Reed Plantation MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Reed Plantation, Maine.
1. Reed Brook Falls Trail
SCENIC WATERFALL HIKE
Reed Brook Falls Trail is a delightful and fairly easy 0.6-mile trail along Reed Brook to an unusual and very pretty waterfall known as Jericho Steps. The trail has been lovingly tended, with charming signs and artful stone cairn sculptures along the way. Hikers can enjoy fun bridges and beautiful scenery on this pet-friendly path that offers moderate difficulty.
2. Reid State Park Loop
COASTAL BEACH LOOP
Reid State Park Loop is an easy 4.8-mile clockwise trail covering the park's best features in about two hours. The park is gorgeous with miles of trails along woods, marshes, and long white beaches including Mile Beach and Half Mile Beach. In 2015, Reid's popular beaches were named #1 in New England for surfing by the Boston Globe.
3. Little River Trail
SALT MARSH PATHWAY
Little River Trail winds along the salt marsh alongside the Little River with long ridges between the trail and water. The trail features small boardwalks over streams and offers opportunities to hear woodpeckers and spot bald eagles patrolling the open woods. It connects to the Loop Trail which divides at a woods road, providing options for different route lengths.
4. Ski Loop Trail
MULTI-USE PARK PATH
The Ski Loop Trail is a 2.14-mile path best accessed from Todd's Point Road in Reid State Park. It is popular with both hikers and bicyclists looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. The trail makes a convenient loop through diverse coastal ecosystems.
5. Mile Beach Trail
SCENIC COASTAL WALK
Mile Beach Trail takes visitors along one of Reid State Park's stunning white sand beaches. The trail offers spectacular ocean views and is part of the park that was named a top surfing destination in New England. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful coastline while walking the length of this beautiful beach.
6. Bigelow Preserve
MOUNTAIN RANGE WILDERNESS
Bigelow Preserve offers multiple hiking trails across 36,000 acres of public land featuring the spectacular Bigelow Mountain Range. Hikers can tackle the challenging Appalachian Trail section that crosses over several peaks including 4,150-foot West Peak and 4,090-foot Avery Peak. The preserve provides stunning views of Flagstaff Lake and diverse wilderness experiences ranging from moderate day hikes to multi-day backpacking adventures.
7. Poplar Stream Falls
CASCADING FOREST FALLS
Poplar Stream Falls features a series of cascading waterfalls accessible via a moderate 2-mile round trip hike. The trail follows Poplar Stream through beautiful Maine forest before revealing both upper and lower falls sections. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the natural pools during summer months when water levels are safe.
8. Sugarloaf Mountain Hiking Trails
ALPINE SUMMIT ADVENTURES
Sugarloaf Mountain offers multiple hiking trails that ascend Maine's second-highest peak at 4,237 feet. The mountain provides year-round hiking opportunities with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding western Maine mountains and valleys. Summer hikers can use the ski lifts to access higher elevation trails or challenge themselves with full-mountain ascents from the base.
9. Moose Cave Trail
GEOLOGICAL GORGE EXPLORATION
Moose Cave Trail is a short 0.3-mile loop showcasing a dramatic 45-foot deep gorge carved by the Bear River. The trail offers views of unique geological formations created by glacial activity during the last ice age. Visitors can experience the cool microclimate within the gorge and listen to the rushing waters below.
10. Tumbledown Mountain
ALPINE POND SUMMIT
Tumbledown Mountain features several trails to its 3,068-foot summit where hikers discover a rare alpine pond nestled between peaks. The Brook Trail (moderate, 3.8 miles round trip), Loop Trail (difficult, 5.6 miles), and Parker Ridge Trail (difficult, 5.4 miles) offer different approaches to the summit. The mountain rewards hikers with spectacular views of the surrounding western Maine mountains and the crystal-clear Tumbledown Pond.