Searching for your new favorite hike or just starting out? Here is a small list of beginner to advanced hikes suggested by members of L/A Hiking.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
Sabattus Mountain
Location: Lovell
Distance: 1.4 miles, loop
Elevation gain: 488 feet
Comments: “I like Sabattus Mountain because it’s a short hike for a great view,” said Steve Knight, a Maine native now living in Austin, Texas. “My 80-year old dad made it after his triple bypass, so it’s very doable.”
Big Falls Loop trail
Location: New Gloucester
Distance: 1.7 miles
Elevation gain: 127 feet
Comments: “My hiking adventures started with Big Falls Loop trail, so it is a special place for me,” said Pamela Zimmerman Matzinger.
Mt. Apatite
Location: Auburn
Distance: Varies
Elevation gain: Up to 300 feet
Comments: “For a local (hike), I’ve enjoyed hiking Mt. Apatite and learning about the mining of feldspar!” said Connie Pomerleau Browning of Auburn.
Witt’s End Trail
Location: Norway
Distance: 4.5 miles, out and back
Elevation gain: 239 feet
Comments: “It is more of a nature walk than a difficult hike,” said Marla Pettinelli of Lewiston. “The paths were well maintained and easily marked (and the name cracks me up).”
INTERMEDIATE
Rumford Whitecap Mountain
Location: Rumford
Distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation gain: 1,620 feet
Comments: “Rumford Whitecap is a great four-season hike with 360-degree views,” said Kim Craig of Auburn.
Pleasant Mountain via Ledges Trail
Location: Bridgton/Denmark
Distance: 3.3 miles, out and back
Elevation gain: 1,512 feet
Comments: “Pleasant Mountain in the Bridgton area is one of my favorites,” said Samantha Schneider Ouellette of Lewiston.
Blueberry Mountain
Location: Weld
Distance: 2.7 miles, out and back
Elevation gain: 1,400 feet
Comments: “Every mountain hike brings a different experience,” said Noella Potvin of Lewiston. “They all have a uniqueness about them … One of my first and favorite hikes is Blueberry Mountain and the emerald pool.”
ADVANCED
Sunday River Whitecap
Location: Near Newry
Distance: 6.5 miles, out and back
Elevation gain: 2,139 feet
Comments: “I recently hiked the west branch of the Grafton Notch loop, and this mountain was by far my favorite,” said Vanessa Paolella of Auburn. “Beautiful alpine summit with sweeping views on all sides made it well worth the trek.”
Caribou Mountain
Location: Near Gilead
Distance: 6.6 miles, loop
Elevation gain: 1,958 feet
Comments: The mountain has a nice waterfall and an amazing 360-view, according to Chip Lurvey of Lewiston. During his first hike there, he saw a bear just off the trail.
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