From rugged alpine summits to oceanside cliffs and remote wilderness ponds, Maine’s landscape is as diverse as it is awe-inspiring. Whether you’re looking for a short, scenic climb or a bucket-list mountain challenge, these five standout hikes showcase the best the state has to offer — each highly rated by the AllTrails community.

　　Explore these epic routes below or head to AllTrails to see the full Forged by Nature collection of trails throughout Maine.

　　See the Trail Collection Pemetic Mountain Loop Acadia National Park An alternative to one of the most popular hiking areas in Acadia National Park, Pemetic Mountain Loop offers similarly spectacular views with the chance to have the trail to yourself. This under-the-radar yet highly rated trail starts with a mellow hike along the shore of Jordan Pond.

　　As the path diverges from the water, hike below the parks iconic Bubbles rock formation. Then, begin a gradual ascent through the forest before tackling a steep, rocky climb to the summit, where you can enjoy views of Penobscot Mountain, Sargent Mountain, and Jordan Pond. Continue downhill on the trail to complete the 4.4-mile loop.

　　Trail Details AllTrails rating: 4.8 stars

　　Level: Hard

　　Length: 4.4 miles

　　Elevation gain: 1,033 feet

　　Trip Recommendations ✅ Catch sunrise at Cadillac Mountain

　　✅ Drive Park Loop Road scenic route

　　✅ Try a lobster roll in Bar Harbor

　　✅ Kayak in Frenchman Bay

　　Turtle Ridge Loop Trail Nahmakanta Public Reserved Land Explore the rugged terrain of northern Maine on the 8-mile Turtle Ridge Loop Trail. Hike through a densely wooded forest dotted with moss-covered boulders, past multiple small ponds, and under rocky cliff bands. At Hedgehog Pond, the trail splits.

　　Continue straight toward Sing Song Pond to see the trails namesake ridge and complete the full loop. Or use the connector trail that travels past the pond and links to the other side of the loop to cut your mileage in half.

　　Dont miss the overlook on the ridge near Henderson Pond, where youll have a clear view of Katahdin in the distance. At 5,269 feet, this iconic peak is both the tallest mountain in Maine and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, making it one of the most sought-after summits in the region.

　　Trail Details AllTrails rating: 4.7 stars

　　Level: Hard

　　Length: 8 miles

　　Elevation gain: 1,145 feet

　　Trip Recommendations ✅ Visit the Appalachian Trail terminus

　　✅ Drive the scenic Tote Road

　　✅ Climb the granite faces on Katahdin

　　✅ Refuel at the Appalachian Trail Cafe

　　Whitecap Mountain via Starr and Iles Trail Rumford Whitecap Mountain Preserve Whitecap Mountain offers one of western Maine’s best bang-for-your-buck summit hikes. This 5.3-mile loop outside of Rumford starts with a steady forested ascent before giving way to open granite ledges near the top.

　　Follow the Starr and Iles Trails through wild blueberry patches in mid-summer, and soak up sweeping views of the Mahoosuc and White Mountains. The broad, open summit is perfect for a picnic or a well-earned rest before looping back through the woods.

　　Trail Details AllTrails rating: 4.8 stars

　　Level: Moderate

　　Length: 5.3 miles

　　Elevation gain: 1,627 feet

　　Trip Recommendations ✅ Pick wild blueberries

　　✅ Paddle or fish the Androscoggin River

　　✅ Stroll through downtown Rumford

　　✅ Visit nearby Step Falls Preserve

　　Bald Mountain Trail Little Concord Pond State Park Head just southeast of Rumford for a short hike with big payoffs on the Bald Mountain Trail. Park on Redding Road to start this 2.3-mile out-and-back trail. A gradual elevation gain at the onset eventually gives way to a steeper ascent once you reach Little Concord Pond.

　　Before the summit, youll see a spur trail on the right that leads to Shagg Crag — a popular climbing spot on the side of the mountain. Check out the action on the crag or keep hiking to the top of Bald Mountain, where youll have wide-open views of the surrounding area. Hikers looking for a longer day on the trail can connect to the Speckled Mountain Trail to add another 2.3 miles and 870 feet of elevation to the trip.

　　Trail Details AllTrails rating: 4.7 stars

　　Level: Moderate

　　Length: 2.3 miles

　　Elevation gain: 734 feet

　　Trip Recommendations ✅ Visit nearby Mount Blue State Park

　　✅ Pan for gold in Coos Canyon

　　✅ Take a dip in the Swift River

　　✅ Stop by the Height of Land Overlook

　　Borestone Mountain Trail Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary Visit the Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary to enjoy a rewarding mix of forest, ponds, and dramatic summit views. The 3.7-mile Borestone Mountain Trail provides an easily accessed option for hikers looking to experience Maine’s rugged landscape without venturing too deep into the backcountry.

　　From the trailhead, hike clockwise on the Base Trail, which climbs gradually along a gravel access path. Then, connect to the Summit Trail for a steeper ascent featuring stone steps, ledges, and railings. The trail leads past two peaceful alpine ponds before reaching twin peaks with sweeping views of Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness.

　　Trail Details AllTrails rating: 4.8 stars

　　Level: Hard

　　Length: 3.7 miles

　　Elevation gain: 1,253 feet

　　Trip Recommendations ✅ Paddle nearby Onawa Lake

　　✅ Dine lakeside at The Lakeshore House

　　✅ Explore the nearby 100-Mile Wilderness

　　✅ Browse the Monson General Store

　　This post was sponsored by the Maine Office of Tourism.