Just about any hike in Maine is sure to be a beauty. Between the coastal routes that show off the ocean and the ones that meander through the forest, there’s a landscape for every hiker and every mood. We especially love the hikes that come with interesting features along the way. This one, located in Kennebec County, has a super-photogenic bridge that we love visiting.
Sitting in the adorable town of Hallowell is Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead.
Terry Ross / Flickr
The beautiful homestead dates back to 1794 and was the home of seven different generations of the Vaughan family.
Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead / Facebook
The non-profit Vaughan Homestead Foundation was established by the family in 2002 and today it offers a beautiful place for the public to visit.
Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead / Facebook
The adjacent Vaughan Woods is 197 acres of land with hiking trails, a stream and waterfalls.
Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead / Facebook
The five connected trails offer multiple ways to make your way through the forest.
Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead / Facebook
The trails range from less than a half-mile to 1.5 miles and vary in difficulty, though most are pretty simple.
dchotin / Flickr
The Vaughan Brook running through the area features lots of small pools to explore. And the rocks along the way make for a few different waterfall series.
Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead / Facebook
And our favorite part of this natural area is the stone arch bridge that carries a pedestrian walkway over the Vaughan Brook.
Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead / Facebook
Beautiful throughout the year, the bridge makes the area feel extra-magical.
pavdw / Flickr
These woods are often referred to as “Hobbitland” because they look so much like the “Shire,” where J.R.R. Tolkien’s imaginary “Hobbits” live. The bridge definitely helps make this nickname feel more real.
Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead / Facebook
Explore the trails and make sure you save some extra time to see the bridge. This feature is quite photogenic, so be prepared to snap some photos here too!
Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead / Facebook
Vaughan Woods and Historical Homestead is open every day from dawn to dusk. There is no fee and no public restrooms. While it might be tempting, parking on the road is not allowed. Visitors are asked only to park in the designated parking lot. If there’s no room, consider coming back another time. You can learn more about visiting by checking out their official website. You can check out a trail map by clicking here. For more photos and updated information follow them on Facebook. They can be reached on 207-622-9831.
Terry Ross / Flickr
Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead / Facebook
dchotin / Flickr
pavdw / Flickr
While you’re in the area, consider sticking around to enjoy the local shops and restaurants. Hallowell, Maine, has one of the most beautiful main streets in the entire U.S.
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Address: Vaughan Woods Trailhead Parking, Corniche Trl, Hallowell, ME 04347, USA
