Ahh, summer. Finally. We wait seemingly forever for it to arrive, this year more than usual, owing to a string of rainy weekends dating back to Memorial Day. But the beautiful weather is here, and with it so much to do and so little time before autumn, it’s high time to get outside and get moving. From Aroostook County to the Atlantic Ocean and from Cumberland County to Cobscook Bay, Maine has many great conservation lands and many miles of fine hiking trails. Here’s a six-pack of good ones for your must-do list this summer. Enjoy!

Deboullie Public Lands

Get a big dose of remote with a visit to this 22,000-acre property in north-central Aroostook County, where 30 miles of trails wind through a jumble of rugged mountains and pristine ponds. For a good introduction, start at the east end of Deboullie Pond and hike the loop over Black Mountain (1,909 feet) and Deboullie Mountain (1,975 feet), the latter sporting a firetower that affords a wild vista over the lonely woods as far south as Katahdin. Finish over the talus slopes along the pond. Frontcountry and backcountry camping is available at numerous sites, so plan accordingly.

Baxter State Park

The mass of mile-high Katahdin is home to an Alpine zone spanning 1,800 acres, the most in Maine. For a good look at this magnificent terrain, take a hike to the mountain’s Northwest Plateau area, where you’re not likely to see another soul. From Roaring Brook Campground, head for Chimney Pond and then climb Hamlin Peak (4,752 feet). Revel in the view ranging from the Saddle to Knife Edge before heading north to the Howe Peaks (4,745 feet). Enjoy the wide open expanse, but please don’t stray from the trail, as the Alpine vegetation is extremely fragile.

Acadia National Park

Hike Cadillac Mountain in the busy summer season? Certainly! The ocean, island and mountain views are spectacular, and the free shuttle buses are running, so you can spot a vehicle at the end and ride to the start. Begin on the North Ridge Trail, and combined with the South Ridge Trail, you’re in for a terrific 6-mile ridge walk, the longest on Mount Desert Island. Atop the 1,529-foot peak of pink granite — the highest point on the Eastern Seaboard between Labrador and Brazil — be sure to walk the summit loop with its series of interesting interpretive displays.

Portland

The Forest City Trail links the wild places, green spaces and historical neighborhoods on a grand journey of more than 10 miles across the city from its southwest corner at Westbrook to its northern border with Falmouth. You’ve probably hiked sections of the trail, along the Stroudwater River, through Fore River Sanctuary or maybe Evergreen Cemetery, for example. This summer, give the whole wonderful route a try in a single trip. You’ll explore a slice of Maine’s largest city that most will never see, and enjoy a great sense of accomplishment upon reaching the end at Presumpscot River Falls.

Grafton Notch State Park

The glacially-scoured Grafton Notch is bookended by the heights of Old Speck Mountain and Baldpate Mountain. If you’re a fan of airy cliff-top views, this is one of the best spots in Maine. The 800-foot face of The Eyebrow (2,590 feet) dominates the notch’s west slope; scale it via the Eyebrow Trail and the Appalachian Trail, a loop of 2.2 miles. To the east is the broad rock shelf of Table Rock at 2,431 feet; reach it via the Table Rock Trail and the AT, a 2.4-mile circuit. Tackle them both in a day for a scenic workout.

Lubec

Travel to the easternmost town in the U.S. for some of the finest hiking on the Maine coast. Among an amazing array of possibilities is the Cobscook Shores system, which features 20 waterfront parklands totaling more than 800 acres and some 16 miles of trails. At Black Duck Cove, the largest of the parks, the beautiful 5-mile out-and-back hike on the Shore Trail to the picnic pavilion on High Bluff overlooking South Bay will surely have you hankering for more. Fortunately for hikers, nearby Red Point, Race Point, Denbow Point and Old Farm Point (among others) are also worth a good look-see.

Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island is the author of Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast, Beer Hiking New England and the Maine Mountain Guide. Follow more of Carey’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram.