Maine hiking has it all; gentle walks into waterfalls, steep ascents to breathtaking views, trails that wind through woods, and peaks that are exposed to the elements. Venture in to Moxie Falls, Maine’s tallest waterfall, hike the Appalachian Trail to Mt Katahdin, find the top family-friendly trails for fun hikes with kids, walk along a riverside trail, or take a short hike to big mountain views.
Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort is at the center of incredible hiking trails in the mountains of western Maine. The famous Appalachian Trail is just minutes away as well as Moxie Falls, New England’s tallest free falling waterfall. Enjoy local favorites Pleasant Pond or Mosquito Mountain and then head back to the Kennebec River Brewery to relax with a pint and enjoy our hot tub!
See The Forks Maine Recreation Map for trail head directions (and where to swim after your hike!) or stop on in The Forks Adventure Resort and ask the front desk for printed directions for The Forks area hikes (done with a little help from Maine Trail Finder.)
If you want something more remote, head northeast to our second location at the Katahdin Adventure Base Camp. Located 10 miles outside of Baxter State Park, home to hundreds of miles of Maine’s best hiking trails including Mount Katahdin, Maine’s tallest peak. Aside from the incredible hike that is Mt Katahdin, our top pick is Blueberry Ledges. Who doesn’t love a hike that ends with a swim?! End your day at the Big Moose Inn Cabins & Campground for relaxing amenities after a long day of hiking- and don’t forget to hit the Penobscot River with us for a day on the water!
An easy 1-mile hiking trail takes you to the top of one of the highest waterfalls in New England. View 90-foot Moxie Falls from one of several boardwalks built atop the steep, wooded gorge. The stream has numerous swimming holes and is a popular spot on warm days–bring your swim suit! A great hike for young and old with gorgeous scenery.
Directly across from the Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort is the 5-mile Forks Area Scenic Trail (FAST) system (see trail photos.) This wonderful multi-purpose gravel trail follows the Old Canada Road along the Kennebec River north to The Forks, located at the confluence of the Kennebec and Dead River valleys. Our giant outdoor hot tub and brewery will be waiting for your return!
This is an outstanding half-day hike along the Appalachian National Hiking Trail that takes you to an open summit atop Pleasant Pond Mountain with spectacular 360° views of seemingly boundless forests and lakes. A couple of short, steep pitches keep it interesting! See Pleasant Pond Mountain hiking photos.
This full-day hike takes you into the heart of Maine’s North Woods. The mountain is a long ridge running north-south for about 4 miles. Although the summit is not very high, it has many features of above-timberline summits because of its extended ledges and open crest.
With huge views from a bald top Mosquito Mountain is one of our favorite local hikes. See photos of Mosquito Mountain.
The 2,000-mile famous Appalachian Trail (AT) crosses the Kennebec River at Caratunk, a few miles south of The Forks, Maine, where our Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort is located. Northern Outdoors offers shuttles to and from the trailhead for hikers wanting to stop at the lodge. Reserve your shuttles in advance and call for current pricing.
Northern Outdoors’ Katahdin Adventure Base Camp is just 10 miles away from one of Baxter State Park’s best hiking, swimming and picnic destinations: Blueberry Ledges, where Katahdin Stream flows over smooth granite ledges.
If you’re rafting the Penobscot River, there are an infinite number of short and multi-day hikes in the area. Our Katahdin Adventure Base Camp at Big Moose Inn is located 8 miles south of the Togue Pond Gatehouse to Baxter State Park. The 250,000-acre wilderness park is renowned for offering some of the finest hiking trails in eastern North America, with mile-high Mt. Katahdin as its centerpiece. The famous Appalachian Trail also runs through the park. Summiting Mt. Katahdin is a strenuous hike that can be accomplished in one long day. It is truly one of the most spectacular hikes you can experience, and a worthwhile additional adventure to your stay after a day of Penobscot River whitewater rafting!
