I visited Maine for the first time last month and spent the morning of my arrival strolling through the Bangor City Forest. I was with a friend who lives on Mount Desert Island, but since I didn't have time to go out to Acadia National Park, he settled on showing me this place. I guess you Maine folk must be used to Maine scenery, but I was completely astonished by this park. 680 acres of pristine forest, beautiful and majestic. The leaves were starting to turn, and everywhere I looked, I saw lush greenery lighting up with the warm colors of fall. We did a loop on the incredible Orono Bog Boardwalk then strolled through another network of peaceful, picturesque trails. I'm a reluctant hiker in rather pathetic physical condition, and on this particular morning, I was fresh off a redeye from California. But with the clean autumn air and the flat, easy trails, I never even ran out of breath. I think grandparents and small children could cover a lot of ground here without any trouble. I know Bangor City Forest has "City" in its name, but it made this city mouse think of how old-timey doctors would prescribe country air as a cure for various illnesses. I was sorry I only had one day in Maine. A week of nature walks would have been quite restorative. read more

What a lovely place. My husband and I spent the afternoon strolling around the forest. There are multiple trails you can choose, almost all of the trails are family friendly. read more

See all

The trails are beautiful and connect to a system of trails in Bangor up into Orono. There are what i would consider spacious walking trails with narrower side paths that connect to the main trails. There are several geocaches too if you are into that. Mix of walkers, joggers, bikes. Dog friendly - have to have a leash. My ownly complaint which i didnt let affect my rating is dog owners leaving dog poo and the occasional unleashed dog read more

This is one of my favorite trails to hit in the Bangor area. There are over 17 miles of serene paths to traverse, including the famous Orono Bog Boardwalk (no dogs allowed on the boardwalk). The trails are fairly well marked, and there are new informative signs that have gone up in 2017. The major trails form two big loops (like a figure eight) and take about 1.5hours to complete at a nice walking pace. Criss-crossing throughout the major trails (Loop and Main/Shannon) are smaller trails named after animals (deer, bobcat, moose, etc) with their mileage marked as well. These trails are significantly smaller and often not groomed as well so beware of sticks, stumps and rocks. The East/West Loop trail is very long and runs around the outside of the two major trails. This loop is well-maintained and marked for mileage as well, with cut throughs to get back to the main paths. The entire loop is 3.8mi. I love to walk the pup through the arboretum and up the landfill hill near the beaver pond. Lots of space for the dog, and often the road less traveled. There are two parking areas, one off Kittridge Road and another further up Stillwater on Tripp Drive. Both have plenty of parking and access to the major loop trails. The more common parking area (and closest to the Bog Boardwalk) is Tripp Drive. Dogs are allowed in the park, on leash, but regularly I see them off leash- don't let your dog drink the running water as it's rumored to be contaminated from the Beaver Pond. In the winter this park is full of cross country skiers and snow shoers and in the summer there are plenty of mountain bikers. If you are walking on the smaller trails, keep your eyes open and let the faster moving pass you. The trails off East-West Loop connect to the Bangor Land Trust walking areas as well as the Veazie Railroad Bed with connection to Walden Parkway trails as well. Truly a great place to "get lost in the woods" without having to leave the city! read more

See all

The address is 100 Tripp Dr, Bangor, ME. Some of the navigation apps have the wrong address for this place. Very beautiful and peaceful. Has a gravel path suitable for mountain bikes or walking. If you're visiting Bangor and are looking for some easy hiking/walking trails, this a good choice. read more

How come this place is not on YELP! So hanging here in Bangor Maine and getting to the Maine way of doing things (to a point) and a local tourist center recommended this place. For the city people, the tall green things are called TREES! This place is great! Bring the bike, two legged family and heck bring the four legged children as well! GREAT place to get out and just walk.... There are several trails here. The one that I traveled were well maintained and better than any New England over glorified goat path! Some of the path ways were paved, packed or board-walked... I actually didn't see any true New England goat paths and I was pleasantly surprised by that... So I tackled that Bog Walk. This Bog is relatively firm compared to others that I have traveled. The boardwalk was very well maintained, you can tell they take good care of this natural wonder. The walk from the car through the bog was probably pushing two miles (yes john, I walked that far and yes I did nearly died!) So any who... the Bog had a great mix of habitats and sun/shade areas. Some spots "squishy" as the boardwalk is floating on water... it's TOTALLY COOL! Parking is ample. Bring bug spray, this is Maine remember. It appears that this is open year round for cross-country skiers and snow shoe'rs (yes that a word, look it up, it's in the Maine Dictionary) There is constant day time traffic... Bring water and a lunch too... you can't pass up an opportunity to steal a bit more time here! On heads up... this place I hear, but can't confirm has a "night life." I was told that this place is not the place to be at night. See you on the Bog Walk.... read more

Lovely walking trails that are fairly well groomed and well marked. The forest is full of spring ephemerals (flowers) early in the spring. Absolutely stunning.many more amazing plants growing in the bog. I have viewed pitcher plants, orchids and even a sundew! Highly recommended for plant lovers, read more

The bog boardwalk was a wonderful, easy stroll. Amazing habitat with pitcher plants growing all along the trail! Definitely worth the short detour off 95 to visit. read more