Scenic Spring Walking Trails in Southern Maine
Spring is a very *interesting* season. The weather fluctuates regularly, which can cause some really messy hiking conditions in the mountains. While i’m waiting for hiking trails to get sorted out, I like to shake things up by exploring local walking trails during the months of April and May and I encourage you to do the same! So without further ado, here are some scenic walking trails that you can add to your list for this Spring!
Cherry Hill Farm Trails
Location: Gorham, ME
Distance: 2.7 miles
Elevation gain: 95 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed, on-leash
Cherry Hill Farm Trails
These trails feature wide open fields, well-maintained walking paths, beautiful wildlife, and good ol’ peace and quiet. The trails are open from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Pets are allowed on-leash. Each and every trail guarantees a serene experience amongst tall, beautiful trees. This trail is particularly scenic in the Spring when all of the flowers and trees are budding and the field creatures are coming to life.
To read more about Cherry Hill Farm, click here.
Gilsland Farm Audubon Center
Location: Falmouth, ME
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 26 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Not allowed
Gilsland Farm Audubon Center
The Audubon in Falmouth has a surreal beauty that draws you in and makes you never want to leave. From meadows and marshes to forests and orchards, there is so much to be discovered here. It’s open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. To help welcome and maintain wildlife, dogs are not allowed at the Audubon. The Audubon offers several views of the Presumpscot River and it’s wetlands, a popular spot for ducks, geese, and other water birds to gather and play.
Saco Heath Preserve
Location: Saco, Maine
Distance: 2.2 miles (out and back)
Elevation gain: 0 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Not Allowed
Saco Heath Preserve
My favorite time to visit the preserve is in the Spring, when the plants are all blooming and the preserve is full of purples, whites, and pinks. The heath is open from sunrise to sunset, and is accessible through a wooded trail that eventually turns into a boardwalk. At the end of the boardwalk, there is a short loop trail through the woods. One of my favorite things to do is pack a lunch and have a small picnic on the benches in the middle of the preserve (about ¾ of a mile in). Definitely add this unique place to your Spring/Summer to-do list if you haven’t already!
Fuller Farm Trails
Location: Scarborough, ME
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 127 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed on-leash or under voice control
Fuller Farm Trails
Fuller Farm Preserve is comprised of 220 acres of open fields, hills, woods, streams, a waterfall, and wildlife. There are 2.9 miles of trails within the preserve, which offers six different trail options. My favorite trail is the Waterfall Trail, which, as the name implies, brings you to a scenic waterfall. My dog really likes the Overlook Trail that overlooks the rolling hills and has plenty of wide open space for zoomies and fetch.
To read more about Fuller Farm, click here.
Wolfe’s Neck State Park
Location: Freeport, ME
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation gain: 45 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs: Allowed, on-leash
Wolfe’s Neck State Park
Wolfe’s Neck state park is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Freeport and a 30-minute drive from Portland. It’s open 9:00a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year. There is a $6.00 admission charge for non-Maine residents and a $4.00 admission charge for Maine residents. The Harraseeket and the Casco Bay Trails are relatively flat, beautiful and scenic. Both trails move along the rocky shore and provide lovely views of the ocean and marshes. Be sure to also explore the shoreline, which is home to turquoise colored water and beautiful rocks.
To read more about Wolfe’s Neck State Park, click here.
Wherever your plans take you this Spring, remember to leave no trace, stay on trail, be prepared, and have fun!
