town Riverwalk
RIVERSIDE FAMILY TRAIL
The Old Town Riverwalk is a scenic, easy path that runs along the Penobscot River, offering accessibility for walkers, cyclists, and families. This paved trail provides views of wildlife, historic sites, and tranquil river scenery. Its convenient location makes it a favorite for both casual strolls and daily exercise in the Old Town area.
5. Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
WETLANDS AND WATERWAYS
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge features more than seven miles of trails with boardwalks and footpaths through forests, wetlands, and along Pushaw Stream. The refuge is perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and paddling, with interpretive signs along the way. It offers seasonal events and a peaceful escape into nature just northwest of Milford.
6. Bangor City Forest
EXTENSIVE URBAN TRAILS
Bangor City Forest encompasses over 680 acres and offers more than nine miles of well-maintained hiking trails through pine woods and wetlands. Popular trails such as the Orono Bog Boardwalk provide easy walking and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. The forest is open year-round and is a favorite spot for hiking, running, and cross-country skiing.
7. Orono Bog Boardwalk
ACCESSIBLE BOG TRAIL
The Orono Bog Boardwalk is a mile-long boardwalk pathway that guides visitors through a unique peat bog ecosystem, starting from the Bangor City Forest. This accessible walk offers interpretive signs describing the bog's plants, wildlife, and geology. It is a popular spot for families, students, and anyone interested in Maine's natural habitats.
8. University of Maine Trail System
CAMPUS NATURE WALKS
The University of Maine Trail System features a network of well-maintained hiking and walking trails that meander through forests, fields, and alongside the Stillwater River. These trails are popular with students, locals, and visitors seeking a peaceful setting close to campus. The system ranges from easy, family-friendly paths to more rugged, wooded routes.
9. Penobscot River Trails
RIVERSIDE BIKING AND HIKING
Penobscot River Trails offers wide, well-groomed gravel paths for hiking, running, and cycling along the Penobscot River. The trails wind through forests and meadows with scenic overlooks, picnic spots, and views of the river's wildlife. This destination provides both short and long-distance options in a peaceful, natural setting.
10. Perch Pond Trails
FOREST AND WATER VIEWS
Perch Pond Trails consist of looped paths around Perch Pond, taking hikers through forests and offering serene pond views. The relatively level terrain makes these trails suitable for all skill levels, and the area is favored for its tranquility and birdwatching opportunities. It's an excellent choice for a quick hike close to both Milford and Old Town.