9 Easy-to-Moderate Hikes Near Poland, Maine

Discover the natural, rugged beauty of Maine on these easy-to-moderate hikes. Few things can feel as completely rewarding as heading out on a new trail to see where it leads. With many of these hikes only a 5-20 minute drive away, guests of Wolf Cove Inn love to get outside and explore. Each one offers something unique — stunning views of Sebago Lake, the Presidential Mountains, glacial boulders, and natural caves.

“Look deep into nature
and you will understand everything better.”
— Albert Einstein

 With every footfall, you’ll experience something inspirational coming from the simplicity of putting one foot in front of the other over and over again. These steps propel you forward, upward, or wherever the path may lead, creating a sense of empowerment. 

Getting outdoors on a solo adventure or with your favorite hiking partner is the best medicine. It helps clear your mind, restores your soul, and rejuvenates your body in ways nothing else can. 

Here’s our list of easy-to-moderate hikes near Poland, Maine, with a few bonuses at the end.

“Of all the paths you take in life,
make sure a few of them are dirt.”
— John Muir

The Poland Trail Committee and many volunteers constructed this interconnected hiking trail system and christened it “The Heart of Poland Conservation Area” in 2015. 

The network of 5 trails extends almost 3 miles taking you up and down hills, through valleys and along forested creeks. Dog friendly.

• Huntress Trail (red diamond): Follow the trail for about 0.4 miles, and you’ll come to the first site along the way, a pretty little vernal pool. This pool is a springtime breeding ground for frogs and salamanders.

• White Oak Trail (white diamond): Just passed the vernal pool, the Huntress and White Oak Trails meet. Known for its stand of white oaks, this trail continues for just over a half mile. Since these trees were used to build ships in Colonial times, they are unique to Poland and not found north of here.

• Cave Trail (blue diamond): Years ago, molten rock formed a small cave and dike formation. The trail is less than a mile long and provides an interesting diversion to your hike.

• Ricker Trail (yellow diamond): Both ends of this quarter-of-a-mile trail hook up with the Huntress Trail. Although it’s short, this section of The Heart of Poland has a moderate uphill trek (downhill is fairly easy).

• Quarry Trail: This trail is mostly for a sightseeing adventure. Walking in and back out just a short way, you’ll find a stone quarry that dates back to the early 1900s.

For details and a trail map, visit their post on the Maine Trail Finder website.

The Bragdon Hill Conservation Area is a system of approximately 3.5 miles of trails well-marked by tree blazes. They pass through forests of beech and hemlock. It’s an easy hike, although it can be muddy in spots. Rest assured that a series of bog bridges will help you navigate the worst of them. Dog friendly.

Another easy-to-moderate hiking option near Poland, Maine, is just a 10-minute drive to Raymond. The Bri Mar Trail leads from the small parking area off Webbs Mills Road up the slope of Rattlesnake Mountain. Follow the main path towards the summit, avoiding the short spurs that lead to the right, for an exquisite view of Sebago Lake and the Presidential Range. 

Round trip, this trail is a short 3 miles, with a modest elevation gain of 600 feet. Not dog-friendly.

Insider tip: There’s a great hole-in-the-wall sandwich shop at the intersection of Route 11 and Webbs Mills Road (also known as Route 85) called Webbs Mills Eats. They have some unique sandwiches there, a favorite being the Turkey Reuben.

The main draw to this state park is the pond itself for swimming, picnicking, and fishing. However, for the casual hiker, two miles of easy trekking along old logging trails makes for a delightful afternoon in the great outdoors. A canopy of white birch and maple trees plays host to a variety of songbirds, and the observant hiker may encounter white-tailed deer. Dog friendly.

Insider tip:  The park extends to the other side of Empire Road across from the main entrance. The 5 miles of hiking trails are even more interesting, with swamp views, a little stream that has cut a valley through the area and some nice terrain changes and scenery. Park in the small, dirt parking lot at the trailhead across the street from the main entrance.

If you’re looking for a remote location, look no further than the Libby Hills Trails in Gray, Maine. You’ll find a network of easy-to-moderate hikes. In addition, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers use these trails. 

For those who want just a stroll, the Turkey Trot, Moose Odyssey, and Deer Run trails offer easy walking. However, if you’re looking for something more challenging, tackle the Holmquist Hollow trail. Dog friendly.

At 165 acres, Roberts Farm Preserve extends over 165 acres and offers a little something for everyone, including an ADA-compliant loop trail. In fact, this 8-foot wide, well-groomed trail leads to a gorgeous view of Lake Pennesseewassee and the mountains. 

Located in nearby Norway, Maine, runners, hikers, and mountain bikers frequent this easily accessible preserve. In winter, the trails are maintained for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. On weekends, you can check out gear for free at the Warming Hut. Dog friendly.

Also in Norway, this 4.5-mile network of trails traverses undulating farmland and the woods of Crockett Ridge. Tackle the 2-mile Witt Swamp Trail or the easier half-mile Half Witt Trail. What’s more, the Shepard Farm Preserve is part of the state-wide Langlais Art Trail, featuring 6 of the artist’s sculptures. Dog friendly.

The Witt Swamp Preserve is named after Benjamin Witt, Norway’s first blacksmith. This 141-acre piece of property offers a mile-long loop trail that meanders through peaceful forests of birch, oak and hemlock. Along the way, you’ll stumble upon glacial boulders, a cedar boardwalk, and stone steps. It’s exquisitely beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom. In the fall, you’ll find wild mushrooms dotting the landscape. Dog friendly.

Head toward Auburn, Maine, to Mount Apatite for an opportunity to search for the tailings of an old quarry once noted for gem-quality tourmaline. The moderately difficult Blue Loop Trail links abandoned quarry sites with slag piles and giant boulders. The steep ledges are not for the faint of heart. However, the wildflowers that bloom in the spring are a stunning reward for the effort. Near the quarry, you’ll discover a pond with lots of tadpoles in the spring and frogs later in the season. Dog friendly.

Are you a morning hiker headed to Norway and want to grab some lunch on the way back to the Inn? There’s an excellent clam/lobster shack on Route 26 that’s midway between Norway and the Inn. It’s called The Lost Gull, and they have delicious fried clams, lobster rolls and great haddock chowder.

Perhaps you’re going out for an afternoon hike in Norway. If so, you may want to stop and experience some of the local craft beer scene. Norway Brewing Company and Oxbow Beer Garden are two places you’ll pass on your way back to the Inn. Check out our Western Maine Beer Trail blog for more information.

When nature’s canvas begins to display vibrant foliage in crimson reds, golden yellows, and shades of orange. It’s a fantastic time to get outside, explore, and take in the kaleidoscope of Maine’s gorgeous autumn color. Here are four hikes where you’ll experience spectacular views.

• Rattlesnake Mountain: You’ll experience great ledge views of the foliage dancing around the many beautiful lakes, including Crescent Lake, Panther Pond and Sebago Lake. At the farthest point on the hike (it’s only just under 3 miles total out and back), you’ll even spot the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Hike details and directions can be found here. This hike has a great reward-to-effort ratio! And trust me, the foliage views are truly unforgettable.

• Singlepole Mountain: You’ll find two paths leading to the summit. One is easy with a spot or two of pitch. The other is strenuous. Once at the top, the rewards are terrific — panoramic views of the Oxford Hills, White Mountains and Hall Pond. Dog friendly. 

• Bradbury Mountain: There’s a lot to discover here. Choose from a variety of easy-to-moderate trails to explore. At the summit, you’ll experience a 360° view of fall foliage over farmland and open spaces. On clear days, you can even see the Atlantic Ocean.

• Little Bigelow Mountain: This moderate-to-advanced hike is so worth it! You'll catch breathtaking views of Flagstaff Lake along the way. Once you reach the summit, get ready for an awesome view of Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Resort. This will be a full-day adventure — a 2-hour drive to Bigelow and a 3-4 hour hike. Bring plenty of water and energy food. If you need trekking poles, we offer them first-come, first-served.

So, break out those hiking boots! Plan your next visit to see us at the Wolf Cove Inn, where you can enjoy these easy-to-moderate hikes near Poland, Maine, and more! Reserve some “Fire & Ice” therapy in our sauna and ice bath as a great way to recover and rejuvenate after a day of hiking and exploring.

 

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