North Face Portland ME

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Snowshoeing

Info:
Location: Kennebec River, from Augusta to Gardinier
State: Maine
Length: 6.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Surface: Natural
Trail type: Skiing, Hiking, bicycling

Description: The Kennebec River Rail trail is a public path that parallels the railway bed that followed the Kennebec River from ASugusta through Hallowell and Farmingdale, ending in Gardiner. The trail offers an opportunity for Hiking, biking and cross country skiing and could easily be used for snowshoeing as well. The panoramic views for the Kennebec River as well as the historic sites that are seen en route make the trip well worth your time to take. The autumn leaves from this vantage point make it a prerequisite to bring along a camera to snape photos of the scenery and wildlife along the way.

Activities: Hiking, Fishing

Info:
State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length: Round Trip: 1 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 0 feet
Maximum Elevation: 0 feet
Elevation Change: 0 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Shore Path is a pleasant walk that begins in the pristine resort town of Bar Harbor. Starting at the base of Town Square, this stroll along the water’s edge extends from the municipal pier for nearly one mile. The pedestrian walk was created through the generosity of waterfront landowners and a village association. The trail is open from dawn to dusk and pets must be leashed. The Shore Path offers beautiful views of the sparkling blue water, the dark rocky coast, tiny fishing boats and expansive luxury lines. On the land side, the visitor is treated to sights of beautiful mansions and well-groomed gardens. A large sign in Town Square posts the trail. The Square is of historical significance, marked by cannons, a gazebo and stately water fountain. There are plenty of park benches and green lawn to relax and soak up the water view and that of Bar Island.

Activities: Hiking, Camping

Info:
State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length: Round Trip: 1.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 0 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: Bar Island is a great little escape from the mainland. Begin on Bridge Street just west of the Town Square on West Street. Be sure to check the tide schedule before venturing out. The tide schedule may be found in the free Acadia Weekly which can be picked up at many local restaurants, shops and hotels. The sand bar to the island is only above water during low tide. You will not be able to cross to the island or back from the island at high tide. The west side of the island is NPS land and the east side is private please respect the owners. Children or all ages find this trip exciting and the trail up to the top of Bar Island is an easy journey. As you cross the sand bar, turn around and look at the beautiful sights along Bar Harbor’s shore. This is a unique viewpoint. Once you cross the sand bar, you may walk along the rocky shore or head in a westerly direction along a path which travels up to a rock peak. The rock ledge is large enough to enjoy a family picnic lunch. From here you have wonderful views of Bar Harbor, Acadia and blue waters dotted with a fleet of lobster and pleasure boats. Be sure to keep an eye on the time so you don’t get stuck on the island between tides. Caution: Because of the exposed edge, keep children away from the rock ledge at the top of Bar Island.

Activities: Hiking, Camping

Info:
State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length: Round Trip: 7.8 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: Moderate
Usage: Moderate

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: Maine
Location: Acadia National Park
Length: Round Trip: 1.8 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 0 feet
Maximum Elevation: 1000 feet
Elevation Change: 1000 feet
Best Season: Year-Round
Difficulty: More Difficult
Usage: Moderate

Description: The young and adventurous will love this challenging and gorgeous trail. The hike along the Precipice Trail follows steep ledges which require climbing vertical ascents on iron rungs and ladders. The trail can be dangerous when wet. It is not recommended for children or dogs. Despite the exhilarating trek of this trail it is quite popular especially during the summer months. That may be in part due to its convenient location off Park Loop Road. The Precipice Trail is narrow and you must negotiate sloping granite ledges. After Hiking through a shallow forest you will have to scramble over stone steps on a boulder field. A short distance away is East Face Trail, an even steeper path. Several other trails offer the same spectacular views of Frenchman’s Bay and will descend to within a mile of the trailhead. Or you can retrace your steps for the same view and same cliffside challenge to reach the trailhead. The Peregrine Falcon has once again returned to this site to nest. During the nesting season, mid-spring to late summer, the trail is closed. The large trailhead parking lot accommodates bird watchers who enjoy arriving early in the morning to set up their gear to observe the young falcons.