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Franklin, Maine

Looking for the best hiking in Franklin? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Franklin. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Franklin

  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Hike the Bar Island Trail in Acadia NP

    5.0
    1.9 mi / 160 ft gain
    The Bar Island Trail is something I was a little hesitant to do at first, mainly because of my tendency to wander and take a lot longer on a trail than I anticipate. This trail is unique in that you can only access it and Bar Island at low tide by foot (crossing the sand bar) or if you have 4 whe...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Walk the Bar Harbor Shore Path

    4.0
    1.21 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Bar Harbor shore path is a simple walking trail that runs along the eastern shore of Mt. Desert Island. There's little to no elevation change since it's on the water's edge, but the views of this picturesque harbor are always worthwhile.  Despite being a mellow walk, this is something you re...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Cadillac North Ridge Trail

    5.0
    4.15 mi / 1530 ft gain
    The Cadillac North Ridge Trailhead is accessible through Paradise Hill Road once you enter the park through the Hulls Cove Entrance. When driving on route 3 in Bar Harbor, keep an eye out for a sign that says "Acadia National Park Hulls Cove Entrance, Visitor Center Right Lane". Stay in the right...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    HIke the Dorr Mountain Loop via the Tarn Trail

    4.75 mi / 1100 ft gain
    This hike starts from the parking lot of Sieur de Monts Nature Center parking lot, walking on the Wild Gardens Path to the Tarn Trail.  This is a section of the Kane Path so you will not see any mention of a Tarn Trail on the maps for Acadia National Park. The trail runs right along the lake edge...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Hike the Jesup Path & Hemlock Road Loop

    1 mi
    This easy hike starts over a wooden foot bridge to the left of the Wild Gardens Of Acadia.  Here you will take a right on the Jesup Path paralleling the gardens.  You will soon cross the Hemlock Road which will be where you return.  The path now becomes a boardwalk taking you along a boggy area o...
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  • Mount Desert, Maine

    Camp at Mount Desert Campground on Somes Sound

    5.0
    Being in the center of Mt. Desert Island, you are just a quick drive to Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor.This campground offers waterfront and off-waterfront sites.  The waterfront is right along Somes Sound and offers amazing views at anytime of the day.  We went during off season (no reserva...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Explore Cadillac Mountain

    4.8
    0.35 mi
    Seeing the sunrise on top of Cadillac Mountain is an absolute must when in Acadia National Park. Not only is it awesome to catch the first sunrise in the U.S., but the views from Cadillac Mountain are unparalleled. At 1,532 feet, Cadillac Mountain is the highest point along the North Atlantic sea...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Summit Dorr Mountain via the Ladder Trail

    5.0
    3.6 mi / 1100 ft gain
    To find the trail head, drive out of Bar Harbor down Route 3. There are no signs for the trailhead or for parking, so as soon as you pass Tarn Lake on the right, you can pull off and park on the side of the road. Elevation on the ladder trail starts immediately and doesn't let up until you reach...
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  • Mariaville, Maine

    Mariaville Falls

    1.3 mi / 180 ft gain
    Mariaville Falls is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Ellsworth, Maine.
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Precipice Trail of Champlain Mountain

    5.0
    2.0 mi / 1000 ft gain
    The Precipice Trail is one of the most well known trails in Acadia, probably for its difficulty and the fact that it is along the exposed edge of Champlain Mountain.  Much of this trail is more of a climb rather than a usual hike.  You will have to climb and scramble over large rocks as well as c...
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  • Mount Desert, Maine

    Hike the Bubbles Divide Trail to Bubble Rock in Acadia NP

    4.7
    1.16 mi / 300 ft gain
    Bubble Rock is a well-known natural wonder in Acadia National Park.  This large boulder, which was carried by powerful glaciers, is resting precariously on the edge of the summit of South Bubble.  Due to its fairly accessible location, it is a common stop for visitors to the park. The trail begi...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Hike the Beehive Trail, Acadia National Park

    4.9
    1.35 mi / 512 ft gain
    This 1.6 mile round trip trail starts with a moderate grade as you leave the sand beach parking area. After a half a mile you will see a rock pile and you have the option of heading strait for the slower sloping (but less views) trail ahead of you or you can turn to the right and see the steep tr...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Hike to The Bowl in Acadia NP

    4.5
    1.24 mi / 350 ft gain
    The Bowl is a small pond nestled in the mountains of Acadia National Park.  Although it is a great way to relax after completing the challenging Beehive Trail, it can also be reached via a less strenuous out-and-back hike that is just under 1.5 miles. The trailhead is located on Park Loop Road, ...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Hike the Great Head Trail in Acadia NP

    5.0
    1.9 mi / 275 ft gain
    To begin the Great Head Trail hike, you'll want to park at the parking lot for Sand Beach located on the Park Loop Road. From the parking lot, you will cross the beach entirely, which is a nice morning walk in itself, especially on the foggy days Acadia is famous for. When you reach the end of t...
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail

    5.0
    3.14 mi / 692 ft gain
    Ocean Path and Gorham Mountain Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Bar Harbor, Maine.
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  • Bar Harbor, Maine

    Relax at Sand Beach, Acadia National Park

    4.5
    Sand Beach is located off the Park Loop Road on the east side of Mt. Desert Island. Signs for the beach will make it difficult to miss.  Once there you can park your car and walk down some steps to the beach. There are restrooms and changing areas close by. On the beach you will be able to la...
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