Northfield MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Northfield, Maine.
1. Machias River Preserve
RIVERSIDE FOREST TRAILS
Machias River Preserve offers a scenic 5.5-mile network of interconnected hiking trails along the Machias River, surrounded by lush forests and tranquil riverside views. The main Heritage Trail follows the river for 2.5 miles, connecting with the Down East Sunrise Trail and providing opportunities to experience local wildlife and varied woodland habitats. Visitors should be cautious during periods of high water as the trails can be susceptible to flooding.
2. Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land
BOLD COASTAL WILDERNESS
Cutler Coast Public Reserved Land, also known as the Bold Coast, features rugged clifftop trails and breathtaking ocean views along its extensive trail system. The Fairy Head Loop, a highlight of the area, offers a challenging 9.7-mile hike with 3.4 miles following the dramatic shoreline before turning inland past meadows and beaver ponds. Hikers should be prepared for unpredictable weather and spotty cell coverage in this remote, scenic preserve.
3. Bog Brook Cove Preserve
DIVERSE COASTAL HABITAT
Bog Brook Cove Preserve boasts 5.5 miles of trails meandering through rocky knolls, wetlands, and coastal viewpoints, making it suitable for hikers of all abilities. Notable routes like the Chimney Trail offer loops with access to ocean views, historic remnants, and inland bluffs. The preserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including rare bird species and mammals such as black bear and bobcat.
4. Down East Sunrise Trail
MULTI-USE SCENIC CORRIDOR
The Down East Sunrise Trail stretches over 87 miles from Ellsworth to Ayers Junction, passing through Machias and offering hikers, bikers, and ATV riders picturesque views of Maine's countryside, rivers, and forests. This converted rail-trail is easily accessible from several points near Northfield, making it a popular option for both short hikes and long adventures. It also connects with other local trails, including the Machias River Preserve.
5. Great Wass Island Preserve
UNIQUE ISLAND ECOSYSTEM
Great Wass Island Preserve features over 4.5 miles of trails through rare coastal habitats, including spruce forests, peat bogs, and dramatic rocky ledges overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Little Cape Point Trail rewards visitors with sweeping coastal vistas and opportunities to observe unique plant life. Its remote location and uncrowded paths make it a favorite for nature lovers and hikers seeking solitude.
6. Roque Bluffs State Park
LAKESIDE AND COASTAL PATHS
Roque Bluffs State Park offers a variety of hiking trails among rocky shorelines, salt marshes, and woodlands, as well as access to a freshwater lake and a sandy beach. The park's main loop trail provides scenic views of Englishman Bay and connects to several shorter side trails. With picnic areas and opportunities for swimming, it's a great destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
7. Edmunds Division, Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge
REMOTE WILDLIFE HAVEN
Edmunds Division of the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 8,000 acres of protected forests and wetlands, with several miles of marked hiking trails. Visitors can explore habitat for moose, deer, and migratory birds along peaceful paths through forest and marsh. The refuge offers a quiet, natural setting for wildlife observation and hiking in Downeast Maine.
8. Cobscook Bay State Park
TIDAL BAY EXPLORATION
Cobscook Bay State Park features several miles of shoreline trails with beautiful vistas of Cobscook Bay's dramatic tides and rich birdlife. The park's natural terrain includes woodlands, tidal mudflats, and wildflower meadows, providing a diverse hiking experience. It is well-known for its birdwatching opportunities, especially during spring and fall migrations.
9. Western Head Preserve
SECLUDED OCEAN HEADLAND
Western Head Preserve offers a 2.5-mile round-trip trail leading to dramatic views from high cliffs above the Atlantic in a less-visited part of the coastline. The trail traverses spruce-fir forest and grassy openings, culminating at a headland with sweeping ocean panoramas. It provides a peaceful alternative to more popular sections of the Bold Coast.
10. Whitneyville Community Trail
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
Whitneyville Community Trail follows a historic railroad bed along the Machias River, offering a flat and easy route suitable for all ages and abilities. The trail is popular for walking, running, and birdwatching, with periodic river views and lush woodlands. It connects with the Down East Sunrise Trail, expanding hiking options in the area.