Exploration of the Unbroken Backcountry Spanning 100 Miles
Embark on a journey through some of Maine's most stunning fall hikes, featuring the Third Mountain Trail and the breathtaking Gulf Hagas.
The Third Mountain Trail, nestled within Baxter State Park, offers panoramic views of the Katahdin region. This trail starts from Gorman Chairback or can be accessed at the trailhead on Chairback Mountain Road. The trail intersects with the white-blazed Appalachian Trail (AT) and offers views of Long Pond and the Barren-Chairback Range.
On the other hand, Gulf Hagas, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Maine,” is a spectacular gorge hike. This hike showcases a series of waterfalls, plunging cliffs, and natural cascades through a remote and rugged wilderness area. The hike is on private property with a fee for access, making it a unique and dramatic experience.
Other Notable Fall Hikes in Maine
- Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail, Acadia National Park: Offering spectacular ocean and mountain vistas, this trail includes some exposed cliffs and rewarding views.
- Ocean Trail, Acadia National Park: Scenic coastal views and walks along Sand Beach make this trail a must-visit.
- Eastern Promenade Trail, Portland: This urban hike provides city and harbor views, offering a different perspective of Maine's beauty.
- Precipice Trail, Mount Desert Island: Known for steep climbs and scenic rewards, this challenging trail features ladders and iron rungs.
- Gorham Mountain Trail, Acadia National Park: A moderate hike with coastal vistas and rocky summits, this trail is another gem in Acadia National Park.
- Bubble Rock Trail, Acadia National Park: Family-friendly and moderate, this trail offers views of the famous glacial erratic “Bubble Rock” and surrounding lakes.
- Chimney Pond Trail, Baxter State Park: This moderate trail leads to views of Katahdin and surrounding peaks, including alpine terrain.
- Black Mountain and Deboullie Mountain Loop: A quieter trail north of Baxter State Park, this trail offers forested summit views and is perfect for fall foliage.
Unique Features of Gulf Hagas and the Third Mountain Trail
Gulf Hagas boasts a dramatic gorge with multiple cascades and waterfalls along a remote, rugged trail on private land with entry fees. The Third Mountain Trail, on the other hand, provides alpine views overlooking the Katahdin massif with fragile tundra vegetation and high elevation scenery.
Planning Your Adventure
To make reservations at AMC Lodges and Huts, call (603) 466-2727, available Monday through Saturday 9am-5pm. For general questions, conditions information, and trail advice, visit the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. You can contact them by phone at (603) 466-2721 every day from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM or by email at amcpinkhaminfo@our website.
Prime foliage is expected in the next few days, making this the perfect time to plan your adventure. So, grab your gear, and let's hit the trails!
Note: The exact list of top 10 fall hikes including the Third Mountain Trail and Gulf Hagas isn't comprehensively detailed in the search results, but integrating known popular trails with these two specific trails gives a representative list of top fall hiking spots in Maine.
Additional Activities
At Little Lyford and Gorman, kayaks and canoes are available for use, and there is also excellent fly fishing. Near Little Lyford Cabins, the Nation's Nature Trail is an easy 1.3-mile loop hike with 12 interpretive stations and passes through wetlands, woodlands, and The Pinnacle.
The surrounding area was once used for smelting operations for Katahdin Iron Works. Logs were driven down the Gulf for use as fuel in these operations.
The weather during the trip was rainy, but the outlook for the next few days, including this weekend, is looking fantastic. The Laurie's Ledge Trail provides views of the Lyford Ponds and can be extended to Indian Mountain for views into the 100 Mile Wilderness towards Gulf Hagas and White Cap Mountains.
Enjoy the beauty of Maine's fall foliage, pristine wilderness, rugged coastlines, and mountain alpine zones as you embark on these top fall hikes. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, there's a trail for everyone to enjoy. Happy hiking!
Embracing the unique elements of each trail, one can venture into the picturesque fall hikes of Maine, led by the home-and-garden ambiance of the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland, the sports-inspired challenge of the Precipice Trail on Mount Desert Island, and the outdoor-living experiences offered by the Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail and Gorham Mountain Trail within Acadia National Park. It's also worth a try to engage in the lifestyle of adventurous boat travel along the waters at Little Lyford and Gorman, complementing the Gulf Hagas and Third Mountain Trail hikes.
