Sandwiched between the southern coastal towns of Maine and the Downeast coast up north, you have midcoast Maine. Comprising the towns of Bath, Belfast, Brunswick, Camden, Damariscotta, Rockland, and Wiscasset, these are places that many visitors to Maine often drive right through, but not necessarily stop to really savor what this picturesque region has to offer.
So, as people that live and work here in Maine, we wanted to give you our favorite places to go for a relatively easy hike around Midcoast Maine.
And here they are, our favorite easy hikes around midcoast Maine.
Clark Island
Saint George, ME
This little spit of land features gorgeous ocean views, a 1.8-mile loop trail, beaches for cooling off, and habitat for wildlife of all (mostly avian) kinds. We also love getting out on the early side when the air is calm and the bugs have yet to really come out.
Maiden Cliff
Camden, ME
With less than a mile of hiking (.8 to be exact), you’ll be treated to an expansive view of Megunticook Lake in the foreground, with Bald Mountain and Ragged Mountain rising up in the distance. Granted, this one is an altitude-heavy hike, so you might want to take it slow. But the walk up is absolutely worth the view.
Beach Hill Preserve
Rockport, ME
Like birds? You’re in luck. This moderate hike will have you immersed in bird-filled fields and forests. Also, you’ll find some wild blueberries growing here and there, Maine’s signature native fruit. Excellent for kids and adults alike.
Woodward Preserve
Brunswick, ME
This newish coastal preserve winds through fields and woods for some quality picnicking, birding, and wildlife spotting. In fact, this preserve is so well-preserved that you really want to take some minor precautions if you’re bringing a dog. Meaning, leashes are recommended, as you’ll want to keep an eye out for ticks and the stray porcupine.
Reid State Park
Georgetown, ME
About an hour north of Portland, Reid State Park offers a mix of hiking and surf. In this park you’ll find beach, beach, more beach, and a beautiful hiking loop besides. Mile and Half-Mile Beaches are both within the park, and offer fine-grained sand, ample space, and significant surf coming straight from the Atlantic.
Giant’s Stairs
Harpswell, ME
Ireland has their Giant’s Causeway, and Harpswell, Maine, has its Giant Stairs. This stunning coastal walk over eroded cliffs features a geologic feature that resembles giant stairs.
Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area
Phippsburg, ME
A 4.3-mile out-and-back hike that covers fields, forest, and Morse Mountain. This gentle coastal mountain hike ends up on a secluded beach abutting the popular Popham Beach. You’ll find gorgeous views and and easy hike for kids and dogs alike. Pro tip: parking is tight, so arrive early.
Oven’s Mouth Preserve
Boothbay, ME
Get a tiny taste of Acadia with cliffside walks and old-growth trees on tidal waters. This hike also happens to be right near the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens—which is another excellent spot to visit for grown-ups and kids alike.
Good Words
From Maine, With Love
an Allagash Brewing Co. Podcast
This fun, informal, and informative podcast shows listeners what it’s like to work at an independent B Corp-certified brewery up here in Portland, Maine.
Clarry Hill Preserve
Union, ME
Put simply: a gentle, unforgettable walk through wild blueberry barrens. And we wouldn’t want it any other way. If you’re looking for relaxation and beauty, you’ve found it.
Orono Bog Walk
Orono, ME
We understand if a “bog walk” doesn’t sound terribly enticing. But we’re not here to guide you astray. This 1-mile, super easy path takes you on a loop over boardwalks built over an expansive bog. While walking, you’re sure to see a wide variety of plants and animals, made all the more special because how often do you get to observe the natural beauty of a bog while staying dry?
And once you’ve hiked, viewed, and reconnected with nature, we think it’s never a bad idea to stop by and celebrate with us at our tasting room. We have plenty of fresh beer, cider, snacks, and more. You can see our hours, tasting room location, and everything on tap right now through the link below.