Maine is a beautiful place, but what’s even more beautiful is the fact that it’s home to some of the best hiking trails alongside the East Coast. If you’re looking for the best hikes near Portland, Maine, we’ve got you covered!
Whether you’re an enthusiastic beginner, or a seasoned outdoorsman, these Portland, Maine hikes and surrounding town trails offer something for just about everyone.
1: Presumpscot River Preserve and Oat Nuts Park
10 minutes outside the city center is this 48-acre preserve that’s home to a highly rated network of trails, showcasing full forests and stunning river views.
Spanning roughly 4 miles in length (including additional loops), the Presumpscot River from Oak Nuts Park back trail is considered an easy to moderate hike near Portland, Maine.
Not only is this trail dog and kid-friendly, but eager opportunists find that waters also make for a cool swim on a hot summer’s day.
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Elevation gain: 180ft (54.9m)
One-way distance: 4.0 miles (6.4km)
Roundtrip distance: 8.0 miles (12.9km)Estimated time: 1.5-2 hours
Getting there:
The trailhead begins at 189 Summit Street at the crossing of Olde Birch Lane and Juniper Street.
Parking is available on Summit, though access to the river requires about a half a mile walk across a gravel path.
Follow that path to the river, and you’ll continue along the right side until you reach the starting point.
Don’t forget to check out the numerous loops that turn this 3.6 mile (5.8km) hike into a 4.0 mile quest (6.4km).
Driving Times to Presumpscot River Preserve and Oat Nuts Park:
From Portland: 12 min (3.6 miles)
From Bangor: 1h 55min (127.0 miles)
From Augusta: 52min (53.5 miles)
2: Mount Aggie (Agamenticus) via Ring Trail
If you’re looking for some ocean-side valley views, this is it.
55 minutes South of Portland, York is where you’ll find Mount Agamenticus – a 10,000 acre conservation area that has several trails open to hikers, bikers, ATV riders, and snowshoers.
Kid, dog, and even wheelchair friendly, this mountain allows for parking in nearby designated areas, making it an accessible and pleasant experience for all.
The Ring Trail (1.7 miles/moderate) is a heavily trafficked loop trail that features vibrant wildflowers, varying terrain, and breathtaking views. One you’ll certainly not want to miss.
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Elevation gain: 337ft (102.7m)
One-way distance: 1.7 miles (2.7km)
Roundtrip distance: 3.4 miles (5.5km)
Estimated time: 40 min
Getting there:
Getting to Mount Aggie is fairly easy. You’ll find that entering the mountain’s name into any standard GPS will bring you there.
The mountain itself is located on Mountain Road and once you’re on it, you’ll want to travel about a mile down.
Keep an eye out for a gravel parking lot on the right, and once you see it, you’ll also see a sign labeled “Mount A Summit” next to a paved road leading up.
Trail maps are offered at the trailheads, in addition to the kiosk at the summit parking lot.
Once you’ve parked, you’re going to want to get yourself onto The Wintergreen Trail, since The Ring Trail is a loop.
Once on the Wintergreen Trail, follow the posted signage to the Ring Trail, and once you’re on the Ring Trail, you’ll take it about half-way up the mountain.
Driving Times to Mount Agamenticus via Ring Trail:
From Portland: 53min (50.1 miles)
From Bangor: 2h 47min (178.4 miles)
From Augusta: 1h 41min (104.7 miles)
3: Douglas Mountain
Looking for something a little more than mountains? Take a peak at Douglas!
Douglas Mountain offers more than just a moderate 1.8 mile hike.
Perched upon the summit is a beautiful stone lookout tower that you can climb — talk about a double-reward!
Offering magnificent views of Sebago Lake and the mountains off to the West, you’ll find the extra boost of elevation allows for even better visibility – making it truly one of the best hikes near Portland, Maine.
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Elevation gain: 469ft (143m)
One-way distance: 1.8 miles (2.9km)
Roundtrip distance: 3.6 miles (5.8km)
Estimated time: 45 min
Getting there:
There are essentially two ways up to Douglas Mountain.
Option 1: Start at the main parking lot which you’ll find on Douglas Mountain Road, and take the 1.5mile Eagle Scout Trail up to the Nature Loop, and then over to the summit.
Option 2: Hike up the shorter, but steeper and roughly half a mile Ledges or Woods Trails, which you’ll find by entering the higher parking lot (keep in mind, there is no parking here).
Most hikers will park at the main lot.
Driving Times to Douglas Mountain:
From Portland: 53min (30.8 miles)
From Bangor: 2h 29min (148 miles)
From Augusta: 1h 22min (74.3 miles)
They’ll take your breath away
Literally. These low-to-moderately challenging hikes will get your blood pumpin’.
If there’s one thing that negates a little bit of a workout, it’s the reward of a pretty nice view. Plus, it’s always fun to get outside and explore.
I think living through a world-wide pandemic during a time where COVID-19 ruled so many of our lives, really makes me appreciate the fact that I have that opportunity.
And to me, there’s no better way to celebrate than to be in the mountains.
These hikes near Portland, Maine are essential to any explorer at heart, and I can’t wait to see what this summer brings.
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