Hiking Through History in Maine
Explore 5 of Maine’s Historic Trails
Maine’s rugged trails are more than scenic paths—they’re living connections to the state’s rich history. Long before Maine became the 23rd state in 1820, Native Americans blazed routes through dense forests and along rocky coastlines to trade, hunt, and travel. These trails later guided European explorers, settlers, and Revolutionary War troops, eventually evolving into modern hiking paths that we enjoy today. From ancient Wabanaki canoe routes to colonial portages and logging roads, Maine’s trails tell a story of survival, exploration, and perseverance. In fact, what we now call “hiking” was once considered much more practical than recreational, as settlers and soldiers carried goods and messages on foot through Maine’s untamed wilderness. Today, we lace up our boots for adventure, not survival, but the echoes of the past still guide us. We curated a list of five trails where Maine’s fascinating history and nature intertwine!
1. Grafton Notch – Old Speck Mountain Trail
Location: Grafton Notch State Park
Distance: 6.8 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft
Once a rugged passage for settlers and loggers, Grafton Notch has become a hiker’s haven along the Appalachian Trail.
Overview: The Old Speck Mountain Trail, part of the Appalachian Trail, climbs through Grafton Notch, a natural gateway between Maine and New Hampshire. This region was vital for settlers and loggers in the 19th century, serving as a transport corridor for timber. Evidence of old logging roads and stone foundations can still be found along the trails. Glacial activity carved out the dramatic cliffs and waterfalls, like Screw Auger Falls, that highlight the rugged beauty of this area.
Insider Tips: For a challenging hike, tackle the Old Speck Trail, leading to panoramic views from a fire tower at the summit. In spring, look for pink lady’s slipper orchids tucked along the forest floor, a reminder of Maine’s incredible biodiversity. Stop at Mother Walker Falls for a picnic, where tumbling waters echo the voices of travelers' past.
2. The Arnold Trail – Dead River Segment
Location: Appalachian Trail near Caratunk
Distance: 13.5 miles (point to point)
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 900 ft
Benedict Arnold’s historic march to Quebec in 1775 followed the Kennebec River, forging one of America’s earliest wilderness expeditions.
Overview: The Arnold Trail parallels the Kennebec and Dead Rivers, retracing the path of Benedict Arnold’s daring but disastrous march during the Revolutionary War. Tasked with capturing Quebec, Arnold and his troops navigated Maine’s dense forests and fast-flowing rivers, enduring freezing temperatures and food shortages. The route tested their endurance as they paddled and carried boats through wild rapids and steep portages. Today’s hikers can explore segments of this trail along the Appalachian Trail near Caratunk, where the wilderness feels much like it did in 1775.
Insider Tips: Paddle a section of the Kennebec River for a more immersive perspective, or hike the Pleasant Pond Mountain segment for panoramic views of the river valley. Watch for bald eagles soaring overhead—a symbol of strength and freedom that mirrors the trail’s revolutionary roots. Visit in fall for vibrant foliage, but beware—Arnold’s men battled freezing rain and early snowstorms here, so prepare for shifting weather!
3. Old Canada Road – Moxie Falls Trail
Location: The Forks
Distance: 2.0 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 200 ft
Once a trade route connecting Maine and Quebec, the Old Canada Road follows pathways worn smooth by centuries of travelers.
Overview: The Old Canada Road, now mirrored by Route 201, was vital for Native Americans, French fur trappers, and settlers moving between Maine and Quebec. It grew in importance as a logging and trading route in the 18th and 19th centuries, moving timber and goods across the rugged wilderness. Early travelers faced brutal winters and river crossings, often relying on snowshoes and sleds. Hikers today can explore part of this historic route on the Moxie Falls Trail, which leads to a 90-foot waterfall that likely served as a landmark for early travelers navigating the region.
Insider Tips: Explore Moxie Falls, one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls, offering prime photo opportunities. Wildlife watchers may spot moose in marshy areas—don’t forget binoculars! Pack bug spray in summer, as early trappers would attest that Maine’s mosquitoes are legendary.
4. Cadillac Mountain – South Ridge Trail
Location: Acadia National Park
Distance: 7.0 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
Once climbed by Native Americans and early European explorers, Cadillac Mountain now boasts the first sunrise in the United States.
Overview: Located in Acadia National Park, Cadillac Mountain has a long history of exploration and conservation. Native Americans climbed its slopes to observe ocean activity, while Samuel de Champlain’s 1604 expedition named the area “Isles des Monts Deserts” for its bare peaks. In the late 19th century, the mountain became part of the “rusticator” movement, as wealthy vacationers visited Bar Harbor and Acadia to escape city life. The South Ridge Trail, one of the oldest paths on the mountain, still leads adventurers from dense pine forests to granite outcroppings with views of Frenchman Bay.
Insider Tips: Drive or hike up before dawn to witness the first sunrise in America—bring a thermos of coffee to ward off the morning chill. Look for rare alpine plants along the South Ridge Trail, and in fall, the blueberry bushes turn a striking red. For a quieter experience, take this trail instead of driving, enjoying the solitude before the crowds arrive.
5. Mount Katahdin – Hunt Trail
Location: Baxter State Park
Distance: 9.1 miles
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 4,166 ft
Once a sacred peak for the Wabanaki Confederacy, Mount Katahdin’s trails mirror ancient routes used for spiritual journeys and hunting expeditions.
Overview: Towering 5,269 feet, Mount Katahdin—the tallest mountain in Maine—anchors Baxter State Park and has drawn travelers for centuries. For the Wabanaki people, this peak was “Ktaadn,” meaning “Greatest Mountain,” a sacred space believed to connect the physical and spiritual worlds. The Wabanaki tribes climbed its slopes for ceremonies, prayers, and vision quests, believing it was home to spirits that guarded the wilderness. Later, European settlers marveled at its prominence, and Henry David Thoreau famously climbed it in 1846, writing about its wild beauty. Today’s hikers follow the Hunt Trail, part of the Appalachian Trail, which retraces ancient paths through rocky ridgelines and alpine meadows.
Insider Tip: Start early to catch sunrise views from Knife Edge, a dramatic and narrow ridge that feels like walking the spine of the Earth. Keep an eye out for alpine plants like diapensia and rare mosses, remnants of the Ice Age that hint at the mountain’s ancient history. The trail is strenuous, so pack layers, extra water, and snacks—just as early travelers carried supplies for their long journeys.
