Walking and Hiking
Walking & hiking is an exercise in natural beauty in Western Lakes/Mountains
3 places to visit
Grafton Notch State Park
1941 Bear River Road Newry, ME 04261 207-824-2912 Back country hiking with fantastic views. Walks near waterfalls and gorges. The rugged terrain includes a dozen of the toughest miles along the entire Appalachian Trail. Easier trails and loops also are available. - Park Map (PDF)
Tumbledown Mountain
Trails off Weld-to-Byron Road Weld, ME 04285 The Tumbledown Mountain and Little Jackson Mountain trail network is composed of six trails and two trailheads for advanced hikers wishing to see some of the most unique features in Maine. Tumbledown Mountain includes three peaks, 700-foot cliffs and a pond near the summit. Little Jackson Mountain is higher elevation and offers different views, like Saddleback and Sugarloaf to the north and Mount Blue and Webb Lake to the East.
See website for description of trails: Brook Trail (1.9 miles, moderate); Parker Ridge Trail (2.9 miles, advanced); Loop Trail (1.5 miles, advanced); Tumbledown Ridge Trail (0.7 miles); Pond Link Trail (1.1 miles); Little Jackson Mountain Trail (3.6 miles, advanced). - Loop Trail Guide (PDF)
See website for description of trails: Brook Trail (1.9 miles, moderate); Parker Ridge Trail (2.9 miles, advanced); Loop Trail (1.5 miles, advanced); Tumbledown Ridge Trail (0.7 miles); Pond Link Trail (1.1 miles); Little Jackson Mountain Trail (3.6 miles, advanced). - Loop Trail Guide (PDF)
Bigelow Preserve
Route 27 Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947 207-778-8231 Set on over 36,000 acres, this preserve is along Flagstaff Lake. There are many mountains within the preserve. Extensive trails for both hiking and cross-country skiing are for experienced hikers and skiers. There is also swimming, paddling, fishing, and hunting. Snowmobile trails traverse the park. - Trail Map (PDF)