Maine's Kennebec Valley

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explore our trails

Find yourself immersed in nature and away from the crush of daily life.

hiking

How can you not love hiking? Think about it. Aside from a pair of sturdy shoes, no special gear is required for this outdoor adventure. It’s a sport that you can enjoy in almost any season. And it takes you into nature and away from the hustle of everyday life. Go for a hike and embrace the sense of adventure that comes with discovering a new place. We promise you’ll return a changed person.

With nearly 100 trails spread throughout the region, anyone can find one that suits their skill level and ambition. There are even several ADA accessible trails, including Wes Baker Trails at Robbins Hill which offers picnic tables and striking views of the western mountain ranges.

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Explore New England “On the Trail” Maine’s Appalachian Trail Logo

“On the Trail” 

Explore three different sections of the famed Appalachian Trail as it winds through the Maine wilderness, and learn about some other fun activities to pursue along the way. Day two includes a hike to Pierce Pond in Maine’s Kennebec Valley Region, a whitewater rafting trip on the Kennebec River, and an ATV ride at Northern Outdoors Lodge in The Forks.  

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Play Video about Kennebec River Crossing of the Appalachian Trail

Air Dates/Times:
Sunday, April 7, 9 AM and Wednesday, April 10, 2 PM on NESN
Sunday, April 7, 12:30 PM and Monday, April 8, 10 PM on NESN+

Get off the beaten path

Walking and hiking are activities that can be enjoyed by almost everyone no matter their age or skill level. 

Take a leisurely stroll along one of the region’s in-town trails. Hike to a waterfall or mountain summit for near-endless vistas across our lakes and hills. Serious hikers should take on our challenging section of the storied Appalachian Trail—which includes the only guided water crossing from here to Georgia.

Exploring along the Kennebec River. Courtesy of VisitMaine.com
Exploring along the Kennebec River. Courtesy of VisitMaine.com

Family Hikes

Families will find hiking a great way to get outdoors and experience much of what makes Maine’s Kennebec Valley so special.

Nicknamed “Hobbitland” by locals due to its stunning beauty and natural wonder Vaughan Woods is a popular trail system in the heart of  historic Hallowell. Classic stone bridges, picturesque waterfalls, and a wild meadow make these some of the most unique walking trails in Maine. 

In Fairfield, the Good Will-Hinckley wooded trails offer walks to explore the Maine forest habitat, bird watching, and wetland creatures. The trails are dotted with local fieldstone monuments and trailheads.

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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

  • Before setting out on any hike, check with Maine Trail Finder or guidebooks about a hike’s difficulty ratings, descriptions, and uses.
  • Observe the seasons. Trail conditions vary with each season.
  • Never hike alone; always tell your friends and family where you are going and when you plan to return and keep them updated on your location if possible.
  • Each person should carry one liter of water for every two hours of hiking time. Keep hydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
  • Bring plenty of high-energy snacks that will help keep your energy up back to your car.
  • Practice Leave No Trace principles on the trails and respect nature and private lands and Look Out for ME.
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