Top 10 Fall Hikes (within 2 hrs of Portland)

Foliage season is almost over and winter is fast approaching, so get outside and enjoy where we live before the snow gets here! Here's a guide by quick guide with options for everyone at any level by our own hiking expert Cassie Panetta: ​

1.  Sebago lake Songo River Trail (​EASY ) 
2.1 miles 82 feet elevation gain 
40 mins from Portland 
Very easy to do, not very high up but hike along water most of the time 
Great for sunrise or sunset

2. Maiden Cliff Trail (EASY)
2 miles 734 feet elevation gain 
2 hours from Portland 
Beautiful small hike with Megunticook lake views at the summit 

3. Bradbury Mountain Summit & Northern Loop Trail (EASY) 
2.2 miles 305 feet elevation gain
35 mins from Portland 
Great place for all skill levels and pets. An easy hike to get to a great view and have a picnic. 

​4. Whitecap Mountain (MODERATE) 
5.2 miles 1,578 feet elevation gain 
1hr 30min from Portland 
Steep to start and sweet to end with 360 views of mountains in the background

​5) Tumbledown Mountain (HARD)
5.3 miles 1,952 feet elevation gain 
2 hours from Portland 
There is a “chimney” portion where you have to pull yourself up using metal rungs if you chose the loop trail. The peak leads to a charming pond and grand views

​6) Pleasant Mountain (EASY)
3.3 miles 1,512 feel elevation gain 
1hr from Portland 
Trail can be buggy when the weather is warm, but there are beautiful views the whole way up, and is the tallest mountain in Southern Maine

​7) South Moat Mountain (MODERATE) 
5 miles 2,103 feet elevation gain 
1hr 30min from Portland 
Forest setting to start followed by panoramic views of surrounding ranges

​8) Blueberry Mountain (Evans Notch) (MODERATE)
6.6 miles with 1502 feet elevation gain 
1hr 30min from Portland 
Can be a difficult trail to navigate as there are not many signs, but do your research and you will not be disappointed. Beautiful rivers and waterfalls along the hike to a beautiful summit

​9) Bald Mountain  (MODERATE) 
2.3 miles 931 feet elevation gain
2 hours from Portland 
Short but challenging passing over boulders. The top has an old fire tower with great views 

10) Champney Brook Trail to Mt. Chocorua (MODERATE)
6.6 miles 2224 feet elevation gain
1hr 30min from Portland 
Long cascading waterfall with many small pools to start. The summit sits along large boulders with full 360 views of mountains 

What to wear:

• comfortable sneakers or hiking boots
• under layer that is water resistant or allows you to sweat and cool off easily 
• Warm jacket for the summit 

What to bring:

• backpack for the hike to carry 
• water/drinks
• snacks/lunch

Other useful things to bring:

• sunscreen
• sunglasses