Exploration of the Unbridled 100-Mile Wilderness
Top Fall Hikes in Maine: Exploring the Best of the Granite State
Maine, known as the "Pine Tree State," transforms into a vibrant tapestry of red, orange, and yellow during the fall season. Here, we present a selection of the top fall hikes in Maine, featuring trails like Gulf Hagas, Acadia National Park's highlights, and lesser-known gems such as Third Mountain Trail, Nation's Nature Trail, and Laurie's Ledge Trail.
Gulf Hagas, "The Grand Canyon of Maine," is a must-visit destination for its dramatic gorge views, waterfalls, and vibrant fall foliage. This top fall hike offers an immersive wilderness experience and vivid colors, making it a highlight of Baxter State Park.
Acadia National Park, with its third mountain and Laurie's Ledge areas, boasts a variety of trails that showcase classic Maine fall scenery. Some of the best include:
- Jesup and Hemlock Loop: An easy 1.6-mile trail offering colorful forest scenery.
- Beehive Loop Trail: A challenging 1.5-mile hike with iron rungs, ladders, and cliff views offering spectacular fall vistas.
- Pemetic Mountain Loop: A 4.4-mile hard loop trail offering sweeping mountain and forest views with excellent autumn colors.
- Precipice Trail & Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop: Tough climbs with panoramic views of colorful forests and surrounding ocean.
These trails provide a mix of rugged wilderness, scenic overlooks, and iconic forest foliage, especially in Acadia National Park and surrounding areas known for autumn colors.
Nation's Nature Preserve Trail and similar trails in nearby areas are often featured in regional fall hike lists, offering lush forest and wildlife viewing opportunities, making them ideal for moderate woodland hikes in autumn.
Other notable fall hikes in Maine include:
- Bubble Rock Trail: A moderate hike leading to a unique granite boulder with summit views, adorned by fall colors.
- Gorham Mountain Trail: A moderate climb with coastal forest scenery and ocean views.
- Eastern Promenade Trail: An urban forest hike with city and waterfront views showing nice fall foliage.
- Ocean Trail: A coastal trail featuring beautiful shoreline views with trees showcasing autumn hues.
For those specifically interested in Third Mountain Trail, Nation's Nature Trail, Laurie's Ledge Trail, and Gulf Hagas, pairing these trails with top Acadia hikes and Gulf Hagas creates a well-rounded fall hiking itinerary featuring waterfalls, cliffs, oceansides, and forests at peak color.
As for practical information, the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at the AMC can provide general questions, conditions information, or trail advice. Their contact number is (603) 466-2721, and their email address is amcpinkhaminfo@our website.
Regarding Third Mountain Trail, it is a moderate blue-blazed trail, 4.2 miles round trip. The trail starts from Gorman Chairback or can be accessed at the trailhead on Chairback Mountain Road. The trail gains elevation with a series of long switchbacks, rock staircases, and a wooden ladder.
The Third Mountain Trail intersects with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT) where there is a sign that says Monument Cliff. From Monument Cliff, there are great views of Long Pond and north towards the Barren-Chairback Range. The surrounding area of the Third Mountain Trail was once used for smelting operations for Katahdin Iron Works.
The Pinkham Notch Visitor Center is open every day from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM. To make reservations at AMC Lodges and Huts, call (603) 466-2727, available Monday through Saturday 9am-5pm. At Little Lyford and Gorman, kayaks and canoes are available to use.
Despite rainy weather during the author's trip, the outlook for the next few days, including this weekend, is looking fantastic. Prime foliage is expected in the next few days. For more information or trail updates, contact the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.
Engaging in outdoor-living activities and home-and-garden crafts are excellent complements to exploring the magnificent fall foliage in Maine. Following a day of hiking trails like Gulf Hagas, Acadia National Park's trails, or Third Mountain Trail, you might appreciate a cozy lifestyle that showcases the beauty of autumn.
Participating in sports such as kayaking or canoeing on Little Lyford and Gorman lakes could be an exciting addition to your fall hiking itinerary, providing a unique perspective of Maine's vibrant autumn landscapes.
