445 Swift River Rd, Byron, Town of, ME 04275, United States of America
Hiking Adventures in Byron Maine: The Best Hiking Trails Near Coos Canyon
If you are looking to vacation in the wild, Maine is the perfect place. Far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Western Maine is a land full of trees and trails. If you are looking to head to the mountains this hiking season, here are some of the best trails you can take for your hiking adventure in Byron, Maine.
Tumbledown Hikes:
Next to Mt. Blue State Park is a large track of State-owned public land, called Tumbledown Public Land. These 10,000 acres of land encompass the Tumbledown Mountain Range and the alpine pond near the summit. This protected, pristine wilderness is open to the public year-round for hiking, biking, swimming, and snow sports. If you are into outdoor recreation, you’ll love Tumbledown. Here are some of the most popular mountain trails:
Length: 5.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,952ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
With stunning views and rugged terrain, this hike is as intimidating as it is beautiful. Often ranked among one of the most difficult trails in Maine, the Tumbledown Mountain Trail is technical and strenuous. The hike will require climbing ladders and maneuvering over boulders and through tight spots, making this trail inaccessible for most children and dogs. One section, sometimes called “Fat Man’s Misery” may also be difficult for hikers with claustrophobia. However, for serious hikers, this trail presents a tantalizing challenge, making it a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts.
The view from the top of the peak is incredible, offering incredible views of the green forest, rolling vistas, and sparkling alpine pond. The best time to hike the trail is May - October, however, the peak of summer will be the safest way to avoid an icy trek.
Tumbledown Parker Ridge Trail (Tumbledown Brook Pond)
Length: 4.8 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,843ft
Route Type: Loop or Out-and-Back
Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
If you want to experience Tumbledown Mountain with your 4-legged companion, this trail is a better option. Depending on the weather this hike can be moderate to difficult, but it will be more accessible to dogs and more adventurous children. The Parker Ridge Loop is less traveled than the traditional Tumbledown Route, but offers incredible views of the pond and the summit, especially if you take the loop via the Brook Trail route.
Once again, the best time to visit this trail is May - October, with the peak of summer being the ideal time to take a dip in the pond.
Length: 4.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,840ft
Route Type: Loop or Out and Back
Difficulty: Moderate
As mentioned above, the Tumbledown Brook Trail can be accessed as part of a loop with the Parker Ridge Trail, or it can be hiked on its own. This trail leads to Crater Lake (aka Tumbledown Pond) and continues on to the Tumbledown East Peak. While this trail is steep in some places, it is the least strenuous of the Tumbledown hikes.
The trail starts on an old logging road before joining a single-track trail by the brook. This trail is safe for dogs and more active children. Once again, this trail is best at the peak of summer when you can enjoy the cool waters of the lake!
Length: 1.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 285ft
Route Type: Out-and-Back
Difficulty: Easy
While this one isn’t exactly
in the Tumbledown Public lands, it does link up to the trails that lead to Tumbledown Pond and Jackson Mountain. This trail is an easy one, safe for children and dogs. It is popular for hiking and snowshoeing in winter, and is usually very quiet during the day. This little connector is perfect for easing your way into the more difficult trails on the list, while still enjoying the forest views.
Other Hikes:
Western Maine is full of beautiful woodlands and mountains. There are several protected “forever-wild” areas to explore. Not every hike near Byron, Maine is directly related to Tumbledown Public Lands. There are many other beautiful trails that you can explore. Here are some of our favorites:
Length: 0.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 32ft
Route Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Starting it off easy is Small Falls. This short hike is located at a rest area along Maine Route 4. The hike itself only takes about 10 minutes to complete, making it the perfect length to stretch your legs after a long car ride. The view of the forge and falls is stunning, and the water is perfect for swimming!
Length: 1.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 200ft
Route Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
Easily one of the most impressive waterfalls in Maine, Angel Falls is a real sight to see. The trail follows streams and brooks up to the falls for a jaw-dropping, “hanging” 90 ft plunge. In high water, the water falls in the shape of an angel’s wing, hence the name.
While the hike itself isn’t particularly long or difficult, you will be crossing water several times. During some seasons the crossing may be dangerous due to slippery rocks, or even impassible due to high water.
Length: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: –
Route Type: Out and Back
Difficulty: Easy - Moderate
Located on Oddy’s Road off Route 16, this trail is near and dear to locals. Quill Hill was established through the efforts of a man named Adrian Brochu, who worked on the road from 2010 until his passing in 2019. The trail is privately owned but open to the public from late May to mid-October.
The road leads to the summit, where there is lots of parking and picnic tables for guests. There is a ¾ mile wheelchair path for increased accessibility, so everyone can enjoy the view! Access is free, but donations of $10 a car or $5 a person are appreciated to help with road maintenance.
Length: - -
Elevation Gain: - -
Route Type: Out-and-Back
Difficulty: Moderate
This beautiful sight is a local secret, waiting to get out! The Devil’s Den is a combination cave, waterfall, and swimming hole near the tiny town of Andover, Maine.
The falls cascade through a forge and into a swimming hole, with the Den itself about 150 away from the swimming hole. In winter the waterfall cave freezes into a spectacular “Poor Man’s Ice Castle”, but in summer the cave is a mossy place of ethereal beauty.
Hiking Tips:
Know Your Route:
Cell coverage and satellite signals are spotty at best in rural Maine, so you can’t rely too heavily on GPS. Some trails are less traveled than others, so asking for directions may not be an option.
Do: Study your route well before you head out, and invest in a map!
Prepare for Weather:
You never know when the weather will turn, especially in the mountains, so you need to be prepared for sunshine, rain, and even snow.
Do: pack sunscreen, a hat, a poncho, a light jacket, bug repellant, and extra socks.
Prepare for Water:
Maine is a wet state, and the trails reflect that. In addition to many of the trails crossing rivers and waterfalls, the trails themselves may be icy, muddy, or waterlogged.
Do: Pack waterproof shoes, extra socks, and a swimsuit for a dip in the swimming holes!
Remember to Refuel:
Many of these trails are long and strenuous. You will likely be walking for hours, and will likely be hungry and dehydrated at some point.
Do: Pack extra water and protein-rich snacks. Electrolytes are also recommended if you are taking a longer hike in summer!
Stay at Coos Canyon:
Byron Maine is the ideal vacation destination for the outdoor enthusiast. With thick forests, flowing streams, and rugged mountains, the swimming, hiking, and camping found here are second to none! And right at the center of all this pristine wilderness is Coos Canyon Campgrounds and Cabins. Reserve your site now!
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