Those seeking the ideal blend of nature’s bounty and an outing with their canine companions will find Maine to be an absolute gem. With its diverse landscapes featuring craggy coasts, lush forests, and picturesque peaks, Maine has an array of dog-friendly hiking trails just waiting to be explored.
From stunning national parks to serene state reserves, here are 20 dog-friendly hiking trails in Maine that offer the perfect setting for adventure.
The 20 Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Maine
1. Acadia National Park
150+ miles worth of hiking trails
Plenty of places to sit and take in the views
Loads of wildlife—so make sure the dog does not chase after them!
Three dog-friendly camping areas
Home to many relaxing carriage trails
2. Little Long Pond Trailhead
🗺️ Address:
📍Seal Harbor, ME
🕐 Open Times:
Daily, dawn to dusk
💲 Cost:
$5 per person (week-long pass)
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes, in the designated area
29 acres and meadows and marshes
Excellent mountain views
Hundreds of acres of forest to explore
3. Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
50 miles of coastline
Mostly flat trails for excellent expeditions
Diverse terrain, including forests and seashores
4. Quoddy Head State Park
🗺️ Address:
📍973 S Lubec Road, Lubec, ME
🕐 Open Times:
Daily, 9 am to 8 pm
💲 Cost:
$3 (Maine residents), $4 (Non-Maine residents)
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Leashes must be less than 6 feet in length
Lighthouse on premises
Picnic areas and scenic trails
5. Jordan Pond
🗺️ Address:
📍2928 Park Loop Rd, Seal Harbor, ME
🕐 Open Times:
Weekdays, 11 am to 5 pm (Spring hours), 8 am to 4 pm (Remainder of the year)
💲 Cost:
$12 per person
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Dogs not allowed in water
Perfect spot for photography
3+ miles of walking trails
6. Camden Hills State Park
30 miles of hiking trails
Home to Mount Battie and Bald Rock
Some challenging areas for larger dogs
7. Cobscook Bay State Park
Abundance of seals, eagles, otters, and more
Nearly 900 acres to explore with your pup
Leashes must be less than 6 feet in length
8. Fort Williams Park
90 acres for exploration
Adjacent to Portland Head Light
Rocky beaches and picnic areas
9. Moose Point State Park
🗺️ Address:
📍310 W Main Street, Searsport, ME
🕐 Open Times:
Memorial Day–October 1; 9 am to dusk
💲 Cost:
$3 (Maine residents), $4 (Non-Maine residents)
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Penobscot Bay views and dog-friendly hiking trails
Leashes must be less than 6 feet in length
Beaches and wooded loop to explore
10. Vaughan Woods State Park
165 acres of forest land
3-mile hiking loop
Excellent destination for older dogs
11. Sears Island
Inviting picnic areas on site
Lots of shoreline for your pup to run
Diverse wildlife all around
12. Mackworth Island
The state park spans over 100 acres
Plenty of water spots for pups
Quiet areas throughout for respite and relaxation
13. Roque Bluffs State Park
6 miles of dog-friendly trails
270+ acres of park to explore
Views of Englishman Bay and Schoppee Point
14. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
Peninsula stretches 244 acres
Sits between Harraseeket River and Casco Bay
Versatile hiking trails for all skill levels
15. Portland Head Light
Home to iconic lighthouses
Benches and plenty of shade
Picnic area and grills on site
16. Peaks-Kenny State Park
Leashes must be less than 6 feet in length
April 1st to September 30th , no dogs on beaches
Boating, swimming, and fishing on site
17. Rangeley Lake State Park
🗺️ Address:
📍1 State Park Rd, Rangeley, ME
🕐 Open Times:
Daily, 7 am to 11 pm
💲 Cost:
$4 (Maine residents), $6 (Non-Maine residents)
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Nearly 900 acres of pet-friendly exploration
9 miles of lake
Leashes must be less than 6 feet in length
18. Mount Kineo State Park
🗺️ Address:
📍Greenville, ME
🕐 Open Times:
Daily, 9 am to dusk
💲 Cost:
$3 (Maine residents), $4 (Non-Maine residents)
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Cliffs rise above Moosehead Lake
Leashes must be less than 6 feet in length
4 hiking trails; some can be challenging
19. Mount Agamenticus
Spectacular views of mountains and lakes
Easy trails for dogs of all ages
Restaurants and a museum less than 1 mile away
20. Ovens Mouth Preserve
146 miles of shoreline
Easy to moderate trails
Views of Shore Loop and salt marsh
Conclusion
These dog-friendly trails in Maine promise to keep tails wagging and spirits high. Whether seeking an easy trek or a challenging climb, these trails cater to all , making them ideal for an adventure-filled day with a furry friend .
So pack some water, snacks, and a leash, and head out to enjoy Maine’s awe-inspiring landscape through the joy of a shared adventure with your beloved canine companion.
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Featured Image Credit: Viktoriia Bu, Shutterstock