Easy Hikes Around Bangor And All Of Maine

Enjoyable by the whole family, these easy hikes around town and in a short drive in Maine is a great way to enjoy our beautiful state.

Although this site has lots of places you can drive to in a few hours there are also some beautiful options right near Bangor. Here are a few close to home:

Ocean Path, Acadia National Park 

Hiking Ocean Path will give you views of what many believe to be "classic Maine" - from coast to forest. There are many stopping points which make it a relaxing hike for those who don't want to have to constantly scramble uphill over rock. The trail will take you past Thunder Hole and will end at Otter Point with views of Cadillac and Dorr Mountains.  About 8 miles round trip, anywhere from 3-5 hours depending on how many times you stop and enjoy the journey.

Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum, Hermon

Holden Community Learning Trails, Holden
This network of trails is located near the elementary school in town and serves as a great place for providing outdoor education to the community. If you're looking to take it easy, take the Washburn Trail. For those looking to get deeper into the woods, there are a few different trails that cross each other. If you explore all the trails, you'll still have a fairly easy time. Additionally, there are markers throughout providing information on flora and fauna. The full hike can be about 1.2 miles including the entire network of paths, anywhere from 1-3 hours. This trail also has some handicapped accessible areas.

Click here for other easy hikes across the state. As for the Bangor Area here are a few more of my own...

Brewer River Side Trail

The riverside walking, biking and hiking trail is from the former Eastern Fine Paper Co. mill in South Brewer to Felts Creek near Treat’s Falls, located north of the Indian Head Trail Park. Other stops along the trail include Eastern Park, the fishermen’s pull-off park just south of Interstate 395, the Monoliths located under the bridge, the Children’s Garden, in front of the Muddy Rudder Restaurant, Veteran’s Park, Chamberlain Park, Indian Trail Park, the Salmon Club and Treat’s Falls.

The Bangor City Forest and Bog Walk

Bangor City Forest and the bog walk offer a wonderful stroll with sites and information the entire way around. City Forest encompasses more than 680 acres of wildlife habitat and working forest in Bangor, Maine, and features more than 4 miles of access roads and more than 9 miles of trails for running, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. It is owned by the city of Bangor and open throughout the year. The boardwalk’s season runs from May 1 until Thanksgiving weekend or the first snowfall, whichever comes first. From May through August, the hours are 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For September, the hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From Oct. 1 through Nov. 1, the hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For November 2 through Nov. 30 or until the first snowfall, the hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The boardwalk is closed from Dec. 1 through April 30. Admission is free. Much of this hike is wheelchair accessible.

DeMerritt Forest Trail System in Orono

The DeMeritt University Forest is a haven for wildlife and members of the University community. Its 15+ miles of trails are ideal for walkers, joggers, cyclists, equestrians. During the winter months, skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts are welcome to enjoy its many trails as well. Campus Recreation maintains the trails. Some of this walk before you enter the woods is paved and wheelchair accessible.

Hirundo Wildlife Refuge

Hirundo in Alton is a 2,400 acre nature preserve, spanning Pushaw and Dead Streams, Lac d’Or (lake), vast wetlands, including domed bog, Silver Maple Floodplain Forest, mixed hardwood and evergreen forests. Only 10 miles from the University of Maine, Orono Campus, visitors paddle canoes free of charge and watch playful river otters, breeding Wood Ducks, Bald Eagles, and Osprey in the tranquil beauty. While hiking, snowshoeing, or cross country skiing, one might encounter moose, deer, red fox, muskrat, beaver, mink, otter, black bear, bobcat, fisher, and ermine. Trails range from .3 to 1 mile in length.

Have any to add to our list of easy, fall hikes to enjoy in Maine?