Exploring the state of Maine is one of the easiest ways to remember just how much you love it here. Whether you’re fortunate enough to call Vacationland home or you just love visiting, it’s always a good idea to spend some time outside to get as close as you can to the heart of the state. The best hikes in Maine range from difficult routes leading to mountain summits to the simple ones that allow us to simply clear our heads. This trek, located in Acadia National Park, is a trail that doesn’t require a ton of hiking experience, but still leads to views you’ll never forget.
The Compass Harbor Trail is only about 0.8 miles, making it the perfect hike for families or simply people who want to enjoy the outdoors in a low-key and accessible way.
Hannah W./AllTrails
The trail is located within a more isolated portion of Acadia National Park. You’ll find it about a mile south of Bar Harbor’s center at Acadia founder, George Dorr’s Old Farm property.
Craig Hymson/AllTrails
The trail begins at the parking lot that can be found just off of Route 3. While the lot is a bit hidden, the trail is easy to follow.
Bret Merson/AllTrails
The elevation gain is under 50 feet, making this more of a stroll. Follow the route through the forest and let yourself get lost in the peace and quiet.
Stephanie Harrington/AllTrails
The trees here offer tons of shade in the summer.
Janice Stanley Grabowski/AllTrails
Follow the route towards Compass Harbor and you’ll be rewarded with views over the water and clear to the Porcupine Islands.
Alison Kates/AllTrails
As you move beyond the forest section, you’ll find fun rocks to scramble through. This is fun for kids, but always keep an eye out as conditions can be slippery.
Mercedes Hunt/AllTrails
The water here is gorgeous, so be sure to take some time to enjoy it.
Stephanie White/AllTrails
When you’re ready to head back, simply turn around and head back on the very same trail. Soon enough, you’ll arrive back at the trailhead and the parking area.
Michael Steigner/AllTrails Hop in the car and head back to Bar Harbor or choose to explore more of the park. Either way, you’ll be in for a fantastic day while enjoying one of the best hikes in Maine!
The Compass Harbor Trail is said to be best tackled between May and October, but if you can manage to find a nice winter day it’s worth visiting then, too. You can learn more about this trail, which we consider to be one of the best hikes in Maine, on AllTrails. Feel free to bring the pups with you, but make sure they’re on a leash!
Hannah W./AllTrails
Craig Hymson/AllTrails
Bret Merson/AllTrails
Stephanie Harrington/AllTrails
Janice Stanley Grabowski/AllTrails
Alison Kates/AllTrails
Mercedes Hunt/AllTrails
Stephanie White/AllTrails
Michael Steigner/AllTrails
Hop in the car and head back to Bar Harbor or choose to explore more of the park. Either way, you’ll be in for a fantastic day while enjoying one of the best hikes in Maine!
Looking for more ways to ease into hiking in the Pine Tree State? No problem! Here are 13 easy hikes to add to your outdoor bucket list in Maine.
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Address: Compass Harbor Trailhead, 399 Main St, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Maine March 20, 2022 Sarah M. What other things can you do at Acadia National Park? Acadia National Park is an American treasure. In fact, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States! While all sorts of recreational activities are available at Acadia – camping, visiting historic lighthouses, road-tripping, and even going to a beautiful, oasis-like beach, we’re going to stick with our hiking theme here. Located in incredible Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain is a vision, and a bucket-list-worthy hike for any adventure seeker. The rocky features of the summit and the absolutely incredible views from the top are just a few of the reasons it’s regarded as a beautiful attraction in the country. The summit of the 1,529-foot mountain is accessible year-round and is reached via the eponymous North Ridge Trail. Each season offers a different experience, from fall foliage to spring greenery and everything in between, making the rather steep ascent of the four-mile trek well-worth the effort (and tired muscles). What are some of the best hikes in Maine? If you love nature, Maine is the place to be. From ocean to lakes to forest to mountains, there’s an endless array of outdoor adventures to be had in the Pine Tree State. While we often recommend tons of different ways to explore, hiking is, hands down, one of our favorites. And if it’s a waterfall hike? Even better! These waterfall hikes are some of the best hikes in Maine and give you the best of both worlds – beautiful scenery on the way, plus the ability to gaze at one of nature’s most impressive feats! Take, for instance, the Dunn Falls Trail in Maine … it’s one hike with two wondrous waterfalls! You’ll be starting on the Appalachian Trail, following blue blazes. Most of the trail winds around a stream, making for picture-perfect scenery all along the way. In short, anyone who thinks you can’t have it all clearly hasn’t been to Maine.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best hikes in Maine
March 20, 2022
Sarah M.
What other things can you do at Acadia National Park? Acadia National Park is an American treasure. In fact, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States! While all sorts of recreational activities are available at Acadia – camping, visiting historic lighthouses, road-tripping, and even going to a beautiful, oasis-like beach, we’re going to stick with our hiking theme here. Located in incredible Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain is a vision, and a bucket-list-worthy hike for any adventure seeker. The rocky features of the summit and the absolutely incredible views from the top are just a few of the reasons it’s regarded as a beautiful attraction in the country. The summit of the 1,529-foot mountain is accessible year-round and is reached via the eponymous North Ridge Trail. Each season offers a different experience, from fall foliage to spring greenery and everything in between, making the rather steep ascent of the four-mile trek well-worth the effort (and tired muscles). What are some of the best hikes in Maine? If you love nature, Maine is the place to be. From ocean to lakes to forest to mountains, there’s an endless array of outdoor adventures to be had in the Pine Tree State. While we often recommend tons of different ways to explore, hiking is, hands down, one of our favorites. And if it’s a waterfall hike? Even better! These waterfall hikes are some of the best hikes in Maine and give you the best of both worlds – beautiful scenery on the way, plus the ability to gaze at one of nature’s most impressive feats! Take, for instance, the Dunn Falls Trail in Maine … it’s one hike with two wondrous waterfalls! You’ll be starting on the Appalachian Trail, following blue blazes. Most of the trail winds around a stream, making for picture-perfect scenery all along the way. In short, anyone who thinks you can’t have it all clearly hasn’t been to Maine.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Acadia National Park is an American treasure. In fact, it’s one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States! While all sorts of recreational activities are available at Acadia – camping, visiting historic lighthouses, road-tripping, and even going to a beautiful, oasis-like beach, we’re going to stick with our hiking theme here. Located in incredible Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain is a vision, and a bucket-list-worthy hike for any adventure seeker. The rocky features of the summit and the absolutely incredible views from the top are just a few of the reasons it’s regarded as a beautiful attraction in the country. The summit of the 1,529-foot mountain is accessible year-round and is reached via the eponymous North Ridge Trail. Each season offers a different experience, from fall foliage to spring greenery and everything in between, making the rather steep ascent of the four-mile trek well-worth the effort (and tired muscles).
What are some of the best hikes in Maine?
If you love nature, Maine is the place to be. From ocean to lakes to forest to mountains, there’s an endless array of outdoor adventures to be had in the Pine Tree State. While we often recommend tons of different ways to explore, hiking is, hands down, one of our favorites. And if it’s a waterfall hike? Even better! These waterfall hikes are some of the best hikes in Maine and give you the best of both worlds – beautiful scenery on the way, plus the ability to gaze at one of nature’s most impressive feats! Take, for instance, the Dunn Falls Trail in Maine … it’s one hike with two wondrous waterfalls! You’ll be starting on the Appalachian Trail, following blue blazes. Most of the trail winds around a stream, making for picture-perfect scenery all along the way. In short, anyone who thinks you can’t have it all clearly hasn’t been to Maine.
