Sullivan MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Sullivan, Maine.
1. Long Ledges Preserve
GRANITE OUTCROPPINGS AND FOREST
Long Ledges Preserve offers hikers a 4-mile network of trails through 318 acres of upland forest filled with granite outcroppings, glacial erratic boulders, and an old granite quarry. The preserve abuts Baker Hill and connects to other nearby trails, providing opportunities for longer hikes. Visitors enjoy diverse habitats and scenic views, making it a favorite for both nature enthusiasts and casual walkers.
2. Tucker Mountain Trail
SHORT HIKE, GREAT VIEWS
Tucker Mountain offers a short, half-mile trail leading hikers up to panoramic views of Frenchman Bay, making it ideal for a quick outdoor escape. The trail is manageable for most visitors and rewards with impressive vistas despite its brief length. It's a local gem for anyone seeking a scenic but undemanding hike near Sullivan.
3. Schoodic Bog Trail
EXPANSIVE BOG LOOP
The Schoodic Bog Trail features a roughly 4-mile loop circling a large and picturesque bog as part of a greater trail system connecting to surrounding preserves. Hikers experience striking bog landscapes and can extend their adventure further towards Schoodic Mountain and Donnell Pond. This area is renowned for its serene beauty and unique wetland habitat.
4. Baker Hill Preserve
HILLTOP SCENIC VIEWS
Baker Hill Preserve provides hikers with access to scenic hilltop views, open ledges, and varied habitats, making it a champion among local preserves. The trails also pass by a remote pond suitable for swimming and connect with the adjacent Long Ledges network. Easy access and diverse experiences make this preserve a highlight for visitors to Sullivan.
5. Little Tunk Pond Preserve
PONDSIDE BEACH AND TRAIL
Little Tunk Pond Preserve features an easy 1.6-mile round-trip trail ending at a beautiful sandy beach on the pond, with dramatic views of Black and Catherine Mountains. The gentle, forested path is suitable for most ages and leads to fine sand along a 400-foot shoreline. Swimmers and nature lovers alike enjoy this picturesque, tranquil preserve.
6. Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land
MOUNTAINS AND BEACH TRAILS
Donnell Pond Public Reserved Land offers a vast, 14,000-acre network of hiking trails threading through scenic mountain and lakeside landscapes. Hikers can explore Schoodic Mountain and Schoodic Beach trails, both known for their accessible yet rewarding routes. Popular among day hikers and campers, the area is celebrated for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
7. Bar Island Trail
TIDAL SAND BAR HIKE
Bar Island Trail is a unique 1.9-mile hike leading from Bar Harbor to Bar Island via a sand bar that appears only at low tide. The temporary land bridge provides hikers with sweeping views of the harbor and Mount Desert Island, though timing is crucial to avoid being stranded by the returning tide. This trail is a memorable, must-experience feature of the area near Sullivan.
8. Bar Harbor Shore Path
HARBORFRONT WALKING TRAIL
The Bar Harbor Shore Path is a popular, gently graded 1.2-mile trail that traces the harbor's edge and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic and surrounding islands. With minimal elevation change, it's perfect for both casual strolls and scenic photography. The path is an iconic walk for visitors to Bar Harbor and the nearby region.
9. Cadillac North Ridge Trail
SUMMIT ACADIA'S HIGHEST PEAK
Cadillac North Ridge Trail is a 4.1-mile route ascending to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, the tallest peak in Acadia National Park. The trail features panoramic vistas over Bar Harbor and Frenchman Bay and is known for its striking sunrise views. It is a favorite among hikers looking for a moderately challenging climb and breathtaking scenery.
10. Dorr Mountain Loop via Tarn Trail
CHALLENGING MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT
Dorr Mountain Loop via the Tarn Trail offers a challenging hike with steep ascents, rocky stairways, and rewarding summit views. The loop provides hikers with varied terrain, lush forest sections, and panoramic overlooks of Acadia National Park. Adventurous hikers favor this trail for its diverse landscapes and demanding, yet rewarding, ascent.