Maine is home to nearly 32,000 miles of rivers, ranging from mighty flows like the St. John, the Androscoggin, the Kennebec, and the Penobscot, to the Saco, the Salmon Falls, the Piscataqua, and the St. Croix. Two of Maine’s rivers, the Allagash and the York, are federally designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Countless other rivers of varying lengths, widths, and characters complete this enormous network.
Spend some time wandering along one of Maine’s rivers, and you’ll no doubt be amazed and awed by their power and beauty. You’ll also be thankful for their preservation as important ecological and recreational resources. Open your Maine Atlas and Gazetteer wide and peruse its colorful pages to find a river to explore this autumn or winter with your boots, snowshoes, or skis.
Here’s a look at six river gems to consider for a fun riverside ramble.
### Middle River
The Middle River meanders for about 6 miles from its source at Marks Lake in Marshfield to join the Machias River just east of Machias proper. At this meeting point, you’ll find the Downeast Coastal Conservancy’s 100-acre Middle River Park. Three miles of trails wind through the property, the former site of St. Regis Farm, where draft horses and cattle were pastured during the era of great log drives on the Machias River.
Make it a hiking two-fer with a visit to the nearby Machias River Preserve.
### Bagaduce River
The tidal Bagaduce River runs 14 miles from Walker Pond in Brooksville to Penobscot Bay at Castine. Near the river’s source in Sedgwick, you’ll find Snow’s Cove and a Blue Hill Heritage Trust preserve encompassing 109 acres. Two footpaths, the Fern Trail and the Shore Trail, combine for just under 2 miles of hiking with lovely views westward over the wide Bagaduce.
For another great perspective of the river, check out the 1-mile trail at Bluff Head Preserve, located just a short distance up the road.
### Seboeis Riverside Trail
Starting from Grand Lake Road in T6 R7 WELS northwest of Shin Pond, the Seboeis Riverside Trail leads 7 miles to its southern trailhead at Philpott Bridge. The 2-mile section to the falls at Grand Pitch and beyond to Snowshoe Lodge—a day-use cabin—is the most popular. However, hardy trekkers are welcome to tackle the entire length.
The trail corridor is owned by Penobscot River Trails, which also operates the impressive Penobscot River Trails system in nearby Soldiertown Township.
### Riverbrook Preserve
Located in Waldoboro, the Riverbrook Preserve protects more than 1.5 miles along the Medomak River, which itself extends 40 miles from Liberty to Muscongus Bay. Owned and managed by the Midcoast Conservancy, this 371-acre parcel also includes 2 miles along Meadow Brook. It stands as one of the largest undivided blocks of wildlife habitat in this part of the Midcoast.
The River Loop, Brook Loop, Farm Road, and several shorter paths combine for about 4 miles of wonderful woods and waters wandering.
### Presumpscot River
The Presumpscot River forms part of the boundary between Portland and Falmouth before it empties into Casco Bay after a 26-mile run from its source at Sebago Lake. Portland Trails is the steward of the Presumpscot River Preserve, which protects the final section of the 10-mile, cross-town Forest City Trail.
Follow the path through Oat Nuts Park to the river, then amble along to the roaring Presumpscot River Falls—the former site of the Smelt Hill Dam, which was removed in 2002—at trail’s end.
### Salmon Falls River at Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park
At Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park in South Berwick, you can stroll through century-old stands of white pine and hemlock alongside a lovely stretch of the Salmon Falls River. This 38-mile-long river flows into the Piscataqua River just a mile to the south; both rivers form part of the state boundary with New Hampshire.
Follow the River Run and Bridle Path for a delightful 2.5-mile loop. Don’t miss the short side trail to the historic Hamilton House (circa 1785), which offers a commanding view downriver—perfect for a post-hike moment of reflection.
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In addition to these six highlights, Maine offers many other wonderful river hikes, including:
– St. Croix at Devil’s Head (Calais)
– West Branch of the Pleasant River (Gulf Hagas)
– Stillwater River (Orono)
– Oyster River (Thomaston)
– Stroudwater River (Portland)
– Scarborough River (Scarborough)
– Batson River (Kennebunkport)
– Kennebunk River (Kennebunk)
– Ogunquit and York Rivers (York)
There’s no better time than now to get out and explore Maine’s magnificent riversides. Lace up your boots or strap on your snowshoes — adventure awaits!
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/10/31/enjoy-the-power-and-beauty-of-maines-rivers-on-these-hikes/
