Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting to explore Maine’s natural beauty with your four-legged companion, Greater Bangor offers several opportunities to hit the trails together.
I picked these five spots for their accessibility, expansive trail networks and substantial acreage. As someone who regularly explores the outdoors with my dog Annie, we’ve visited and thoroughly enjoyed each of these destinations.
Bangor City Forest
Approximately 2 miles from downtown, easy to moderate trails
This is the closest and most convenient option. It has over 9 miles of trails that are maintained year-round and groomed in winter. You’ll regularly see wildlife such as hares and deer, and last week I encountered a black bear just ten feet away on the trail. Despite being near the city, it feels remote enough to truly enjoy nature.
Walden-Parke Preserve
Adjacent to City Forest, easy to moderate trails
This 205-acre preserve, accessed from Essex Street, offers both hiking and biking trails and connects to some of the trails in the City Forest. This interconnection allows outdoor enthusiasts to extend their adventures beyond the preserve’s boundaries, creating opportunities for longer excursions.
Caribou Bog Conservation Area
15 minute drive north, easy trails
North of these locations is the Caribou Bog Conservation Area – one of several properties owned by the Orono Land Trust. It consists of 88 acres of forest, wetlands and portions of the old Veazie Railroad Bed. There are trails for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and biking. This is also a great place to bird watch.
Perch Pond Recreation Trails
20 minute drive northwest, easy to moderate trails
The Perch Pond Recreation Trails are northwest of the city and accessed off of Kirkland Road. I brought a spinning rod with me on my hike and caught a few white perch right off the trail. Multiple trail access points offer pond views, though thick vegetation can challenge anglers trying to cast around the brush. This location offers natural water sources for dogs on warmer days.
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge
25 minute drive to Milford, easy to moderate trails
Sunkhaze Meadows National Wildlife Refuge offers an escape into Maine’s pristine wetlands, just a short drive from Bangor to Milford. The refuge features four well-maintained trails ranging from easy boardwalk strolls to longer loop hikes through diverse habitats including peat bogs, wet meadows and floodplain forests.
There’s no shortage of great hiking spots in the area. If you want to keep things local at first, check out Bangor Greendrinks’ excellent trail map – it covers all the best routes around Bangor.
A quick note for fellow dog lovers: being aware of leash rules helps everyone have a great time on the trails. It protects wildlife, keeps other hikers comfortable and ensures your dog stays safe. And don’t forget to pack out what you pack in so these amazing places stay beautiful for the next adventure.