Thomaston MaineHIKING TRAILS & PLACES TO HIKE
Listed below are the best hiking trails and places to hike near Thomaston, Maine.
1. Thomaston Town Forest
CONTINUOUS FOREST TRAIL
Thomaston Town Forest offers 4.5 miles of multiuse trails that connect with the Georges Highland Path and stretch into an 11-mile continuous hiking and biking experience. The trail features scenic views, including the notable 'Split Rock' Glacial Erratic, and traverses a mix of wooded landscapes. It's a favored destination for both hikers and mountain bikers looking for a peaceful outing close to town.
2. Georges Highland Path - Thomaston Village Trail
URBAN AND SCENIC WALK
The Thomaston Village Trail is a three-mile urban section of the Georges Highland Path, offering a pleasant sidewalk excursion through town and along the waterfront. Walkers are treated to sweeping views of the St. George River and can observe the state's most productive clamflats. Starting at the historic Thomaston Green, this trail is perfect for those seeking an easy stroll with local history and river scenery.
3. Jack Baker Woods
WOODLAND HIKING PATHS
Jack Baker Woods forms part of a larger network linked to the Rockland Bog Trail and Thomaston Town Forest, providing a quieter, wooded hiking experience. Its trails pass through serene forest landscapes and connect to longer regional routes. The area is ideal for nature lovers seeking a more secluded environment close to Thomaston.
4. Rockland Bog Trail
EXPANSIVE BOG EXPLORATION
The Rockland Bog Trail stretches for over 11 miles, weaving through Jack Baker Woods and Thomaston Town Forest and offering a uniquely boggy environment. This long trail is well-suited for hikers and bikers interested in exploring diverse ecosystems. The route features extensive wetland views and opportunities for wildlife observation.
5. Weskeag Preserve
MEADOW AND MARSH VIEWS
Weskeag Preserve features a one-mile loop trail through meadows above a scenic marsh, offering peaceful pastoral views and birdwatching opportunities. The preserve is particularly beautiful when wildflowers bloom and is great for a gentle, family-friendly hike. Plans for additional trails will further enhance access to this lovely natural area.
6. Weskeag Headlands Preserve
RIVERSIDE TRAIL SYSTEM
Weskeag Headlands Preserve encompasses 37 acres and provides a one-mile trail along 2,000 feet of shoreline on the Weskeag River. The trail system offers a choice between the Forest Trail, which winds through pine and hemlock forests, and the Headland Trail, which follows the marsh with excellent birding and scenic river views. Interpretive kiosks along the trail share insights into the area's rich ecology and history.
7. Riverview Hayfields Preserve
FIELDS AND BOBOLINKS
Riverview Hayfields Preserve features a 0.9-mile loop on mown paths through picturesque fields that are especially lovely when bobolinks are active. The preserve is ideal for walkers seeking open space and opportunities to see grassland birds in their natural habitat. Its tranquil ambience and gently rolling fields offer a peaceful escape close to the river.
8. Georges Highland Path – Oyster River Bog
BOG AND FOREST TRAVERSE
The Georges Highland Path's Oyster River Bog section features miles of wild hiking through woodland and bog habitats just northwest of Thomaston. Hikers can enjoy a remote feel and glimpses of unique plant life and wetland ecosystems along the trail. This area connects seamlessly with other sections near Thomaston for extended adventures.
9. Georges Highland Path – Ragged/Spruce Mountain
MOUNTAIN VIEWS HIKE
The Ragged/Spruce Mountain segment of the Georges Highland Path offers a more challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views from the summit. Located northwest of Thomaston, this trail is popular among hikers seeking elevation and scenic vistas. The route weaves through forested slopes and leads to open cliffs for breathtaking outlooks.
10. Beauchamp Point Trail
OCEANFRONT PENINSULA WALK
Beauchamp Point Trail provides an easy waterfront walk along a scenic peninsula jutting into Penobscot Bay. The trail is known for its coastal views, tidal pools, and opportunities to spot seabirds and boats. It's an excellent choice for those wanting a relatively short hike with beautiful ocean scenery near Thomaston.