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Pratt's Brook is Yarmouth's largest park. At over 220-acres, it includes over 6 miles of trails for hiking and cross country skiing. Sorry mountain bikers, this and other activities that could damage the trails are prohibited. The good news, dogs are allowed. You win some, you lose some. These serene trails offer piney woods, open meadows, bridges, stream-side overlooks, blueberry fields, a disc golf field, an active beaver pond, great horned owls and a rocky waterfall on the

I am so grateful that a KMP Member told me about this incredible spot - thank you Sarah! This 40-acre parcel of gorgeous property was donated to the Royal River Conservation Trust in 2018. The preserve protects Meadow Brook, which is on the edge of Intervale's vast wetland areas. These wetlands rank among the richest habitat and ecology areas in the Royal River watershed, according to the brochure I picked up at the trailhead. The area supports migratory shore birds, waterfow

Five words sum up the reason this park is ideal for walks with family members of all ages: scooters, skateboards, bikes, strollers, ADA accessible. It is also a short 1/4 mile walk to downtown Yarmouth for pizza at Otto's or coffee at Handy's. Socially distanced, quality time with the kids, the grandparents, and the dog - check. The 5 foot wide, paved path follows a 1.3 mile loop along the impressive Royal River. The trail includes three waterfalls, two are at old dam sites a

This was not the trail I had planned for this week. But life happens and I had to make a last minute pivot when I got the call from Lincoln Middle School, letting me know that my son wasn't feeling well and needed to be picked up - ASAP. Luckily, he didn't have "The Rona", as he calls it, just a bad headache, stomach ache and maybe an aversion to math class. None the less, I wanted to stay close to home so we resorted to our old faithful, Baxter Woods. We spend every day here

I chose this trail because I wanted to find the old castle tower remains located just up the road from this spot...but I'll get to that later. Located at 14 Old South Freeport Road off of Route 1, the 1.2 miles of trails here are the result of a cooperative project of the Freeport Conservation Trust and the Casco Bay YMCA. The trailhead is also located at the far end of the YMCA's large parking lot. This short and sweet trail begins at some large rocks that beg for climbing,

When I read that this wildlife preserve was home to the largest red maple tree in Maine, I had to go...cannot resist a treasure hunt. This 100 acre sanctuary includes upland forest, marsh, stream, vernal pools, bog and fields. The parking lot is located at 464 Buxton Road in Saco, a less than 30 minute drive from Portland. After parking, take the 1.3 mile Blue Heron Trail (blue blazes), which stretches along woodlands, an open meadow and Stockpole Brook. After taking the new

I was lured to this trail in search of an exotic mushroom that was recently discovered here. We had just finished watching Fantastic Fungi, a documentary that teaches about the mysterious, magical, healing world of fungi through an incredible time-lapse journey. This documentary had such an impact on me that I headed straight to the mushroom section of the grocery store the next day - a section I typically avoid. As my newfound appreciation for fungi progressed, I started to

This park and accompanying trail systems are located at the Cathance River's head of tide, which is defined as the furthest upstream that the tide impacts the river. Here you will find a 15-foot waterfall that separates the tidal from the freshwater portions of the river. The Cathance River is one of six rivers that flow into Merrymeeting Bay. This bay, combined with the Lower Kennebec River make up the Kennebec Estuary, which is the second largest estuary on the East Coast.

Who knew that just 4 miles from Bradbury Mountain, there exists another beautiful hiking spot called the Hedgehog Mountain Trails. With over 5 miles of trails, you could spend some serious time here, getting lost in the fall colors and old pine and hemlock forests. Or following the old stone walls that seemed to appear everywhere on these trails. Hiking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and dogs (on leash) are permitted here. Mountain biking is allowed on designated trails.

My kids asked to come here for the skate park, but we discovered oh so much more. In addition to the small skate/scooter park, there are 5.1 miles of wooded trails here that include large areas of rock/ledge. If your kids are anything like mine, they will have a field day rock climbing and parkouring their way through these trails. This would also be a really great place for mountain biking. Oh, and did I mention the story book path for our younger hikers? And the waterfall?

The best part about these trails is that they're minutes from downtown Freeport...and Bessie's, which I will talk about later. 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 Stat

A friend who lives in South Portland showed us this secret trail last week. Maybe it's not actually a secret, but it felt like one because the entrance to the parking lot had no sign and I never would have known it was there. It does connect to the Spurwink Trail, which is part of the Greenbelt, so it can be accessed by more well known entry points. I just prefer "secret" entrances, which feels like more of an adventure. Located on 150-acres of farmland, this trail offers spe

If you're wondering where Oxford County is, I'll start there. This mountainous region of western Maine is bordered by NH to the west and...