When people come to Maine to enjoy the Great Outdoors, they might head to Acadia National Park or one of the many state parks that dot the landscape. And we wouldn’t blame them! All of these are great spots to visit when you want to get as close to nature as possible. But that doesn’t mean you can’t escape the hustle-and-bustle when you’re in the city. This beautiful botanical garden is located in Augusta, Maine, making it a great way to take a break.
Viles Arboretum in Augusta used to be known as the Pine Tree State Arboretum. But no matter what you call it, it’s one of the best ways to escape from city life and enjoy some peaceful fresh air.
Viles Arboretum / Facebook
Located in Augusta, the arboretum offers 150 acres of wide-open fields which are great on a beautiful, sunny day.
Sophia Lewis / AllTrails
Visitors will also find 74 acres of forest.
Amy Wilson / AllTrails
To explore the area, there are four different routes making up about five miles of trails.
thaddsmom96 / TripAdvisor
Each trail is rated easy and most are more of a walk than a traditional hike!
Management / TripAdvisor
The area is also rich with history. Back in the 1800s, this land was owned by a few different farms. In 1835, the area was purchased by the State Hospital and used to help rehabilitate patients through agricultural labor until about 1905.
Sophia Lewis / AllTrails
Today there are remnants of the farm along with educational placards to help visitors imagine what life might have been like before it was the garden area it is today.
Maureen Sirois / AllTrails
Between the hiking trails and the remnants of the State Hospital Farm, you could spend all day in the woods here.
Alex Theberge / AllTrails
One of the best things about this beautiful natural area is that it’s open 365 days a year, which means you can explore the grounds in lots of different seasons. In addition to hiking and walking, they encourage activities snowshoeing, biking, and cross-country skiing.
Viles Arboretum / Maine Trail Finder Set aside some time one weekend each season and explore just how great Maine can be without even having to venture out into the middle-of-nowhere.
The Viles Aboretum is open year-round from sunrise to sundown and is free to visit, though contributions are certainly welcome. The Visitors Center, which has bathrooms and a souvenir shop, is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can learn more about it by checking out the official website. You can learn more about the hiking trails located here by visiting Maine Trail Finder or alltrails.com. They even have a Facebook page! They can be reached via phone at (207) 626-7989.
Viles Arboretum / Facebook
Sophia Lewis / AllTrails
Amy Wilson / AllTrails
thaddsmom96 / TripAdvisor
Management / TripAdvisor
Maureen Sirois / AllTrails
Alex Theberge / AllTrails
Viles Arboretum / Maine Trail Finder
Set aside some time one weekend each season and explore just how great Maine can be without even having to venture out into the middle-of-nowhere.
We love just how many ways there are to enjoy the fresh air here. You’ll find peace and quiet on this 3.4-mile out and back trail near Maine near Canadian border.
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Address: Viles Arboretum, 153 Hospital St, Augusta, ME 04330, USA
