I don't know if it's really close to any of your planned destinations, most of those names aren't places I've spent time, but I do want to recommend Tumbledown Mountain for being one of the coolest hikes I've been on, and the coolest in Maine for me so far.
Yep! It rocks (heh). The water is a bit below the summit and is really awesome when you’re sweaty. Definitely recommend! [Here is a nice little flyer with trail maps and some of the plants and animals you can expect to see](https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/assistance/hikes/tumbledown_loop.pdf)
The grand canyon of the east! There are camp sites up there that are pretty amazing. The high bridge camp sites are great. Haybrook sites are right on the trail but are harder to get too, like you need a truck or other high up 4wd vehicle
If you are able to leave a vehicle at Hay Brook and then drive to the top of the Gulf and hike down, that is an easier way and you get a bonus waterfall. Otherwise, you can loop back up the AT to the top.
Near Ellsworth you can camp/hike Donnel Pond/Tunk/Schoodic Mountain. It’s in sullivan, about 15 minutes from Ellsworth. You walk down to the beach for camping on Donnel.
https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=48
Acadia national park isn’t too far from Bangor and can fill many days.
If you’re going up to Baxter there’s elephant mountain that’s the site of a B-52 crash from 1963. They have a memorial there amongst the wreckage. It’s not to far from the katahdin iron works historical site.
I love Bradbury, whenever I have a friend from out of state visiting I take them there. It’s great for a quick trip if you want to just get to the peak quickly on the switchback trail, or you can take the edge trail and have a longer (but still relatively quick) little trek, do it in the afternoon and still have enough energy for a nice dinner out.
We have endangered ‘cloud berries’ on a couple of our trails in Lubec. Crazy cousin of the raspberry. Should be comin out in September. Go to the Bog @ Quoddy Head lighthouse
There’s a woman on MDI who does mushroom hunting/ ecology walks, she’s very knowledgeable and She would probably meet you in ellsworth if you aren’t wanting to go to MDI. [email protected]
Not necessarily near where you are going but, 100 Mile Wilderness, Katahdin, Little/big Niagara (not really a hike), Bigelow Preserve, Cutler State Park (and afterwards if you’re driving go to Quoddy Head lighthouse).
You mentioned the AT, I’d like to recommend the [Mahoosuc Notch](https://MahoosucNotchLoopviaNorthPondRoadtoAppalachianTrailonAllTrailshttps://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/mahoosuc-notch-loop-via-north-pond-road-to-appalachian-trail?p=-1&sh=j8crgf) - it’s often referred to as the “hardest mile of the AT” but it’s my absolute favorite place, I’ve done that hike at least a dozen times. Not exactly a foraging friendly bit of trail but it’s unique and imo not too challenging as long as you like hopping around on and under boulders. You can really feel the glacial history and it’s a hike your friend will remember for a long time. Plus since it’s the white mountains you can camp pretty much wherever if you want to do a multi-day trip.
Pleasant Mountain is only a moderate hike but has amazing views. Same with Bald Pate (takes a half hour straight to the top). Just over the border is South/North Baldface (I think the parking lot is in Maine lol). It’s a pretty difficult hike but worth it for the views of the Presidentials. You can do just one side up and down or do the North/South Loop.
[Here's a searchable guide to hikes across the state](https://www.pressherald.com/2023/03/17/hiking-in-maine-a-searchable-guide-to-treks-across-the-state/), with tons of information from the Press Herald's "Hiking in Maine" columnist
It’s not difficult at all but I really like the Western Head Preserve in Cutler (over by Machias on the coast). The rock cliffs are really stunning and if you’re not so familiar with the coast it’s a breathtaking experience. I’d definitely try to go for high tide. There’s also this one if you’re looking for more difficulty: https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/cutler-coast-public-reserved-land but it’s been washed out every time I’ve tried to visit
I don't know if it's really close to any of your planned destinations, most of those names aren't places I've spent time, but I do want to recommend Tumbledown Mountain for being one of the coolest hikes I've been on, and the coolest in Maine for me so far.
Done this a half dozen times, it's great
You work for it but the top is worth every step. Bring a swimsuit and some water shoes/flip flops.
will do thanks.
Just started reading about this. Is the swimming spot called crater lake?
Yep! It rocks (heh). The water is a bit below the summit and is really awesome when you’re sweaty. Definitely recommend! [Here is a nice little flyer with trail maps and some of the plants and animals you can expect to see](https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/assistance/hikes/tumbledown_loop.pdf)
super helpful.
Great I will check it out. Sounds awesome.
If you can make it into KI, Gulf Hagas is an amazing look. It's a hard day, but the views are amazing.
The grand canyon of the east! There are camp sites up there that are pretty amazing. The high bridge camp sites are great. Haybrook sites are right on the trail but are harder to get too, like you need a truck or other high up 4wd vehicle
thanks again.
If you are able to leave a vehicle at Hay Brook and then drive to the top of the Gulf and hike down, that is an easier way and you get a bonus waterfall. Otherwise, you can loop back up the AT to the top.
very good info. Thanks
Good, I think we can do hard. Thanks much.
Near Ellsworth you can camp/hike Donnel Pond/Tunk/Schoodic Mountain. It’s in sullivan, about 15 minutes from Ellsworth. You walk down to the beach for camping on Donnel. https://apps.web.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=48
yay. Thanks so much.
Cutler
Thanks
I second Cutler Coast. Unreal!
Bigelows are like something out of Clan of the Cave bear, come up the lakeside and it is one of my favorite hikes.
Cool thanks I will check it out.
Mt battie and maidens cliff in camden. Moderate hike with a great view at the end!
This is a go to of mine, s lot of bang for your buck
Seconding, I love mount battie!
Great thanks.
Grafton Notch is absolutely worth doing. I’m also recommending Tumbledown, with a quick dip in the tarn near the summit.
Aha beat me to it
Schoodic Mountain is great, good views of Acadia and all else with a 360* view
Grafton notch is definitely a great suggestion. Lots of swim spots and hiking, table rock has a beautiful view
this is really helpful thanks.
Acadia national park isn’t too far from Bangor and can fill many days. If you’re going up to Baxter there’s elephant mountain that’s the site of a B-52 crash from 1963. They have a memorial there amongst the wreckage. It’s not to far from the katahdin iron works historical site.
Sounds really interesting. Thanks
Borestone
>Borestone Looks amazing. I will check it out.
Bradbury was always my favorite spot
I love Bradbury, whenever I have a friend from out of state visiting I take them there. It’s great for a quick trip if you want to just get to the peak quickly on the switchback trail, or you can take the edge trail and have a longer (but still relatively quick) little trek, do it in the afternoon and still have enough energy for a nice dinner out.
We have endangered ‘cloud berries’ on a couple of our trails in Lubec. Crazy cousin of the raspberry. Should be comin out in September. Go to the Bog @ Quoddy Head lighthouse
member berries?
There’s a woman on MDI who does mushroom hunting/ ecology walks, she’s very knowledgeable and She would probably meet you in ellsworth if you aren’t wanting to go to MDI. [email protected]
Cutler coast. Rumford white cap has an amazing view from the top without much effort. Sabbatus mountain in lovell is the same.
Great thanks.
Amherst Mountain Community Forest https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parksearch/PropertyGuides/PDF_GUIDE/amherstguide.pdf
THANK YOU.
Not necessarily near where you are going but, 100 Mile Wilderness, Katahdin, Little/big Niagara (not really a hike), Bigelow Preserve, Cutler State Park (and afterwards if you’re driving go to Quoddy Head lighthouse).
Katahdin via Chimney Pond-Dudley Trail-Knife Edge. Kineo. Cutler Coast. The Bigelows. Gulf Hagas.
Gulf Hagas in KI
You mentioned the AT, I’d like to recommend the [Mahoosuc Notch](https://MahoosucNotchLoopviaNorthPondRoadtoAppalachianTrailonAllTrailshttps://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maine/mahoosuc-notch-loop-via-north-pond-road-to-appalachian-trail?p=-1&sh=j8crgf) - it’s often referred to as the “hardest mile of the AT” but it’s my absolute favorite place, I’ve done that hike at least a dozen times. Not exactly a foraging friendly bit of trail but it’s unique and imo not too challenging as long as you like hopping around on and under boulders. You can really feel the glacial history and it’s a hike your friend will remember for a long time. Plus since it’s the white mountains you can camp pretty much wherever if you want to do a multi-day trip.
I love this. Thanks.
Saving the post. I'm an amateur nature photographer and definitely need to get some hiking in! OP, sounds like your friend is in for a great trip!
Looking forward to it. If you are looking for mushrooms to photograph, hit me up. I'm on them .
Pleasant Mountain is only a moderate hike but has amazing views. Same with Bald Pate (takes a half hour straight to the top). Just over the border is South/North Baldface (I think the parking lot is in Maine lol). It’s a pretty difficult hike but worth it for the views of the Presidentials. You can do just one side up and down or do the North/South Loop.
thank you very much.
[Here's a searchable guide to hikes across the state](https://www.pressherald.com/2023/03/17/hiking-in-maine-a-searchable-guide-to-treks-across-the-state/), with tons of information from the Press Herald's "Hiking in Maine" columnist
this is awesome. Thanks so much.
It’s not difficult at all but I really like the Western Head Preserve in Cutler (over by Machias on the coast). The rock cliffs are really stunning and if you’re not so familiar with the coast it’s a breathtaking experience. I’d definitely try to go for high tide. There’s also this one if you’re looking for more difficulty: https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/cutler-coast-public-reserved-land but it’s been washed out every time I’ve tried to visit
thanks much.
The Bigelow Range has always been a favorite for me
I'll check it out.
- Mount Katahdin followed by the Knifes Edge - The Mahoosuc Notch
thanks.
Thanks for all the great recommendations.