Out of all the best hikes in Maine available (and there are plenty!), the ones that come with a history lesson are some of the best. Not only do they offer an opportunity to get outside, but they also offer a glimpse into what the state was like long before we were around. In this case, a short and simple walk along an old, abandoned railroad track reminds us of the lengths it took to get here. Lucky for us, trips to some of Maine’s most beautiful areas are much easier these days!
The Old Pond Railway Trail is about three miles long and can be found in Hancock, Maine. But what’s so special about another railway track path?
Curtis Libby / Maine Trail Finder
Well, this one comes with history!
Curtis Libby / Maine Trail Finder
This route was once the rail for the Maine Shore Line Railroad Company, which was a small section of the Maine Central Railroad connecting to a ferry that took fancy, Victorian tourists to Eden.
Curtis Libby / Maine Trail Finder You might know Eden better as Bar Harbor, its new name beginning in 1918.
Before the rail, tourists and summer residents had to take a steam ship from southern ports like Portland and Rockland. This journey was far longer and not as luxurious as simply taking a rail car.
The new train route carried names like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers who became rich in the Gilded Age.
Curtis Libby / Maine Trail Finder The Maine Shore Line Railroad is what made a trip to Bar Harbor possible for these families. President Benjamin Harrison even visited the town in 1889, taking the train to get there.
As cars became more popular, the train became less necessary.
Curtis Libby / Maine Trail Finder
And today, you’d only know the rail if you were looking for it.
Curtis Libby / Maine Trail Finder
Thanks to a troop of Eagle Scouts, it’s much easier to find and follow.
Nicole Grohoski / Maine Trail Finder You can access the trail in Hancock from two different points - one across from the town hall on Point Road and one on Old Route 1.
From the trail, there are lovely views of Old Pond.
Nicole Grohoski / Maine Trail Finder
But while the views of the pond are beautiful, the foliage and forest surrounding the trail are just as wonderful.
Nicole Grohoski / Maine Trail Finder
Continue on, and you’ll pass the steel bridge causeway, which allows the tide to go in and out below.
Nicole Grohoski / Maine Trail Finder
Aside from the water views, what really makes this trail special are the remnants of the past that are clearly visible in the form of railroad ties and actual rail.
Nicole Grohoski / Maine Trail Finder
One of the most scenic hikes in Maine, head to Maine Trail Finder to get details on exploring it!
Curtis Libby / Maine Trail Finder
You might know Eden better as Bar Harbor, its new name beginning in 1918.
Before the rail, tourists and summer residents had to take a steam ship from southern ports like Portland and Rockland. This journey was far longer and not as luxurious as simply taking a rail car.
The Maine Shore Line Railroad is what made a trip to Bar Harbor possible for these families. President Benjamin Harrison even visited the town in 1889, taking the train to get there.
Nicole Grohoski / Maine Trail Finder
You can access the trail in Hancock from two different points - one across from the town hall on Point Road and one on Old Route 1.
Another great way to see the state is by following this little-known trail system that goes from Sebago Lake to Casco Bay.
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Address: Old Pond Railway Trail, Hancock, ME 04640, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Maine April 20, 2022 Rachel Raimondi What are the most well-known parks in Maine? Considering it’s the only national park in the Northeast, Acadia National Park is one of its most well-known. Here, you’ll find some of the most scenic hikes in Maine through more than 120 miles of trails. There are also beaches and an assortment of wildlife to look out for, such as bears, moose, and birds. And if you time the tides right, you can even take a hike out to Bar Island, an uninhabited tidal island. Not far behind Acadia National Park is Baxter State Park in Millinocket. This nearly 210,000-acre park is home to Mount Katahdin, the highest point in the state, and the finishing point of the famed 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. What are the best family-friendly hikes in Maine? If you are looking for some kid-friendly hikes in Maine, there are plenty to choose from across its 35,385 square miles. At Lily Bay State Park in Greenville, you can take a four-mile round-trip hike through the woods and along the shore of Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest. As a bonus, you can head to the lake’s beach afterwards. If you’re looking for kid-friendly hiking trails near me in Cumberland County, try Bradbury Mountain State Park. Among the 21.5 miles of trails, you’ll find a bunch of family-friendly ones, such as the one-mile Northern Loop Trail, which takes you to the top of the mountain at 500 feet. There are also a few other really easy hikes in Maine located here. What are the best hikes with a view in Maine? The Pine Tree State is playground for hikers! And of course, one of the best payoffs of a hike is a view. In Acadia National Park, you take the Cadillac South Ridge Trail up to Cadillac Mountain for supreme water and forest views of the surrounding area. If you’re an early riser, get up there for sunrise, as it’s the first peek of sunrise in the continental United States for about half the year. The best part about this view? If you don’t want to hike it, you can actually drive right up to Cadillac Mountain from the park. If you’re in or near Mount Blue State Park and looking for hiking trails near me with views, head to Tumbledown Mountain. One of the best hikes in Maine, the 5.3-mile Tumbledown Mountain Loop has a 2,000 foot elevation gain and is moderately challenging. But between the summit views and the pristine alpine lake at the top, you’ll be glad that you took the challenge on.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Maine
April 20, 2022
Rachel Raimondi
What are the most well-known parks in Maine? Considering it’s the only national park in the Northeast, Acadia National Park is one of its most well-known. Here, you’ll find some of the most scenic hikes in Maine through more than 120 miles of trails. There are also beaches and an assortment of wildlife to look out for, such as bears, moose, and birds. And if you time the tides right, you can even take a hike out to Bar Island, an uninhabited tidal island. Not far behind Acadia National Park is Baxter State Park in Millinocket. This nearly 210,000-acre park is home to Mount Katahdin, the highest point in the state, and the finishing point of the famed 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail. What are the best family-friendly hikes in Maine? If you are looking for some kid-friendly hikes in Maine, there are plenty to choose from across its 35,385 square miles. At Lily Bay State Park in Greenville, you can take a four-mile round-trip hike through the woods and along the shore of Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest. As a bonus, you can head to the lake’s beach afterwards. If you’re looking for kid-friendly hiking trails near me in Cumberland County, try Bradbury Mountain State Park. Among the 21.5 miles of trails, you’ll find a bunch of family-friendly ones, such as the one-mile Northern Loop Trail, which takes you to the top of the mountain at 500 feet. There are also a few other really easy hikes in Maine located here. What are the best hikes with a view in Maine? The Pine Tree State is playground for hikers! And of course, one of the best payoffs of a hike is a view. In Acadia National Park, you take the Cadillac South Ridge Trail up to Cadillac Mountain for supreme water and forest views of the surrounding area. If you’re an early riser, get up there for sunrise, as it’s the first peek of sunrise in the continental United States for about half the year. The best part about this view? If you don’t want to hike it, you can actually drive right up to Cadillac Mountain from the park. If you’re in or near Mount Blue State Park and looking for hiking trails near me with views, head to Tumbledown Mountain. One of the best hikes in Maine, the 5.3-mile Tumbledown Mountain Loop has a 2,000 foot elevation gain and is moderately challenging. But between the summit views and the pristine alpine lake at the top, you’ll be glad that you took the challenge on.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Considering it’s the only national park in the Northeast, Acadia National Park is one of its most well-known. Here, you’ll find some of the most scenic hikes in Maine through more than 120 miles of trails. There are also beaches and an assortment of wildlife to look out for, such as bears, moose, and birds. And if you time the tides right, you can even take a hike out to Bar Island, an uninhabited tidal island. Not far behind Acadia National Park is Baxter State Park in Millinocket. This nearly 210,000-acre park is home to Mount Katahdin, the highest point in the state, and the finishing point of the famed 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Maine?
If you are looking for some kid-friendly hikes in Maine, there are plenty to choose from across its 35,385 square miles. At Lily Bay State Park in Greenville, you can take a four-mile round-trip hike through the woods and along the shore of Moosehead Lake, Maine’s largest. As a bonus, you can head to the lake’s beach afterwards. If you’re looking for kid-friendly hiking trails near me in Cumberland County, try Bradbury Mountain State Park. Among the 21.5 miles of trails, you’ll find a bunch of family-friendly ones, such as the one-mile Northern Loop Trail, which takes you to the top of the mountain at 500 feet. There are also a few other really easy hikes in Maine located here.
What are the best hikes with a view in Maine?
The Pine Tree State is playground for hikers! And of course, one of the best payoffs of a hike is a view. In Acadia National Park, you take the Cadillac South Ridge Trail up to Cadillac Mountain for supreme water and forest views of the surrounding area. If you’re an early riser, get up there for sunrise, as it’s the first peek of sunrise in the continental United States for about half the year. The best part about this view? If you don’t want to hike it, you can actually drive right up to Cadillac Mountain from the park. If you’re in or near Mount Blue State Park and looking for hiking trails near me with views, head to Tumbledown Mountain. One of the best hikes in Maine, the 5.3-mile Tumbledown Mountain Loop has a 2,000 foot elevation gain and is moderately challenging. But between the summit views and the pristine alpine lake at the top, you’ll be glad that you took the challenge on.
