Hiking Chick Hill, near Bangor, Maine: A Hidden Gem with Epic Views
Chick Hill, located just outside Bangor in Clifton, Maine, is one of the very first hikes I did when I moved to the area. It’s a quick, easy hike, perfect for all skill levels, and has become a go-to for me, especially after work or even at night for some stargazing. If you’re local, you absolutely have to add this one to your list. It’s the perfect pre-brunch hike, and you can easily bring dogs or kids along for the adventure.
There are a couple of ways to reach the summit of Chick Hill. The easiest route is via the road, which I recommend if you’re new to the area, as the other trails aren’t well-marked. Also known as Peaked Mountain, Chick Hill is just 30 minutes from Bangor and offers a peaceful escape into nature, delivering stunning panoramic views with minimal effort. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick morning hike or just want to soak in the beauty of Maine’s wilderness, Chick Hill is the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Did you find this post helpful? CLICK THIS LINK TO LEAVE ME A TIP!
Getting to Chick Hill in Clifton, Maine
Parking for Chick Hill is pretty easy to find, once you find it. It’s very easy to drive by Chick Hill Road, so if you haven’t been there, or even if you have, put this in your GPS. Once you take the road, it’s a short drive to the parking lot, and you’ll see a makeshift sign that says Chick Hill, which will direct you to the road, or the trails if you’re so inclined!
Trail Stats for Chick Hill - Peaked Mountain
Trail Stats according to All Trails
Distance: Approximately 2.9 miles
Elevation: Approximately 830 feet
Time: An hour and a half, more if you have lunch up top.
Kids: Yes!
Dogs: Yes!
Winter: Yes, bring microspikes
Hiking Chick Hill near Bangor
Trail Overview
- Location: Clifton, Maine (off Route 9, near the Airline Road)
- Distance: ~1.6 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 510 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate (short, but with a steep section)
- Trailhead: Parking is available on Chick Hill Road, just off Route 9.
This is a great hike for families, beginner hikers, or anyone short on time but eager for big rewards. The trail may be short, but it packs in some fantastic scenery. On a clear day, you’ll get sweeping views of Mount Desert Island, Cadillac Mountain, and the surrounding forests that stretch out for miles.
What to Expect on the Trail
The trail begins with a gentle, forested incline through classic Maine woods filled with birch, spruce, and pine. As you start, you’ll notice the fresh scent of evergreens and the quiet calm that defines Maine’s wilderness. After a short walk, the trail begins to steepen, and you’ll encounter some rocky sections—this is where things get fun!
The steep climb isn’t too long, but it might get your heart rate up. Use your hands to scramble over a few boulders if needed. In the winter or early spring, ice can make this section slippery, so consider bringing traction devices if you’re hiking during those seasons.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll be greeted by jaw-dropping, 360-degree views. The expansive vista includes glimpses of the Downeast coast and distant mountain ranges to the west. Chick Hill’s summit is largely open, so take your time to enjoy the scenery, snap some photos, and soak in the solitude.
Chick Hill is a pretty gradual rise up a wide gravel path, that is used as a road to get up to the communications towers located on top of the hill. It makes the climb nice and steep! You do need to look out for the occasional trial vehicle that will take the gravel path, however they travel at a very low rate of speed because of the conditions of the path. Once you reach the top of Chick Hill/Peaked Mountain, you will see a chain link fence that is the communications tower. Keep going past the tower and there are views to the right and also to the left. I especially love the view of Acadia National Park and Mount Desert Island from the summit!
The Best Times to Visit
While Chick Hill is beautiful any time of year, the best seasons to hike here are late spring through fall. Fall is particularly magical, with the surrounding forests turning a stunning array of oranges, yellows, and reds. The cooler temperatures make the steep section a bit easier to tackle, and the views of fall foliage stretching out for miles are unbeatable.
Winter can also be a peaceful time to visit if you’re equipped with the right gear. Snowshoes might be overkill depending on recent snowfalls, but microspikes or crampons will be helpful for navigating icy sections near the top. In summer, you’ll enjoy a lush green landscape and the cool breezes that sweep across the summit.
Chick Hill Hiking Tips
- Parking: There’s limited parking at the trailhead on Chick Hill Road. The lot can fit around 5-6 cars, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is a good idea.
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are recommended, especially if you plan to hike in the cooler months or after a rain, as the trail can get muddy or icy.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed, and the trail is dog-friendly, but make sure your pup is comfortable with a bit of rock scrambling.
- Bug Spray: Like many trails in Maine, bug spray is essential during the summer months. The black flies and mosquitoes can be fierce, especially in late spring!
Reward Yourself at Airline Brewing Company
After working up an appetite on the trail, a stop at Airline Brewing Company is a must! Located just a 10-minute drive from Chick Hill in Amherst, this local favorite serves up delicious craft beers and traditional British pub food in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to relax after your hike and celebrate a successful summit.
Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing IPA, a smooth stout, or one of their seasonal brews, you’ll find something that hits the spot. Pair your drink with a hearty meal like their fish and chips or a savory meat pie.
Important Tip: Make sure to check their hours before heading over, as they can vary, especially during the off-season or winter months. You can find their current hours on their website or call ahead to confirm they’re open after your hike.
Why You Should Hike Chick Hill
Chick Hill is the perfect example of Maine’s hidden gems: a quick hike with minimal crowds, jaw-dropping views, and a satisfying bit of adventure. It’s an ideal spot for a morning hike before heading out for lunch, or a great place to catch the sunset if you want to end your day with spectacular colors. You get a sense of seclusion without being too far from civilization—perfect for anyone looking to escape without having to commit to an all-day trek.
So, next time you’re passing through Clifton on Route 9, take the turnoff for Chick Hill and enjoy a scenic hike that’s sure to become one of your favorites. And don’t forget to reward yourself with a cold pint at Airline Brewing Company afterwards—just make sure you check their hours before you go! Whether you’re hiking solo, with friends, or bringing the family, this adventure is one you’ll be talking about long after your boots leave the trail.
Chick Hill is a great place to sit down and relax and take in the view on a nice day. You could certainly bring a picnic or a bottle of wine and enjoy this at the summit.
We’ve climbed Chick Hill one evening to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, which you can see in Maine on rare occasions. We missed the show, but we were able to see a TON of constellations. I highly, highly recommend doing this. Don’t forget your head lamp and your warm clothes though! Also, remember that you might not have cell phone service, so don’t rely on your cell phone for safety. Oh – and bring a star chart! We also used the Flight Aware App, which is super cool. You can see where the flights that are above you originate from. Hiking up there was high on my list of things I did this year!
Learn more about Chick Hill/Peaked Mountain
Here’s a great article by our friend Aislinn! –
Where in the Maine Woods am I?
Article from Q 106.5 – Sounds like we need to do the “Airline”!
I hope you hike Chick Hill and you LOVE it. Make sure to tag us on social media – #lovemaineadventures
HAPPY TRAILS
DD
