7 Haunted Hikes in Maine

Written By Maine Hikes

If you’re up for a hike with a side of goosebumps, Maine’s trails have more than just breathtaking views—they’ve got a spooky past, too. From restless spirits to strange disappearances, these haunted hikes aren’t just for thrill-seekers, but for those curious about the stories that linger long after the sun sets. So, lace up your boots and bring a flashlight, because some of these trails might just lead you into more than the wilderness.

This list features three hikes in Acadia National Park and four others sprinkled throughout Maine. So lace up those boots, pull on your Ghostbuster packs and hit these trails this weekend!

1. Maiden’s Cliff

Simply put, Maiden’s Cliff will take your breath away. Its steep, quick climb provides a stunning vista of the surrounding midcoast, but carries the weight of a tragic story. In 1864, 12-year-old Elenora French fell to her death while trying to retrieve her wind-blown hat near the cliff’s edge. Her spirit is said to still wander the area, with hikers reporting strange cold drafts and distant cries on particularly windy days. A cross stands at the cliff to commemorate her, though some say it’s not just a memorial—it’s also a reminder to tread carefully.

If you’re looking for more of a challenge to reach the spooky overlook, check out this longer loop. The trail route shown below the photos is the most direct route. Either way, those uphill sections pack a punch!

2. Mackworth Island

While Mackworth Island is known for its fairy houses, there’s a darker legend that hovers over this scenic spot. The island was once home to Governor Baxter’s estate, and rumors abound that the ghosts of children from a nearby orphanage roam the island at night. Some say their laughter can be heard in the wind, while others have reported seeing their fleeting figures darting through the trees, playing a game no one alive remembers. And you can’t talk about this island without mentioning the pet cemetery. Maybe Stephen King took a page from Mackworth Island’s book?

3. Compass Harbor

An easier coastal walk, Compass Harbor harbors many tales of eerie occurrences. The area adjacent to the trail is home to the ruins of George B. Dorr’s old estate, known as “Oldfarm.” Dorr, one of the founders of Acadia National Park, passed away here in 1944. Some hikers claim to have seen a ghostly figure in early 20th-century attire wandering near the ruins, believed to be Dorr himself, checking on his beloved park one last time.

4. Ship Harbor

This picturesque figure-eight loop may seem serene during the day, but at night it’s a different story. Ship Harbor’s name stems from the many shipwrecks that occurred off its rocky shores. Local legend tells of a captain who went down with his ship during a storm in the early 1800s. Hikers have reported ghostly ship lights in the distance, and the sound of phantom footsteps following them, as though the captain is still searching for a way back to land. Try this one out on a foggy day, but be sure to watch your step…and your back!

  • Location: Southwest Harbor

  • Distance: 1.4 miles (Loop)

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Trailkeeper: Acadia National Park

  • Unique Lodging Tip: Sleep on the quieter side of MDI in this modern yet cozy cottage.

5. Flying Mountain

Located on the quieter side of Mount Desert Island near Southwest Harbor, Flying Mountain is a quick hike with a lingering mystery. In the 1800s, this area was used by sailors who, according to legend, left behind more than just footprints. Hikers claim to have seen spectral figures dressed in old maritime uniforms wandering the summit, and some even hear whispers on the wind, as if sailors are still plotting their long-lost courses. This recommended route includes 3 peaks and almost 1,000 total feet of elevation gain, and is totally worth the sweat.  But if you’re strapped for time, check out this 1.5 mile loop instead. The photo below may not carry any spooky vibes, but that’s just what the sailors want you to think ;)

6. Woodbury Nature Conservancy

The peaceful woods of Woodbury Nature Conservancy hide an unsettling past. During the 1800s, this area was home to a small farming community that fell victim to disease and disaster. Some say the spirits of those who perished in isolation still linger here. Hikers have reported strange sightings of shadowy figures darting between trees, accompanied by the eerie sensation of being watched, even when the trail seems deserted.

  • Location: Litchfield

  • Distance: 2.7 miles (Loop)

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Trailkeeper: Stanton Bird Club

  • Unique Lodging Tip: Invite some family or friends, take in the lake views and hop in the hot tub at this stunning waterfront cabin.

7. Pownalborough Courthouse

Built in 1761, the Pownalborough Courthouse is the oldest in Maine and comes with plenty of ghost stories. The trail that runs around the courthouse is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who were tried and convicted here. One of the most famous specters is that of a British soldier from the Revolutionary War era, still seen wandering the grounds in his red coat. Hikers often feel a chill in the air as they pass by, despite the season.

Maine Hikes
Previous

Maine Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Next

3 Must-Do Hidden Hiking Trails in Down East Maine