Stoneham MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Stoneham, Maine.
1. Lord Hill and Pine Hill Trail Network
TWO-SUMMIT HIKE
The Lord Hill and Pine Hill Trail Network offers hikers a rewarding two-summit experience within a roughly seven-mile trail system. This hike provides excellent views and allows visitors to tackle one or both summits, depending on their preference and stamina. The combination of forest scenery and panoramic vistas makes it a favorite among local hikers.
2. Five Kezar Ponds Reserve
SCENIC POND TRAILS
The Five Kezar Ponds Reserve features trails winding through 249 acres of protected woodlands and around several picturesque ponds. With routes for all ability levels, this area is perfect for families, nature lovers, and wildlife watchers. Visitors enjoy serene pond views, peaceful forests, and opportunities for birding throughout the reserve.
3. Mount Washington Loop via Tuckerman Ravine and Boott Spur Trails
CHALLENGING ALPINE LOOP
The Mount Washington Loop, accessible from nearby Stoneham, is a demanding 8.9-mile trek that takes hikers along the Tuckerman Ravine and Boott Spur Trails. This iconic alpine hike rewards adventurers with sweeping mountain vistas and dramatic weather shifts. As the tallest peak in the Northeast, Mount Washington attracts hikers from across the region.
4. Albany Mountain Trail
PANORAMIC RIDGE WALK
Albany Mountain Trail leads to an open summit with impressive views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. The trail passes through hardwood forests and features a steady but manageable ascent. Hikers are rewarded at the summit with sweeping panoramas of western Maine and the White Mountains.
5. Speckled Mountain via Bickford Brook Trail
CLASSIC WHITE MOUNTAIN HIKE
Speckled Mountain, reached by the Bickford Brook Trail, offers a classic summiting experience in the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness. Hikers enjoy mixed forest, a gradual climb, and large open ledges at the summit with far-reaching mountain views. The trail is popular for its wilderness atmosphere and scenic rewards without excessive crowds.
6. Blueberry Mountain Loop
WILD BLUEBERRY SUMMIT
Blueberry Mountain Loop is a moderate hike known for its abundant wild blueberries in season and outstanding summit views. The trail winds through mixed woodlands and rocky ledges, providing diverse scenery and peaceful surroundings. It's a favorite summer destination for berry picking and picnicking.
7. Caribou Mountain Loop
LOOP TRAIL WITH WATERFALLS
The Caribou Mountain Loop is a popular local hike featuring a steady climb through hardwood forests and past small waterfalls. The open summit presents panoramic views across Maine and New Hampshire's mountains. Its varied terrain and scenic highlights make it a must-visit for hikers based in Stoneham.
8. Puzzle Mountain Trail
FOREST AND LEDGE HIKE
Puzzle Mountain Trail offers a rewarding climb through dense forest to open ledges with stunning views of Sunday River and the Mahoosuc Range. The hike is moderately challenging but accessible for most adventurers. Its unique ledges and rock formations make it a standout hike in western Maine.
9. Evans Notch Trails
GATEWAY TO WHITE MOUNTAINS
Evans Notch is an eastern gateway to the White Mountains, offering several trails that range from easy riverside walks to challenging summit routes. The area is known for its scenic beauty, clear streams, and access to multiple trailheads. It is especially popular during fall foliage season for its vibrant colors.
10. Grafton Notch State Park Trails
WATERFALLS AND PEAKS
Grafton Notch State Park features a network of trails leading to waterfalls, gorges, and the rugged peaks of the Mahoosuc Range. Visitors can enjoy accessible walks to Screw Auger Falls or take on strenuous climbs to Old Speck Mountain. The park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and varied hiking options.