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Hiking Gardner Lake - panoramic view  tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Gardner Lake: trails, map and practical info

Down East & Acadia • Maine

4.8 Appreciated by 10 hikers

Gardner Lake (Down East & Acadia, Maine) : easy hike, 2.9 km, 183 m of elevation gain, about 1h15. No dogs. Open: From sunrise to sunset.

François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2013 • Updated 08/07/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
2.9 km
Elevation
183 m
Duration
1h15

Explore 2.9 km of trails around Maine's remote 3,700-acre Gardner Lake in Down East, combining hiking with paddling and camping in one wilderness destination. Easy difficulty with 183 m elevation gain over 1h15 offers varied forest ecosystems and panoramic lake views.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Gardner Lake? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

{
"section": "Water Activities",
"change": "Réduire/clarifier la section pêche",
"from": "Fishing opportunities abound throughout the lake, with various species available depending on the season and your preferred fishing methods.",
"to": "The lake supports fishing opportunities for those interested in combining water activities with their visit.",
"reason": "Aucune source web spécifique ne confirme les espèces de poissons présentes à Gardner Lake en Maine. La formulation générique est plus prudente."
}

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
See price
Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Gardner Lake, Maine, USA
GPS coordinates
44.790214, -67.3743453
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the gardner lake area. You can start at the trailhead located near the public boat launch. The parking lot is accessible via Boat Landing Road off Route 9.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
44.790214, -67.3743453
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

4.8
0 Reviews

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FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Gardner Lake is rated easy.
The elevation gain of Gardner Lake is 183 m.
Allow about 1h15 for Gardner Lake (2.9 km).
No, dogs are not allowed on the trails of Gardner Lake.
Gardner Lake is not recommended for young children.
No, Gardner Lake has no visitor centre on site.
Yes, the Gardner Lake trail is rated as Easy, making it suitable for beginners and those new to hiking. The 2.9 km distance and 1h15 duration provide a manageable introduction to trail hiking.
The Gardner Lake trail has 183 m of elevation gain. While modest, this climb is spread across the 2.9 km route, making it accessible for hikers of varying fitness levels.
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Update : October 2026