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There are so many reasons I'm excited about this trail, but the most thrilling discovery for me is that it connects to Knight's Pond Preserve on one end and Rine's Forest on the other. It's the cream filling in the Oreo cookie, and we're going to tackle it first, just like we did in childhood. All three of these gorgeous properties have been protected by the Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust (CCLT). Farwell Forest is privately owned with a CCLT easement. It's 45-acres in s

If you want to reach not one, but two, 4,000 footers before 11:00am, I'll tell you the secret. It's not rocket science, but it does...

Before today, it had been several months since Romy and I had ventured out, just the two of us, to explore a new trail. Our family had the best intentions for a slow, easy summer, planning just three vacations over some long weekends. But by August, I'd been officially swept up in the whirlwind of all the fun being offered in the summer. Overnight, I'd become a full-time fun juggler, saying "yes" to all of the invitations and "no" to any down time. It happens to the best of u

We just found another spectacular swimming hole and it includes a short hike. Thanks to my friend Sarah M. for sharing the details of this secret beach with me. It was our very last day of OMP Camp today and this was the perfect place to celebrate two years of outdoor adventuring with some incredible kids. The path to this beach is part of the Sebago to Sea Trail, which is a continuous shared-use trail connecting Sebago Lake to Casco Bay. Managed by the Presumpscot Regional L

Chebeague Island (also known as "Great Chebeague") is located in Casco Bay, 10 miles northeast of Portland. It was originally used as fishing grounds for the Abenaki and is the largest island in Casco Bay that's not connected to the mainland by a bridge. The year-round population was 396 in a 2020 census report and this number is said to triple in the summer months. In 2007, Chebeague succeeded from Cumberland, becoming its own town. This town is made up of 17 islands and th

It's August, it's hot, and we have another hidden swimming hole for you to check out! We learned about this one from two women paddle boarding near Babb's Bridge last week, one of whom had grown up in Gorham. I really love learning about new trails from locals. It happens ALL the time and never gets old. Locals know the very best places. The 1-mile lollipop loop at this preserve runs along the Presumpscot River, just south of the Dundee Dam in north Gorham. It follows a hist

On hot summer days, it's good to know about Babb's. This covered bridge spans one of the best swimming holes near Portland. It's also Maine's oldest covered bridge, built in 1840. It crosses the Presumpscot River between Gorham and Windham and is located on Hurricane Road (parking is on the side of the road before arriving at the bridge). The original bridge was burned by vandals in 1973 and an exact replica was built with lumbar milled locally in Gorham. The water is clear a

The jetty has always been a crowd-pleaser, but today, we got to climb a ladder into the lighthouse. Located on the breakwater at Southern Maine Community College, Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse is the only caisson-style light station in the United States that visitors can walk to. Not only can you walk to it - you can also go inside! There are so many thrills to be had in this life. If you were wondering, a caisson lighthouse (also referred to as a sparkplug lighthouse, or bu

An easy hike and a formidable climb up a very tall fire tower. Here's a hike for a range of abilities and anyone wanting to challenge...

I think we can all agree that hiking makes us hungry. But as it so often goes, it can be tough to find quality restaurants in mountain...

Last week I brought a group of seven 4th and 5th graders to Rines Forest as part of OMP Camp (an outdoor after school program). This trip confirmed something that I've known in my heart for years. Something that has been made increasingly clear in the last two years of running this camp. Here it is: If given natural spaces to explore and friends to be with, kids will not only create their own play, they will actually thrive. All on their own, with no adult intervention. I've

This pipe smoking curmudgeon of a boulder was, just maybe, the highlight of this hike for me. When we discovered him at the start of the trail, his left eyebrow had fallen into his eyeball. I carefully placed it back in its proper position, slanting it down a bit to maintain his surly look. I wondered how many hikers had handled his stick eyebrow. A time lapse video would be fun here. My friend Jaime suggested this hike when I told her I needed something short and sweet. At 1

Here it is, a perfect winter hike that you can squeeze into the school day. This quick day hike is filled with mountain streams, woods...

Let me start by stating the obvious - it's icy out there. You may choose to avoid all trails right now, and I wouldn't blame you. For me, I need the woods like a need my morning coffee. It keeps me grounded, gives me energy, and feeds my soul. I also have a dog who only behaves when she's off-leash in the forest. Trying to walk Romy around the neighborhood on a leash is about as easy as pushing a giant boulder up a large hill. I was not meant to tell anyone what to do and she

This trail includes Brunswick's highest point (a.k.a "pinnacle") at 350 feet above sea level. It's no Katahdin, which is 5,269 feet above sea level, but it is much easier to get to. Last week I was home with my kids after Henry had a positive COVID test and Finn had some symptoms. Quarantining with kids can be a mixed bag. It provides some extra quality time, which I usually enjoy because I really like my kids. It can also drive you bananas if you're unable to get outside. Wi

I'd almost scratched this trail from my list, then made the better decision to go ahead and explore it. Glad I made the right choice, this trail is truly a wonder. This 1.8 mile loop is great for snowshoeing, hiking and dogs. A peaceful sanctuary infused with sunshine and river views, these trails wind through upland forest, across brooks and along the banks of the Kennebunk River. They are ideal for bird watching, especially during migration when birds can be seen here in ab

A fascinating history that includes a mysterious ship wreck, a former casino and theatre, a mansion damaged by fire, and an old military base. Plus, of course, stunning views and the most photographed lighthouse in the world. This place may be a tourist attraction, but it deserves the hype. I'm sure many of you have been to Fort Williams Park, but you may not have explored the cliff walk...or the curious history behind this park. I'm here to tell you about both. I tend to

An accessible path that's plowed and sanded in the winter. This flat, 5.3 mile out and back path is just outside of downtown Brunswick. The paved path is 14 feet wide, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are also benches and bathrooms along the way. The surprise I found here was a large, somewhat empty dog park near the beginning of the path. I'm not usually into dog parks, but this one was different...spacious, just a few dogs, just my speed. Parking for this trail

A trail as sweet as tupelo honey with a history that includes a dummy train. For real, these woods are home to the rare tupelo tree and were once home to "The Dummy." I'm not making this up. This 1.4 mile woods loop, just a stone's throw from Ferry Beach, hosts a large stand of the rare to Maine tupelo trees. Before I share details on this gem of a trail, here are some facts I learned about the tupelo from the informative signs along the way: The black tupelo, also called bla

Steele Trail - Fox Den - Brook Loop. Forest management at work and a trail that's calling for mountain bikes. This 2.3 mile loop features a waterfall and several narrow boardwalks. It is also connected to the extensive 7.4 miles of trails found at Smith Preserve if you're looking for a longer journey. Dogs are allowed here and the trails are rated as easy, moderate. A limited portion of the trails are accessible for all. For more info, please contact the Kennebunkport Conserv