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Adversity on the trail, footwear for winter hiking, and the company we keep. Sometimes you don't get a summit photo because you don't make it to the summit. There are times when the risk is not worth the reward. Sometimes, you just have to call it. Here is my summit photo from the Table Rock Trail. Clearly, we never made it to the summit. This hike threw us a curveball and we had to turn back, resorting to Plan B - an overpriced coffee at the Sunday River ski lodge and a self

Formerly known as the Chaffin Pond Preserve, this 123 acre wooded area includes a 1.5 mile loop around a 10 acre pond. The dirt trail is flat and the snow is groomed in the winter. Dogs are allowed on leash and this trail is listed as ADA Accessible. There is also a playground and picnic tables. It's a family friendly affair over here. We followed the loop counter-clockwise, beginning at the storybook walk. The trail leads into the woods and away from the pond for a little wh

Great Blue Herons, rolling fields, wooded trails, and a place you should probably visit in the winter on cross country skis. Located at 95 The Lane in North Yarmouth, Skyline Farm is a non-profit, community-based organization providing educational and recreational programs. It offers a living carriage museum with an antique carriage and sleigh collection, plus two miles of trails open to the public year round. Non-motorized uses allowed here are: hiking, horseback riding, car

Ice, ice baby. Plus moss dusted with snow, waterfalls and views to fill the soul for days. Welcome to the time of year when hiking...

These wide gravel trails, lined with benches, are wonderful for all ages and abilities! Dogs are also permitted, but must be on leash. There is no hunting in the Town Forest, but hunting is allowed in nearby property. Please remember to wear your orange - hunting season is now. Located at 290 Tuttle Road in Cumberland, this 75-acre community forest includes two trail loops covering 2 miles in network. Parking is at the Cumberland Town Hall and you will find the trailhead to t

How to find your phone when it's lost on a mountain in Maine and what happens when your dog decides to forage for mushrooms. I should...

This 331-acre farm includes 5.9 miles of trails passing through forest, pasture, blueberry fields, and a labyrinth. One of the most loved programs offered here is a Saturday farmer's market, where the community gathers for local food and music from May to November. Between 1994 and 2008, it was acquired with strong community support and has since become a model for active farmland protection. Hunting is allowed here, so please remember your blaze orange from late September t

I'd driven past this trailhead a hundred times without noticing it. Until one day recently when the small parking lot for this lush forest caught my attention and I just knew I had to pull my car into it. The trailhead for this 1.4 mile loop is located off of Route 88 in Falmouth, past the Pine Grove School on your left. This 27-acre, mature pine forest includes several connecting trails, but it's still hard to get lost here...even for me. All Trails says that this forest inc

I can't seem to find a write up of this trail anywhere, although the sign at the trailhead says River Link Trail. When I locate it on google maps, it comes up as "Portland Trails Trailhead st Landing". The only reason I found this trail at all, an adventurous woman who'd already discovered it brought me here. Thanks Mom. The trailhead is located on Landing Road, just past the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. You will see a few parking spaces on the left, off to the s

A trailhead just outside of North Conway and the nicest fire tower I've ever laid eyes on. I like to challenge myself to a good fire...

A game of Crossy Road, followed by a hike well worth the risk. I've shared information about this preserve many times, since it is one of my favorites. However, this is a new trailhead for me and a completely new section for you to visit. We've explored the lower loop of the preserve from the Perry Court Trailhead. Now we will discover the upper section of trail, starting at the MAGAN Trailhead off of Route 302. Here is a map of the entire trail network, followed by a map of

This hidden trail is truly tucked away, just up the hill from the more well known Eastern Promenade Trail. A few reasons we love this trail - stellar views, less traffic, and close proximity to all that the Eastern Prom has to offer, which is a whole lot. This trail is only 1 mile long and connects Loring Memorial and the East End Community School with East End Beach. For ways to access this trail, find a map on the Portland Trails website here . We are going to take you on a

Less of a trail, more of a swimming destination, Babb's is an adyllic spot for cooling off in the summer. If you are interested in adding a trail to this adventure, there are several great ones close by, including: Shaw Park , Mountain Division Trail and Gambo Preserve . Babb's Bridge is Maine's oldest covered bridge, built in 1840. The original bridge was burned by vandals in 1973 and an exact replica was built with lumber milled locally in Gorham. It spans the Presumpscot

There is something pretty spectacular for you to find here. It was born here, is thriving here, and adds to the beauty of this quiet place. Here it is: A tree surrounded by an orange blanket of mushrooms. I've never seen anything quite like it and the kids were in awe as well. I'll tell you how to find it, but let's first talk about this preserve. The Kennebunk Land Trust lists this as "the crown jewel of KLT properties". With over 625 acres of land, a 45-acre pond, and 2.5 m

Beach, trails, camping and a pirate ship playground. Kids are just happy here. This park includes 100 campsites, wooded trails with views of Casco Bay, picnic tables and grills, a tidal beach, a boat launch, and a summer concert series. Dogs are even allowed to come and camp here. Although they aren't allowed on the beach, the playground or the bathrooms (their words, from their website). If your dog needs to join you in the bathroom, it may be time for an intervention. That

This park offers 5 miles of walking trails, a wheelchair and stroller accessible path, picnic areas, restrooms, and public nature programs. There is a fee upon entry, but you are welcome to walk in and enjoy the park during daylight hours, even when the gate is closed. Wolfe's Neck opened in 1972 when over 200 acres of ecosystems was given to the State by the Smith family of Freeport. This land includes hemlock forests, a salt marsh estuary and rocky shores of Casco Bay and t

Lush forest filled with ferns, moss, and vibrant, red mushroom staircases. Let me start by filling you in on the mystery trailhead for this tranquil forest. It took me two trips to figure out how to access this preserve, since I couldn't find information on the trailhead anywhere. These trails are new, so I'm assuming they've been spending more time fundraising and trail blazing, less time promoting. I get it, and am here to help spread the word about where to park your car s

Hugging trees, shade and the thing we are all longing for this week. Swimming holes. This trail is yet another sweet surprise that's owned and managed by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. It is also a great one for hot weather, as it offers swimming and shade. Located at 54 Tow Path Road in Gorham, the 1 mile loop winds along the Presumpscot River, then through the hemlock forest. This trail was once part of the Cumberland and Oxford Canal path. It was also part of the tr

A mountain surrounded by water and the secret way to reach it without using the boat shuttle... They may tell you that this trail is...

A pond, a storybook walk, and the sweet sound of bull frogs. Since dogs are not allowed on this trail, it took me a while to find the right time to visit. I set my alarm early this morning, grabbed my sneakers and crept out of the house without waking Romy. Although I missed walking with my dog, the sound of bull frogs made me feel less alone. These comforting woods were such a sweet surprise, filled with the most gorgeous morning light. Well worth the dog free venture. Plus,