From the rugged coastline to glacial erratics, Maine’s rocks are interesting places to explore with your dog. These are just a few of our favorite places to visit around the state. Please click on the highlighted name for more information regarding dog rules and directions.
Beech Valley Trail, Southwest Harbor: Most people visit Acadia National Park for its mountaintop views and scenic coastline. However, if you’re looking for a different perspective, visit the Beech Valley Trail in Southwest Harbor, Maine. When hiking this boulder strewn trail, surrounded by sheer cliffs towering overhead on one side, and steep drop-offs to the forested valley below on the other, we couldn’t help but find ourselves looking for mythical creatures and dinosaurs around every turn.
Orris Falls, South Berwick: Seeking balance in your life? We suggest taking a hike at Orris Falls to view the balancing rock, a glacial erratic that has been the subject of local folklore, and makes Chuck Billy wonder why his compass doesn’t work there.
Jasper Beach, Machiasport: Named for the millions of wave polished stones that cover this pocket beach, Jasper Beach doesn’t actually consist of jasper, but instead geologists insist most of the rocks are rhyolite. Regardless of what the stones are, the music they make as the tide rolls in and out is hypnotic, and the sea caves that have formed in the bedrock surrounding the beach are interesting to explore.
Hedgehog Mountain, Freeport: Hedgehog Mountain is more of a hill than a mountain. Its summit is a quick half-mile hike that is short but steep. However, if you follow the Stone Wall and Foundation Trails, you will see how the families who once called this area home used Maine’s rocks to line their fields and build foundations.
Giant’s Stairs, Harpswell: This in and out cliff walk is approximately a mile long and skirts the rugged coastline on a footpath through fragrant beach roses with breathtaking views of Casco Bay, and scenic overlooks perfect for watching the surf and wildlife. In fact, the name Giant’s Stairs refers to the interesting erosion pattern of the rocks due to the waves crashing on the weather-beaten cliffs.
