The ten greatest trails for operating in Maine
This story was initially revealed in November 2023.
Story by Acadia Gantz.
If you wish to begin path operating in Maine, fall is the most effective time to do it. So now that you just’re prepared to present it a strive, I’ve narrowed down a listing of the highest 10 trails to run in Maine, with enter from path runners all around the state.
As all the time, earlier than heading out on any path operating journey be sure you do your homework. Inform somebody the place you’re going and while you count on to be again. Be ready with correct gear, meals and water for the path and be alert to altering climate and situations.
Sebago Lake State Park, Casco
Size: 5.5 miles of trails
Issue: 1 out of 5
Canine pleasant: Sure, however canine should be leashed yr spherical and are solely allowed on the seaside from Sept. 30 to April 1.
Payment: $4 to make use of the park
Description: An exquisite, flat and well-maintained path system is a newbie path runner’s dream. With loads of well-marked, interconnecting trails, you possibly can create the proper loop. An enormous bonus is with the ability to take a dip in Sebago Lake after your run!
Fore River Sanctuary, Portland
Size: 5.6 miles
Issue: 1 out of 5
Canine pleasant: Sure, off-leash canine are welcome.
Payment: Free
Description: Take pleasure in this stunning 85-acre preserved inexperienced house proper in Portland. Good for a day escape, the marshy lowlands enable for loads of chicken watching alternatives as you get pleasure from this little slice of nature.
Acadia Nationwide Park carriage roads, Bar Harbor
Size: 45 whole miles
Issue: 2 out of 5
Canine pleasant: Sure, canine should be leashed yr spherical.
Payment: $30 Acadia Nationwide Park Entrance Move
Description: Initially constructed between 1913 and 1940, the carriage roads in Acadia Nationwide Park enable guests to see the park by bicycle, horse and foot. The carriage roads are constituted of crushed stone, and most have little to average elevation achieve. Through the summer season season you possibly can make the most of the bus system to plan a one-way operating journey. Prepared for one thing tougher? Use the carriage roads to entry single observe trails with unimaginable views all around the park!
Bald Pate Mountain, Bridgton
Size: 6.7 miles of trails
Issue: 2 out of 5
Canine pleasant: Sure, canine should be leashed.
Payment: Donation prompt
Description: Owned and maintained by the Loon Echo Land Belief, Bald Pate Mountain is a good introduction to mountain operating. Almost 7 miles of interconnecting trails present loads of alternatives for single observe operating and views of close by Nice Mountain, Peabody Pond, Hancock Pond and even Mount Washington on a transparent day.
Bradbury State Park, Pownal
Size: 18 miles (plus extra connecting trails exterior the park)
Issue: 3 out of 5
Canine pleasant: Sure, canine should be leashed.
Payment: $4 for day use
Description: Whether or not you’re in search of some flat and quick single-track mountain views or an adventurous long term, Bradbury State Park has one thing for everybody. With 18 miles of trails within the park, plus the choice to go off by rolling farmland towards the Pineland Farm path system, you received’t get bored.
Androscoggin Riverlands State Park, Turner
Size: 22 miles
Issue: 3 out of 10
Canine pleasant: Sure, canine should be leashed.
Payment: Free
Description: Following the Androscoggin River, Androscoggin Riverlands State park provides 10 miles of multi-use (ATV, foot, bike, snowmobile) path and a further 12 miles of single-track mountain climbing trails. Early spring, late summer season and fall are the most effective occasions of yr to get pleasure from this park, because the river backside can imply numerous mosquitos.
Mount Agamenticus, York
Size: Greater than 10 miles of trails
Issue: 3 out of 5
Canine pleasant: Sure, canine should be leashed
Payment: Urged donation
Description: A shared community of biking and mountain climbing trails let you discover this coastal mountain setting and supply an escape from the developed areas of southern Maine. The rocks, roots and elevation are typical of a Maine mountain and ocean views full the best Maine expertise.
Speckled Mountain (Evan’s Notch), Stow
Size: 8 miles
Issue: 3.5 out of 5
Canines: Sure
Payment: $5 someday recreation go to park at Brickett Place
Description: The right path for aspiring mountain runners, Speckled Mountain through the Bickford Brook Path provides a reasonably technical, gradual climb to sweeping views of the Wild River Wilderness, Carter-Moriah Ridgeline and Mount Washington. After having fun with a break on the summit, the descent will go rapidly and go away you able to tackle the climb once more.
Camden Hills State Park, Camden
Size: 26.4 whole miles of trails
Issue: 4 out of 5
Canine pleasant: Sure, canine should be leashed.
Payment: $4 for the day
Description: With an enormous community of trails connecting flat, simple carriage roads to technical mountain trails lined in rocks and roots, Camden Hills State Park is a beautiful place to spend an hour, a day or a day.
Grafton Path Loop, Newry
Size: 36 miles (19 miles for the east aspect, 17 miles on the west aspect)
Issue: 5 out of 5
Canines: Sure
Payment: $3 day go
Description: For an extended, or multi-day, operating journey in Maine, the Grafton Loop Path can’t be beat. Comprised of quite a few mountain summits, together with Bald Pate and Previous Speck (a 4,000-foot peak!), this loop additionally contains clean, cushioned single observe trails by dense forest and alongside babbling rivers. Strong wilderness abilities and preparation are a should for this journey, as entry and cell service are restricted.
