5 Iconic Boardwalk Hikes For Any Season
Maine’s boardwalk trails are perfect for exploring landscapes you can’t quite reach on a standard trail. These planked paths offer glimpses into fragile ecosystems, like bogs and marshes, that flourish in subtle ways throughout the seasons. Stick season—after the trees shed their leaves and before the snow falls—is a special time for these hikes; without the leafy canopy, you get a raw look at the landscape, with deeper views into Maine’s wetlands and the chance to spot wildlife at their most active. Here are five boardwalk trails that each tell their own story of Maine’s unique biodiversity and beauty.
1. Witt’s End Trail
A gentle boardwalk wander through a diverse wetland, teeming with wildflowers in the warmer months and frost-kissed plants in the fall.
Witt’s End Trail in Norway is a 0.5-mile stroll that transports you straight into a quiet, enchanting bog. Flanked by pitch pines and spruce, the boardwalk weaves through mossy groundcover, dotted with wild cranberries and the occasional pitcher plant. These tiny carnivorous wonders look like a science experiment gone right! During stick season, the boardwalk offers an uninterrupted view across the bog, exposing more subtle hues of the landscape and rare, hardy plants.
Keep an eye out for the variety of sphagnum mosses that carpet the area and tiny lichen patches in vibrant shades of orange and green. For the best photos, arrive early in the morning when dew clings to the plants. You’ll also hear the faint rustling of birds, especially woodpeckers, pecking at nearby trees.
Make it a weekend getaway: The Lakeview Inn is a cozy, rustic stay just minutes from the trail known for its charming atmosphere and personalized breakfast service.
Location: Norway, Maine
Distance: 1.9 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailkeeper: Western Foothills Land Trust
2. Saco Heath Preserve
This boardwalk trail leads through one of Maine’s largest and rarest heath ecosystems, giving you a close-up look at plant species found almost nowhere else in the state.
The Saco Heath Preserve is a 1.8-mile round trip trail through a spongy heath, famous for its unique collection of flora. The trail begins with a woodland walk, leading to a boardwalk that floats above the soft, peat-filled ground. In stick season, the browns and rusts of the open heath look like a living painting, while the boardwalk guides you over delicate ecosystems and through thickets of leatherleaf and sheep laurel.
Bring binoculars—there’s often an array of birds, like the swamp sparrow and yellowthroat, who love this secluded area. Watch for the red-tipped sundew, a carnivorous plant the size of a penny, perfect for nature lovers with an eye for the miniature.
Make it a weekend getaway: Blind Tiger Portland is an exceptional local lodging experience with a perfect blend of contemporary and historic Maine.
Location: Saco
Distance: 1.8 miles (Out & Back)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailkeeper: The Nature Conservancy of Maine
3. Orono Bog Boardwalk
One of Maine’s most famous bog boardwalks, perfect for those wanting to see diverse plant life and birdwatching.
Located near the University of Maine, the Orono Bog Boardwalk offers a looped 1-mile boardwalk that dives deep into a bog ecosystem bursting with life. From tamarack trees that turn golden in the fall to cotton grasses that dance with the wind, this trail has a unique and serene atmosphere. In stick season, the bog feels otherworldly, with dark waters and barren trees creating an eerie beauty.
This is a hotspot for birdwatchers, especially in the early morning hours. The boardwalk has frequent informational signs that highlight unique plants, such as bog rosemary, and the route is accessible for all fitness levels, making it great for families.
Make it a weekend getaway: Hotel Ursa is a newly renovated property with a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The on-site cafe, Major Minor, offers a relaxed spot for coffee and gatherings, adding a local touch to the experience.
Location: Orono
Distance: 1.0 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailkeeper: University of Maine
4. Viles Arboretum
A scenic boardwalk that showcases both wetland habitats and carefully curated botanical collections.
Viles Arboretum provides an accessible boardwalk stroll through its wetlands as well as trails winding through a collection of rare plant species. This spot combines the cultivated with the wild, featuring both wild habitats and rare plants from across Maine and beyond. In stick season, it’s particularly serene, with all the autumn leaves carpeting the ground and enhancing the wetland’s stillness.
Check out the bog garden, where you can observe unique plants like highbush blueberry and sweet gale. The arboretum also has a self-guided tour that’s perfect for plant lovers, and the interpretive signs add an educational touch to the experience.
Make it a weekend getaway: Maple Hill Farm Inn near Augusta, a sustainably-minded B&B on a picturesque farm, offers comfortable rooms with cozy decor and Maine-inspired breakfasts.
Location: Augusta
Distance: 2.0 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailkeeper: Viles Arboretum
Photo credit: Bethany Drouin
Note: The AllTrails route above does not include the boardwalk, but it’s quite easy to find on their trail map.
5. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
A boardwalk hike offering views of tidal salt marshes, home to a dynamic array of coastal wildlife and birdlife.
This boardwalk hike at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is just over a mile and offers unparalleled views of tidal salt marshes. The tidal shifts here make every visit unique; when the water is out, you’ll see mudflats where herons and egrets stalk for food. Stick season here showcases a peaceful quiet over the marsh, with browns, blues, and the reflective waters adding a tranquil feel.
The refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Depending on the season, you might see migrating shorebirds or even a snowy owl. Bring your camera for incredible coastal sunrise shots, and be ready for brisk, refreshing winds off the coast in the fall.
Make it a weekend getaway: The Elmere House Bed & Breakfast in Wells is a beautifully restored 1890s farmhouse offering cozy rooms and an authentic, quiet retreat near the coast.
Location: Wells
Distance: 1.0 miles (Loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Trailkeeper: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Boardwalks across Maine provide accessible, awe-inspiring ways to see the state’s unique ecosystems up close. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful walk in stick season, these trails offer something special for every adventurer. See you out there!
