The best running trails in Maine

Embark on the Mount Desert Island Marathon, a difficult jogging route spanning 27.7 miles (44.7 km) through coastal Maine and Acadia National Park. You will experience varied terrain, from paved roads to unpaved sections with roots, as you gain 1449 feet (442 metres) in elevation. The journey offers stunning seaside vistas and passes charming Maine villages, with Cadillac Mountain casting its shadow early in the course. Expect to complete this challenging route in about 4 hours and 43 minutes, surrounded by tranquil lakes and soaring mountains.

While the Mount Desert Island Marathon is accessible for jogging year-round, consider planning your visit for mid-October. This period often coincides with Acadia National Park's peak fall foliage, offering a visually spectacular experience. Be prepared for significant elevation changes throughout the course. Hill training is highly recommended to tackle the varied terrain effectively.

This route is renowned for its scenic beauty and varied landscape, treating you to miles of pristine terrain. You will enjoy views of Somes Sound, the only fjord on the Eastern Seaboard, which nearly bisects the island. The vibrant autumn colors during peak fall foliage season enhance the natural beauty, making it a truly memorable experience.

Embark on the Back Cove and Eastern Promenade Trail for a moderate jogging experience that showcases Portland's diverse beauty. This 5.9-mile (9.5 km) route, with a gentle 92 feet (28 metres) of elevation gain, offers lovely views of the city skyline and the tranquil tidal basin, where you might even spot great blue herons. As you continue, you'll enjoy spectacular harbor and ocean vistas along Casco Bay, passing by Fort Allen Park and East End Beach, all achievable in about 59 minutes.

When planning your visit, you'll find the trail's paved and compacted stone dust surfaces are ideal for jogging, walking, or biking. Benches are available for rests, and you can find seasonal water fountains and portable toilets in parking areas along the route. East End Beach also provides seasonal public toilets, making it convenient for longer outings.

Often called the "jewel" of Portland Trails, this route is a popular way to truly experience the city's unique blend of urban charm and natural coastal splendor. You'll get a sense of Portland's vibrant waterfront life, watching islands and cruise ships pass by. It's a fantastic option if you're looking for a scenic and accessible outdoor activity that highlights the best of the area.

Embark on a moderate jogging experience around Eagle Lake, covering 6.0 miles (9.7 kilometres) with a gentle elevation gain of 304 feet (93 metres). This route typically takes about 1 hour to complete. As you jog, you'll enjoy expansive views of the lake and its surrounding landscape, passing over the notable Eagle Lake Bridge. The well-maintained path offers a refreshing run through Acadia National Park, with varied terrain that includes mostly level sections on the eastern and northern sides, transitioning to moderate inclines and declines on the western and southern portions.

Planning your visit to the Eagle Lake Loop is straightforward, as the trail is part of Acadia National Park's extensive carriage road system. These roads are motor-free, ensuring a peaceful jogging environment. While specific parking details are not always highlighted, the route is generally easy to access within the park. Before heading out, always check current park conditions for any potential seasonal closures or alerts that might affect your run. Consider an early morning or late afternoon start for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

The historic carriage roads you'll be jogging on are a significant feature of Acadia National Park, a generous gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr. These meticulously designed paths blend seamlessly with the natural environment, offering a unique way to experience the park's beauty without vehicle traffic. The route winds through Acadia's mountains and valleys, showcasing the rich landscape around Eagle Lake. This trail stands out as a prime example of how human design can complement and enhance a natural setting, providing an accessible and enjoyable outdoor experience for all.

Lace up your shoes for the Witch Hole Pond Loop, a moderate jogging route that offers a refreshing escape into nature. This 5.2-mile (8.4 km) trail will have you gaining 473 feet (144 metres) of elevation, typically taking about 1 hour and 4 minutes to complete. As you jog, you'll pass by the serene Witch Hole Pond, where you might spot beaver lodges among the marshlands. The route also guides you along the scenic Duck Brook, leading to the charming Duck Brook Bridge with its small cascading waterfall. You'll enjoy varied terrain and peaceful surroundings throughout your run.

Planning your visit to the Witch Hole Pond Loop is straightforward, with several convenient parking areas available. You can park at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center, near Eagle Lake, or along Duck Brook Road to access the trailhead. The route follows historic carriage roads, which are closed to motorized vehicles, ensuring a quiet and safe jogging environment. This trail is also multi-use, so you might encounter other recreational users. If you bring your dog, please keep them on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure everyone's enjoyment.

This loop is a highlight within Acadia National Park, offering more than just a good workout. From various points along the historic carriage roads, you can catch glimpses of the expansive Frenchman Bay. You might even spot the iconic Cadillac Mountain in the distance, adding to the scenic rewards of your jogging adventure. The well-maintained paths make it an accessible way to experience the park's natural beauty and historical infrastructure.

The East/West Loop trail run offers a pleasant, straightforward experience through the wooded landscapes of the Rolland F. Perry City Forest. You'll find yourself on generally wide dirt and gravel paths, making for a smooth jogging surface without significant technical challenges. It's a great way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the forest, providing a refreshing escape from urban life.

Planning your visit to this East/West Loop trail run is relatively simple, though it's always a good idea to be prepared for the elements. Given its wooded nature, the trail can become muddy after rain or snowmelt, so appropriate trail running shoes are recommended. Check local weather conditions before you go to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable outing.

This particular East/West Loop trail run is notable for its accessibility and moderate difficulty, making it an excellent choice for beginner joggers or anyone seeking a less strenuous workout. With a distance of 3.9 miles (6.3 km) and only 44 feet (13 metres) of elevation gain, you can expect to complete the route in about 39 minutes. It's a fantastic option for a quick, invigorating run without demanding too much time or effort.

Prepare for a challenging jogging experience on the East Coast Greenway: Back Cove to Pine Grove Preserve. This difficult 13.1-mile (21.1 km) route will have you gaining 294 feet (90 metres) in elevation over approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes. You'll start along the vibrant Back Cove Trail, enjoying continuous views of the Portland skyline and the tidal basin, where great blue herons are often seen. As you continue, the scenery transforms into the tranquil, shaded pine forest of Pine Grove Preserve, home to mature White, Red, and Pitch pines. It's a journey that blends urban waterfront energy with peaceful woodland serenity.

When planning your jogging trip, note that the Back Cove Trail provides convenient amenities such as seasonal water fountains and portable toilets near parking areas. You can easily reach the Back Cove section via public transport in Portland. Parking is also available if you drive to Pine Grove Preserve. Be aware that some parts of the trail, particularly in the preserve, may have roots, so watch your footing. Connecting these two distinct areas involves a mix of established East Coast Greenway segments and local roads.

This route stands out for its unique transition from a bustling urban waterfront to a quiet, natural forest setting. The Back Cove area is a popular spot for observing the Portland skyline and tidal basin wildlife. Moving into Pine Grove Preserve offers a distinct change of pace, providing a serene environment ideal for nature study and appreciating the mature White, Red, and Pitch pines. It's a great way to experience the diverse landscapes of the region in one continuous jogging effort.

Embark on the Parson's Way and Walker's Point Loop for a refreshing jogging experience along the rugged Maine coastline. This moderate route spans 4.9 miles (7.9 km) and involves a gentle elevation gain of 91 feet (28 metres), typically completed in about 49 minutes. As you move along the paved path, you'll be treated to continuous ocean views and the sight of impressive rock formations, with the iconic Walker's Point visible from the trail.

For your visit, parking is generally available near the trailhead, offering convenient access to this popular coastal route. The trail is well-suited for jogging due to its paved surface. If you plan to go during the summer, consider heading out in the early morning or evening to avoid the heat on the exposed path and enjoy a more comfortable run.

This loop offers more than just a workout; it provides a unique glimpse into the area's natural beauty and history. The path winds along Cape Arundel, allowing you to observe coastal vegetation and notable landmarks like Spouting Rock and Blowing Cave. You can also find various viewpoints with benches, perfect for a brief pause to take in the expansive scenery.

Embark on the Peaks Island Land Preserve loop for a moderate jogging experience that spans 4.6 miles (7.4 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 148 feet (45 metres), typically completed in about 46 minutes. As you move along, you will encounter diverse terrain, from paved sections to more natural, uneven paths, all while enjoying expansive ocean views of Casco Bay and the Atlantic. The route guides you through varied habitats, including peaceful forests and wetlands, offering a refreshing escape.

To access this island adventure, you will first enjoy a scenic 20-minute ferry ride from Portland, which many consider part of the overall experience. If you plan to bring your dog, they are welcome on leash, but be ready for potentially muddy and narrow sections within the preserve. For a more tranquil visit, especially during the busy summer months, weekdays are often recommended to avoid larger crowds.

Beyond the natural beauty, the trail offers a glimpse into history with features like Battery Steele, a World War II fortification, adding a unique historical layer to your jog. You can also explore the scenic Davies Sanctuary Trail, which provides lovely views overlooking Elm Tree Cove. Keep an eye out for opportunities for birdwatching as you traverse the preserve, making this route a blend of natural beauty, history, and active recreation.

Embark on a moderate jogging route along the Maine coast, stretching 6.0 miles (9.7 km) from Old Orchard Beach to Town Landing. This mostly paved path offers a consistent run, taking about 59 minutes to complete, with a minimal elevation gain of just 4 feet (1 metre). As you jog, you'll enjoy expansive views of Old Orchard Beach and Saco Bay, often refreshed by ocean breezes. The iconic Old Orchard Beach Pier, with its lively rides and shops, stands out as a prominent landmark along your journey. You can also take in the sights of Surfside Beach, making for a scenic and engaging coastal experience.

Planning your jogging trip along East Grand Avenue is straightforward. The route is known for its accessibility and mostly paved surfaces, making it suitable for various fitness levels. You can generally find parking options in the Old Orchard Beach area to begin your run, providing convenient access to the trailhead. No specific warnings are noted for this trail, so you can focus on enjoying your coastal jog. This route is a popular choice among the running trails in the Old Orchard Beach area.

This jogging route offers a classic coastal Maine experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the lively seaside charm of the region. Beyond the pier, you'll encounter the natural beauty of Saco Bay and Prouts Neck, providing a diverse backdrop to your run. The consistent, flat terrain makes it an excellent option if you are looking for a steady pace without significant climbs. It's a great way to explore the scenic coastline and experience the local atmosphere.