Maine's Hiking Haven In The Foothills Of The Appalachian Mountains Has A Hidden Cave

It can be very hard to escape the crowds on the hiking trails in Maine. So sometimes, you need to leave the well-trodden spots behind. You might not see anyone else on the path up Mount Tire'm. You might also find a hidden cave at the top of the mountain.

The Pine Tree State beckons hikers with its beautiful, protected landscapes. Maine is home to Acadia National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. It's also home to two national monuments, Frances Perkins and Katahdin Woods & Waters, and the end of a national scenic trail. That trail, the 2,197-mile Appalachian Trail, is the longest hiking trail in the entire world. Check out a first-timer's ultimate guide to the Appalachian Trail if you're considering the long hike. You'll also find 32 state parks in Maine. Mount Tire'm is not in any of these parks, though. The small mountain, which is just over 1,100 feet high, is in Waterford. The tiny town is in the foothills of the White Mountain National Forest, the perfect destination for your next camping trip.

It's an easy, 45-mile trip to Waterford from Portland, the largest city in Maine. Portland is one of the underrated cities in the Northern U.S. you shouldn't skip visiting. Its Portland International Jetport (PWM) receives nonstop flights from many cities on the east coast. You'll pass through the picturesque Lake Region of Maine as you drive northwest.

The Daniel Brown Trail, which leads to the summit of Mount Tire'm, begins in the center of Waterford. Though the trail is unmarked, it's easy to find on Plummer Hill Road. There's even a small, unpaved parking area at the base. The out-and-back trail is not very difficult. It's also a short hike that's only 1.4 miles long. Some people might skip this trail due to its ease and length. But, as you will soon see, the view from the top is worth it.

The beginning of the Daniel Brown Trail is a bit steep. It's an uphill climb, through the forest, for the first half mile. You'll quickly be rewarded, though. That initial steep climb brings you to an open rock shelf. It has a view of Keoka Lake, a small lake in Waterford that's stocked with brook trout.

After your break for photos and a sip of water, the trail continues a bit higher to the top of Mount Tire'm. At the summit, you'll find a granite ledge and amazing views. In addition to Keoka Lake, you can now see Bear Pond and Long Lake in the distance to the south. You can also look for "the Bear Cave" that's tucked beneath the trees. It's a series of small caves within a large boulder. This is called a glacial erratic, since it was dropped in this spot by a glacier.

It's an easy hike back down the quiet Daniel Brown Trail after enjoying "the Bear Cave" and the view from the top of Mount Tire'm. Since the trail was fairly short, you have plenty of time to explore the rest of Waterford before heading back to Portland. The center of town is designated the Waterford Historic District, naturally full of historic buildings. Its oldest building, the Lake House, was a tavern that was built in 1797.

Waterford sits on Keoka Lake's western shore, so there's a small public boat ramp and a little beach with wooden picnic tables. You can also go swimming and kayaking at the beach. More hiking trails lie south of Keoka Lake. Hawk Mountain is part of the Hatch Preserve, which has nearly 150 acres of donated land. The preserve has three easy hiking trails. The Hawk Mountain Trail leads to Hawk Mountain Lookout. It, too, has a gorgeous view at the top. A second path to the lookout follows the Cyrus and Hannibal Trails. While several shorter paths — Cyrus, Europe, Eleazer, Africa, America — combine into a loop trail that's popular with birdwatchers. In winter, these trails open up to cross-country skiers and snowshoers.

This little pocket of Maine, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, may not have the famous parks that lure people to the state, but it's still a spectacular hiking haven. Its hidden caves might just have to remain a secret, though.