The Dog Lover’s Guide to Hiking Maine
Unleashed
Favorite trails for every size and breed
words by jill mcmahon | photos by henry mcmahon
Dogs, like people, come in all shapes, sizes, and levels of athletic ability. My dog, Romy, has experienced every stage of doghood in her six years of life: a clumsy ball of energy as a tiny puppy dog; a tireless mountain conquering athlete in her teenage years; and now a 130-pound elephant seal who considers a lumbering lap around the block a full day’s workout.
Keeping up with Romy through her ever evolving size and endurance level has led me to a wide variety of trails—from easy backyard paths to 4,000-foot mountains. Though far ranging in distance and elevation, the best dog hikes share these coveted features: water to play in, shade to rest under, and the most cherished, yet most challenging to find—an off-leash trail.
My dog-hiking journey has taken me so deep into the woods that I’ve written two trail guides along the way: one covering 100 easier trails in southern Maine, and another featuring 45 dog-friendly hikes across New England. Whether you’re hiking with a petite Pomeranian or a slow Saint Bernard, read on to find the perfect Maine trail for you and your dog.
Jill and her pup, Romy have hiked hundreds of trails throughout New England.
Helpful Tips for Trail Success
RESEARCH FIRST:Take into consideration your pet’s health and fitness level, and the trail distance, elevation gain and difficulty. Be aware of potential obstacles, like rock scrambles or wooden ladders.
START SMALL:Begin with short, simple hikes: Work up to longer hikes by first building endurance and getting comfortable with different types of terrain.
CHECK WEATHER:Avoid hiking in unsafe temperatures: Anything below 20°F or above 80°F is considered unsafe for hiking with dogs. Consider hiking during cooler times of day.
BE AWARE:Pack plenty of snacks and water, take frequent breaks, seek shade, and pay attention to signs of distress or injury, such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, shivering, or disorientation.
SAFETY FIRST: Maintain vaccinations and tick prevention: Heartworm and flea and tick prevention are crucial for hiking dogs.
IDENTIFICATION: Include your name and phone number on an ID tag in case you get separated.
TRAINING: Make sure your dog knows basic commands, like “come” and “stay,” and walks easily on a leash.
Trails for tiny dogs
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Located in Yarmouth
Distance:1.3 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Waterfall views, 5-foot-wide paved, ADA-accessible path
This trail is ideal for small dogs and people of all ages and abilities. Just a short walk from downtown Yarmouth, the path begins at the Royal River Park, which includes a large grassy area, picnic tables, and a stage for summer concerts. The walk includes three waterfalls, two at old dam sites, and one dam at a historic mill, with signs along the way explaining the history of the mills. Beyond the third waterfall, the trail descends through a section of forest that includes a 200-year-old stand of hemlock. For a longer walk, connect with the Beth Condon Pathway, a pedestrian bridge that leads east across the Royal River and ends at Bridge Street.
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Located in Portland
Distance:1 mile
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Stellar views of Portland harbor, wooded path
Tucked away just above the popular Eastern Promenade Trail, this hidden path offers a quieter experience through a winding, tree-lined route with elevated views of the harbor. To start, park on the Eastern Promenade near the basketball courts, roughly halfway between Quebec and Walnut Streets. Head toward the water, passing between two garden plots before reaching a large expanse of grass with benches and an overlook. Bear left, walk behind the baseball field, then look for the narrow dirt path on the right—this is the Midslope Trail. Stay right as the trail runs parallel to the water, with sweeping harbor views along the way. The trail finishes at the Cutter Street parking lot, just steps from East End Beach.
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Located in Bethel
Distance:1.2-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Accessible trails, views of the Androscoggin River
This hiking area is divided into three loops, each with its own character. The East Loop winds through the woods past a storybook walk and fairy garden, with elevated views of the Androscoggin River along the way. The West Loop passes through the Habitat For All Pollinator Garden before settling into a quiet stretch of forest. The River Loop branches off the main trail and leads down to a former agricultural field with 600 feet of river shoreland. Explore all three loops in any season, as these trails are well-packed during the winter and walkable all year long.
Mountains for muscular dogs
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Located in Southwest Harbor
Distance:2.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Lush woods filled with moss, open views at several points
Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island offers rocky coastline views, endless summits and diverse wildlife. Beech Mountain is located on the west side of the island in Southwest Harbor, known as the “quiet side,” where visitors can experience the park’s natural beauty without the large crowds. The mountain is sandwiched between Echo Lake and Long Pond, providing spectacular views from both sides. The summit contains one of the few remaining fire towers in the area and beyond it, you’ll enjoy a long stretch of open ledge with breathtaking views of Long Pond and Mansell Mountain—a popular spot to watch the sunset if you plan your hike for late afternoon.
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Located in Camden Hills State Park
Distance:3-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Views of Mount Battie and Camden’s waterfront, cascading streams
Just outside downtown Camden, Midcoast Maine, this state park features mossy trails, intriguing landmarks and ocean views. The expansive trail network includes a range of options—from easy drives up carriage roads, to rocky climbs and clifftop overviews. The Ocean Lookout loop is the best introductory hike leading to a stunning ocean view. Lengthen this hike an extra 2 miles and explore the Mount Battie Tower—once the location of Summit House Hotel and now a World War I memorial. For the longest and most challenging route, traverse another 2.4 miles west to Maiden Cliff, where sweeping views of Lake Megunticook await.
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Located in Harpswell
Distance:2.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Plenty of shade and shoreline views, close to dog-friendly Brunswick
This rugged trail includes 150-foot cliffs overlooking Long Reach Preserve, a walk along tidal Strawberry Creek, and a forest filled with bird symphony. The first 0.5 mile of trail is accessible, including a viewing platform for Strawberry Creek and a short spur leading to a picnic area and cascade overlook. Beyond the picnic area, the trail heads into the woods and becomes more hilly as it climbs to the clifftop overlook. After the hike, reward your dog with some play time at Merrymeeting Dog Park, located on Water Street in Brunswick, off of the Androscoggin River Bike Path. Or visit one of the many dog-friendly restaurants and coffee shops in downtown Brunswick, an easy 15-minute drive from the Cliff Trail.
Lazy paths for large dogs
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Located in Portland
Distance:2.5-mile trail network
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Roaring waterfall, swimming holes
The last thing you’d expect to find tucked within a bustling city of 70,000 people, is a roaring waterfall, but this is exactly what you’ll discover at the gorgeous Presumpscot River Preserve. From the small trailhead parking area on Overset Rd, the path winds along a stream, then down to the river’s edge. For the route to the waterfall, head right, crossing a foot bridge before reaching a staircase leading down to a small beach and swimming area for your dog. Return to the trail and follow it along the water for another 0.7 mile before reaching the stunning waterfall at the end.
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Located in Boothbay
Distance:2.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Shade and water access points, 93-foot footbridge
Ovens Mouth is a narrow ocean-water passage from the Sheepscot and Back rivers to a tidal basin. This area was a hub for maritime activities since the mid-1700s and was one of the region’s earliest shipyards. The extensive trail network here covers two peninsulas, Ovens Mouth East and West, connected by a footbridge that spans the blue-green waters of the tidal salt marsh. Hilly sections of trail climb to sweeping ocean lookouts, before descending to the water’s edge—where your dog can cool off with a refreshing swim.
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Located in Bar Harbor
Distance:1.5-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Iconic stone barn, rolling fields filled with wildlife
Nestled between Crooked Road and rolling hills of wild lupine, this historic Mount Desert Island farm dates back to the 1840s. Its stunning barn is a familiar landmark for anyone en route to Bar Harbor’s shops and restaurants along Frenchman Bay. The property opened to the public in 2019 after being purchased by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust, and now offers a 2-mile trail network welcoming visitors and dogs of all kinds. For a varied mix of gorgeous topography, follow the 1.5-mile Wood Lily Path and Wagon Path Loop, which winds through open fields and mixed forest down to Northeast Creek.
Hiking with dogs is one of life’s great pleasures and perfect excuse to explore Maine’s incredible landscape. Whether you’re taking short strolls with a tiny dog, climbing mountains with an athletic one, or finding gentle paths for an older pup, there’s something out there for every dog and their person. Lace up, grab your favorite trail companion, and enjoy the adventure.
For more pup-friendly tips and hikes, visit outdoormovementproject.com