Lace up those boots.
Lace up those boots. Pack the trail mix, maps, water, and a couple of summit beers (we recommend Shipyard’s Finder Session). Maine is packed full of incredible hikes; whether it’s along the coast in Acadia National Park, or the 100 Mile Wilderness, or in Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin, we are not lacking for outdoor recreation here.
Check out this (decidedly incomplete) list of some of our favorite hikes in our state. Try ‘em all, and earn those backpack beers.
Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail
One of the most famous and well-tracked hikes in the Eastern United States, the Cadillac Mountain South Ridge Trail will take you to the beginning of a new day. The first location in the continental United States to see the sunrise, Cadillac Mountain is an extremely popular destination with views that will take your breath away. Prepare for an early rise that’s completely worth it.
Cadillac Mountain trail, Bar Harbor, Maine
Mount Katahdin / The Knife’s Edge
Mount Katahdin, famously known as the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and the highest point in the state of Maine, really lives up to the billing. It’s a difficult hike to the top, and an even greater challenge awaits after you summit: the Knife’s Edge. This infamous 1.1-mile strip of exposed rocky ridge is not merciful to even the most experienced of hikers, but the views make it more than worth the adventure. You deserve a cold beer after the Knife’s Edge.
Beehive Trail (Acadia)
Acadia National Park is chock full of amazing trails, and Beehive Trail is one of the most unique in the entire park. This strenuous jaunt features spectacular granite cliff faces with iron rungs for climbing up and up. Take in sweeping views of the rocky Maine coast and the famous Sand Beach below. Throw in a couple of Export Ales in your backpack for when you get to the summit. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Robinson Woods Preserve (Cape Elizabeth)
The Robinson Woods Preserve rises above the Cape Elizabeth coast south of Portland and is a 145-acre expanse of wooded terrain full of adventures ready to be explored. There are fields and ponds, quiet woodlands, and wonderful walking and hiking trails abound everywhere you look. The Robinson Woods Preserve Loop or Outer Loop are recommended trails. Perfect for a day trip with the family, and beautiful Cape Elizabeth is nearby for a late lunch.
Pleasant Mountain
Located an hour’s drive from Portland, Pleasant Mountain is a beautiful hike featuring quintessential New England terrain – rocky trails through aromatic pine forests. Clamber up some steeper sections at the beginning of the trail before being rewarded with more mellow elevation gain and sublime panoramic views of the White Mountains and surrounding lakes. Breathe it all in at the top of Pleasant Mountain – it’s one of our favorites.
“The Hundred Mile Wilderness” section of the Appalachian Trail in Maine
100 Mile Wilderness
This wild expanse in central Maine is the last push for northbound Appalachian Trail thru-hikers on their way to Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin. Rugged, remote, and gorgeous, the 100 Mile Wilderness is famed for its toughness, but the rewards speak for themselves. Best visited between late June and August. This is the backcountry of New England. A cold Shipyard will be here when you get back, dusty and smiling.
