Not every trail in Maine has to be a challenging route to a summit. Some of the best trails are the ones that allow us to move slowly and really appreciate all the things around us. While this boardwalk nature trail isn't a total breeze, it does offer a chance to take your time and take in everything that Maine has to offer.
The Orono Bog Boardwalk is one of the best ways to get to know the beauty of a typical Maine bog.
The 1-mile trail is a loop, making it simple to follow.
The trail begins in the Bangor City Forest and about 800 feet into the route, the trail crosses into Orono. This the portion officially owned by the University of Maine.
The trail is a great way to see a variety of nature systems, including all sorts of vegetation. There are plants, trees, flowers and animals.
The boardwalk ultimately leads to the bog which is covered in a peat moss carpeting.
The bog laurel and cotton sedge growing in the open bog make this trip a colorful one!
The trail is constantly being revitalized and much of the work happens during the off-season. Don't be surprised if you show up in May to find a completely revamped bog experience!
While the infrastructure is nice, it's the views here that keep us coming back many times in a single season.
There's so much to learn through the educational placards that exist throughout the bog, especially as the seasons change.
The summer is our favorite time to visit, but it stays open until mid-October which means there's an opportunity for some incredible fall foliage. If you can't make it before summer is over, grabd a sweater and come take in the American Larch, Tamarack and Hackmatack that makes this a great walk to take in the fall!
The Orono Bog Boardwalk is open in mid-May through Labor Day from 7 a.m. to 6:30p.m. The rest of September it's open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From October 1st to October 15th you can visit from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can learn more about it through the official website and on Facebook.
For more relaxing Maine hikes, check out these 13 options that will take you into the nature of Vacationland.
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