7 Hikes With Stunning Views Near Portland, Maine🥾🌲
Hey there, fellow adventurer! We at Maine Hikes get this question a lot, “What are the best day hikes near Portland?” Well, that’s an impossible question for a group that’s obsessed with all types of hikes. BUT if you’re looking for big panoramic views, a cardio challenge, a full wilderness experience, and are willing to drive between 30 mins and an hour, consider this your must-do list! You’ll work up a sweat on these hikes, but the views make it totally worth it.
While these hikes are all doable and beautiful in winter, this article highlights the Maine summer and fall hiking experience. Mud season (sometimes we call it spring) is the one time of year we’d recommend mostly avoiding these hikes, but once the trails are mostly dried out, they’re fair game for the flowers! Ps. If you’re here looking for hikes in Portland, Oregon…check your plane ticket 😅 (and come to Maine instead)
Burnt Meadow Mountain (Brownfield)
Pleasant Mountain (Bridgton)
Bald Pate Mountain (Bridgton)
Pismire Bluff (Raymond)
Morse Mountain (Phippsburg)
Cliff Trail (Harpswell)
Hall Pond and Singepole Mountain (Paris)
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1. Burnt Meadow Mountain (Brownfield)🔥🏞️
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re into rocky scrambles and jaw-dropping views, Burnt Meadow Mountain is calling your name. The Blue Trail is a heart-pumper, climbing over 1,100 feet in just 1.7 miles. But trust us, the summit’s panoramic vistas of Mount Washington and the Saco River Valley are worth every huff and puff. Plus, those ledges along the way? Perfect spots to catch your breath and snap some epic selfies. And the foliage in the fall? Well, a photo does better than words.
Insider tips:
Wildlife Watch: Keep an eye out for red-shouldered hawks patrolling the skies, especially over recently logged areas. You might also spot deer and, in the fall, hear the distinctive call of the hermit thrush.
Flora Finds: In June, the trail is adorned with vibrant lady slippers and budding blueberry bushes. The scent of sweet fern fills the air in open sections.
Trail Tidbits: The ascent includes shaded woods and exposed rock faces, leading to a broad, open summit—perfect for a picnic with panoramic views.
Distance: 3.5 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Hard
Trailkeeper: Private (Public access allowed)
Tip: Looking for a place to stay in Portland? The Hampton Inn Downtown Portland Waterfront is our favorite to recommend to visitors. It’s a perfect location for the post-hike food and drink tour, with the added bonus of an ocean view.
2. Pleasant Mountain (Bridgton) 😊⛰️
Why You’ll Love It: Standing tall at 2,006 feet, Pleasant Mountain is southern Maine’s pride and joy. The Ledges Trail is a fan favorite, offering a 1.8-mile ascent with rock slabs and switchbacks that’ll get your heart racing. Once at the top, soak in the unobstructed views of Moose Pond and the White Mountains. On a clear day, it’s like Mother Nature’s own postcard. 🌄
Insider tips:
Scenic Splendor: As southern Maine’s tallest peak at 2,006 feet, the summit offers commanding views of the White Mountains to the west and spectacular vistas to the east.
Trail Network: With nearly ten miles of trails, you can choose routes that traverse diverse terrains, from dense forests to open ledges.
Peak Periods: This is a busy trail system, especially on weekends between 9 AM and 4 PM. Consider visiting outside of peak periods to enjoy a more serene experience.
Distance: 3.5 miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Hard
Trailkeeper: Pleasant Mountain Trails - Loon Echo Land Trust
3. Bald Pate Mountain (Bridgton) 🦅🌄
Why You’ll Love It: Looking for a peaceful hike without the crowds? Bald Pate Mountain’s got your back. The 2.3-mile loop via the Bob Chase and South Face trails offers a gentle climb through hemlock forests and rocky outcrops, leading to a bald summit with killer views of the White Mountains and the lakes below.
Insider tips:
Birdwatcher’s Delight: The open summit is a great spot to observe soaring birds of prey, including hawks and vultures.
Floral Highlights: In early summer, look for blooming wildflowers like lady slippers along the trail.
Trail Features: The loop trail offers a mix of hemlock forests and rocky outcrops, leading to a bald summit with panoramic views.
Distance: 3.3 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailkeeper: Loon Echo Land Trust: Explore Bald Pate Mountain
4. Pismire Bluff (Raymond)🌲
Why You’ll Love It: Nestled in Sebago, Pismire Bluff is a hidden gem offering a 1.5-mile moderate hike through forests filled with towering pines and curious chickadees. The payoff? A ledge with sweeping views of Sebago Lake and the surrounding mountains. It’s like nature’s own zen garden.
Insider tips:
Panoramic Vistas: The bluff provides great views of Crescent Lake, Sebago Lake, the White Mountains, and even Mount Washington on clear days.
Trail Candy: This moderate 1.5-mile hike includes forested paths leading to exposed ledges, making it ideal for a quick yet rewarding adventure.
Quiet Escape: Less trafficked than other trails, it’s perfect for those seeking solitude amidst nature.
Distance: 2.1 miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailkeeper: Loon Echo Land Trust: Explore Raymond Community Forest
5. Morse mountain (Phippsburg) 🏖️
Why You’ll Love It: Also on our “Best Secret Beaches You Can’t Drive To” article, Morse Mountain offers a 2-mile walk through salt marshes, woodlands, and sand dunes, leading you straight to the stunning Seawall Beach. The viewpoint atop Morse Mountain gives you a breathtaking look over the winding Sprague River and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. Beach day, anyone?
Insider tips:
Coastal Ecosystems: The trail meanders through diverse habitats, including salt marshes and woodlands, before reaching the pristine Seawall Beach.
Birding Opportunities: The marsh areas are teeming with birdlife; bring binoculars to spot species like herons and ospreys.
Trail Note: The 2-mile path is relatively flat, making it accessible for hikers of all levels.
Distance: 4.6 miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailkeeper: Bates College - Bates-Morse Mountain | Parking Lot (Reserve Parking)
6. Cliff Trail (Harpswell) 🌊
Why You’ll Love It: Short on time but craving adventure? The Cliff Trail in Harpswell packs a punch in just 2.3 miles. Think mossy forests, hidden caves, and steep ledges overlooking Long Reach and Casco Bay. It’s like a mini epic quest.
Insider tips:
Geological Wonders: Explore hidden caves and steep ledges that offer dramatic views of Long Reach and Casco Bay.
Flora and Fauna: The mossy forests are home to a variety of plant species and wildlife; keep an eye out for fairy houses crafted by fellow hikers.
Trail Features: This 2.3-mile loop is short but packed with diverse terrains, making it a mini-adventure close to home.
Distance: 2.2 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailkeeper: Town of Harpswell
7. Hall POnd and Singepole Mountain (Paris)🌳🗻
Why You’ll Love It: This 3-mile network over Singepole Mountain is the definition of a hidden gem. Wander through oak and pine forests, pass boulder outcrops, and enjoy ledges with lovely views of Streaked Mountain and the White Mountains. Come August, look down, not up, for the main show — ready to eat Maine wild blueberries.
Insider tips:
Botanical Beauty: The trail winds through oak and pine forests, offering a rich tapestry of foliage, especially vibrant during the fall season.
Scenic Overlooks: Enjoy ledges with views of Streaked Mountain and the distant White Mountains, providing ample photo opportunities.
Trail Characteristics: This 3-mile network offers a mix of gradual ascents and descents, suitable for hikers seeking a moderate challenge.
Distance: 2.2 miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailkeeper: Hebron Academy
Conclusion 🎯
There you have it—seven stellar hikes all within an hour’s drive of Portland, Maine. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a weekend adventure, these trails offer a bit of everything: challenging climbs, serene landscapes, and views that’ll make your heart sing. So, lace up those boots, pack some snacks, and hit the trails. Happy hiking! 🥾🍁
Note: Always check local trail conditions and guidelines before heading out, and remember to leave no trace.
Check out the Maine Hikes shop to collect a sticker or print of your favorite hike!
