New Limerick MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near New Limerick, Maine.
1. Nickerson Lake Trails
LAKEFRONT HILLTOP VIEWS
Nickerson Lake Trails offer a scenic 2.4-mile network of well-maintained footpaths accessible only by boat. These trails climb a hill, providing hikers with beautiful views across Nickerson Lake and the surrounding landscape. The tranquil setting and moderate difficulty make it a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking a peaceful nature experience.
2. Big Hurd Pond
QUIET FORESTED LOOP
Big Hurd Pond is a lesser-known natural attraction featuring a peaceful setting ideal for hiking and wildlife observation. The wooded trails around the pond provide opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and appreciating the quiet beauty of the area. This spot is perfect for those seeking solitude and a gentle outdoor experience.
3. Sawyer Mountain Highlands
SUMMIT RIDGE HIKE
Sawyer Mountain Highlands provides a 2.4-mile round trip hike via the Smith Trail, which follows an old mountain road and climbs steadily to panoramic ridgeline views. Hikers encounter historic sites such as old homesteads and stone walls along the way, enhancing the sense of exploration. The summit rewards adventurers with sweeping views and a sense of achievement.
4. Devils Den Trail
SHORT LEDGE ASCENT
Devils Den Trail is a relatively easy 0.5-mile one-way hike gaining about 250 feet in elevation through diverse forest. Hikers reach summit ledges with clearings that offer views to the north and west, as well as a unique landscape feature called 'The Devil's Cart Way.' The trail is family-friendly and well-suited for a quick outing into nature.
5. Sawyer Mountain Preserve
LARGE PROTECTED WILDERNESS
Sawyer Mountain Preserve spans thousands of acres, offering a variety of interconnected trails popular among hikers for their scenic beauty and wildlife sightings. The preserve's broad network allows visitors to customize the length and challenge of their hikes, from gentle rambles to steeper climbs. Expansive forests and open ledges make this a top hiking destination in southern Maine.
6. Little Ossipee River Trail
RIVERSIDE WOODLAND WALK
Little Ossipee River Trail meanders for about three miles along the picturesque riverbanks, offering hikers a serene experience surrounded by water and woods. It is unmarked but well-loved, with opportunities for birdwatching and glimpses of native wildlife. The trail's proximity to the river makes it especially appealing in spring and summer.
7. Jagolinzer Preserve
SECLUDED NATURE SANCTUARY
Jagolinzer Preserve features short forested trails that wind through peaceful woodlands and along lovely streams. Managed for conservation, this area is ideal for hikers seeking a quiet natural escape and a chance to observe local flora and fauna. The preserve is open year-round and maintained by local trusts.
8. Shirley Bog Trail
WETLAND WILDLIFE WALK
Shirley Bog Trail is renowned for its unique wetland habitat, making it a prime spot for birdwatching and immersion in Maine's natural beauty. A boardwalk lets hikers traverse the bog and observe a rich diversity of plants and animals. The trail is suitable for nature lovers of all ages and offers exceptional scenery throughout the year.
9. Haystack Mountain Trail
SHORT ROCKY CLIMB
Haystack Mountain Trail offers a brief yet rewarding ascent to the summit, where hikers are greeted by panoramic vistas of northern Maine's rolling terrain. The rocky outcrop at the top is a popular spot for photography and picnicking. This trail is accessible for most fitness levels and is known for its spectacular sunset views.
10. Aroostook State Park Trails
STATE PARK MOUNTAIN LOOPS
Aroostook State Park boasts a network of well-maintained trails, including routes up Quaggy Jo Mountain for impressive views of the surrounding countryside. The park provides options for casual walks as well as challenging climbs, all amid forests, streams, and abundant wildlife. It is a regional favorite for hiking, especially during the colorful fall foliage season.