Midcoast Maine is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Our beautifully rugged beaches, temperate Broadleaf forests, and rolling hills draw lovers of fresh air to our region time and time again. For those planning a visit, know that the Boothbay Harbor region features plenty of opportunities for adventuring. We recommend coming prepared with the best hiking near Boothbay Harbor, Maine, in mind. Here are a few of our favorite local trails and preserves!
Looking for more great hiking near Boothbay Harbor, Maine? A vacation in the Boothbay Harbor area offers limitless options for unplugging and enjoying our stunning landscape. If hiking, deep-sea fishing, and whale watching aren’t enough, our complimentary Vacation Guide to Southport, Maine, lists even more exciting things to do! Simply request access and we’ll provide a complete list of dining, shopping, and event recommendations.
Where Is the Best Hiking Near Boothbay Harbor, Maine?
The Boothbay Region Land Trust
The Boothbay Region Land Trust is one of Midcoast Maine’s best-kept secrets! This donation-based organization operates over 30 miles of wooded hiking trails in the Boothbay Harbor area. All year, the Land Trust allows guests to enter any of the area’s hiking trails free of charge. The organization offers so many excellent hiking opportunities; here are three of the best Boothbay Region Land Trust hiking areas to try first.
Hendricks Head Preserve
One of the Boothbay Region Land Trust’s signature spots is the Hendricks Head Preserve. This trail system is located in Southport just over the swing bridge. The best part about this preserve is that the forested trails are just steps away from the beach! Choose the Hendricks Head Trail, an easy half-mile hike, and take in stunning views of pine forests and rocky ledges. Emerald carpets of moss and quartz-filled rock define this popular trail.
Gregory Hiking Trail
The Gregory Hiking Trail is a little off the beaten path, but worth the trip. Located on the other side of the Knickercane Bridge traveling away from Boothbay Harbor, the Gregory Hiking Trail makes for a quiet and heavily wooded hike. Hikers traversing this loop encounter sweeping views of the Back River, plenty of native flora, and wildlife such as bullfrogs, deer, birds, and more. This trail also boasts a wide variety of trees including evergreens, oaks, maples, aspens, and birches.
Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve
One of the largest preserves operated by the Boothbay Region Land Trust is the Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve. This 47-acre property consists of wetlands, fields, and forested uplands. Any trail within this preserve offers prime opportunities for wildlife viewing; over 140 species of birds have been sighted here! A plus of hiking through the preserve is getting to view blankets of wildflowers and multitudes of butterflies between spring and fall.
The Lobster Cove Meadow Preserve is special for one more important reason: It was the site of a profitable ice-harvesting business in the 1800s! The stream traversing the preserve wetlands was dammed, which created a large lake that would freeze over each winter. The ice business closed in 1907, but the area remains an important habitat for beavers and other native creatures.
Hiking Near Boothbay Harbor, Maine? Stay in Southport!
There are so many tranquil hiking trails in the Boothbay Harbor area! The biggest challenge is choosing a favorite. When planning a trip, be sure to choose lodging that’s close to all of the best hiking near Boothbay Harbor, Maine! Newagen Seaside Inn in Southport is the all-around best choice. Our accommodations including private cottages and traditional Maine guest rooms feature comfortable furnishings, premium amenities, and sparkling views of the ocean. Plus, our on-property restaurant, The Pub, serves delicious New England favorites that will help you refuel after a day of outdoor adventure.
Midcoast Maine’s breathtakingly beautiful landscape is calling. Check our availability today and start planning that vacation!