Temple MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Temple, Maine.
1. Savage Mountain
MODERATE HIKE WITH VIEWS
Savage Mountain offers a 0.75-mile trail with a relatively easy ascent that brings hikers to glorious open ledges and wide western views. The trail follows a discontinued ATV track that, while unmarked, is easy to follow with only one steep, rocky section halfway up. Hikers can enjoy this impressive vista with relatively little effort, making it what local conservationists call a 'cheating' hike for its high reward-to-effort ratio.
2. Potato Hill
SHORT BUT STEEP CLIMB
Potato Hill features a 0.5-mile hiking trail with a challenging 0.3-mile steep section that leads to a rocky outcrop with scenic views. The trail rewards hikers with unique perspectives of the surrounding Maine landscape after a brief but vigorous climb. This compact hiking experience delivers considerable natural beauty in a relatively short distance.
3. Wilder Hill
EASY ATV TRAIL HIKE
Wilder Hill presents an easy 0.5-mile hike along an established ATV trail leading to an open summit. The trail offers a family-friendly option for those seeking a gentle outdoor experience in Temple. Hikers can enjoy the natural surroundings without the challenge of more difficult terrain found on other local peaks.
4. Bernard Mountain
QUIET WOODED ESCAPE
Bernard Mountain features mostly wooded trails with occasional views, offering a 2.9-mile loop that serves as a quiet respite from Acadia's more crowded eastern trails. The moderate hiking path winds through forest glades and natural settings characteristic of Maine's coastal mountains. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful hiking experience with less foot traffic while still experiencing the beauty of Acadia National Park.
5. Cadillac Mountain North Ridge
PANORAMIC HARBOR VIEWS
Cadillac Mountain North Ridge Trail provides spectacular views of Frenchman Bay and its islands along a 4.2-mile round trip route. The advanced hiking path offers a unique perspective of Bar Harbor village from above as visitors ascend the highest point on the Atlantic coast. Hikers are rewarded with some of the most iconic vistas in Acadia National Park upon reaching the summit.
6. Cadillac Mountain South Ridge
EXPOSED OCEAN VISTAS
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail delivers outstanding views of the ocean and outlying islands along a challenging 7.1-mile round trip journey. The advanced trail traverses the bare and exposed southern ridge of Acadia's highest peak, providing constant scenic opportunities throughout the climb. Hikers experience a true mountain adventure with substantial elevation gain rewarded by some of Maine's most breathtaking coastal panoramas.
7. Cadillac Summit Loop
ACCESSIBLE MOUNTAINTOP CIRCUIT
Cadillac Summit Loop is a half-mile trail circling the top of Cadillac Mountain that provides an easy way to experience spectacular mountaintop views. This accessible adventure is perfect for those who have driven to the summit but still want to enjoy the full panoramic experience. The easy walking path allows visitors of varying abilities to take in the breathtaking surroundings of Acadia National Park from its highest point.
8. Edes Brook Trail
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE PATH
Edes Brook Trail offers an off-road adventure through Maine's diverse terrain for hikers seeking a unique outdoor experience. The trail follows the scenic Edes Brook, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife and natural features along the way. Visitors can enjoy the immersive forest environment while following this established path through classic Maine wilderness.
9. Day Mountain Road Trails
RURAL HIKING NETWORK
Day Mountain Road Trails offer access to several hiking paths in the Temple area, serving as a gateway to local peaks including Savage Mountain. The network of trails extends from the paved portions of Day Mountain Road into more remote areas with ATV and snowmobile routes that double as hiking paths. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore various difficulty levels of trails all accessible from this rural route that transitions between maintained and unmaintained sections.
10. Jackson Mountain Road Trails
REMOTE WILDERNESS ACCESS
Jackson Mountain Road Trails provide access to remote hiking opportunities in the Temple region where Day Mountain Road transitions to more primitive routes. The area features small parking areas that serve as trailheads for various hiking paths into the surrounding forests and peaks. Hikers can experience genuine Maine wilderness with minimal development and lighter visitation than more established hiking destinations.