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If your kids like Minecraft, they'll love this short hike. Why? Because the .5 mile out and back trail leads to a historic feldspar...

It had been a while since I'd visited this gorgeous nature reserve, but I returned last weekend to help my husband work his booth at the Laudholm Nature Crafts Festival (he's a potter, check him out here ). If you haven't heard of this craft fair, it's a juried event that includes 130 artists and their work is real good. It's also nature themed, so if you're a reader of this blog, I'll assume these crafts are right up your alley. For the past 35 years, this festival has bee

This hiking area includes a waterfall, easy trails and an old bear cage in the woods. The parking lot is located at 61 Cascade Road in Saco, just off of Route 1. Insider tip: this trail is down the street from Aquabboggan Water Park , so you could tack it on to the end of your wild day of mat slides, the Yankee Ripper and The Taco (they've changed the name, but we'll keep calling it The Taco, forever). You could also stop for an ice cream at The Dairy Corner in Scarborough o

My family recently spent a few days in Bethel and while there, explored several swimming holes and waterfalls in the area. On day one, we...

Where there's a swimming hole in Maine, there's often an old bridge or rope swing with people of all ages hurling themselves into the water. It's good old-fashioned fun and a favorite activity during our brief season of hot weather. This idyllic float/paddle spot off of Gambo Road in Windham, is not far from Babb's Bridge Swimming Hole in Gorham...one is just upriver from the other. It includes easy parking, a trestle bridge and rope swing, and access to the Mountain Divisio

Last week, my son Henry and I took a spontaneous camping trip to the Wolfe's Neck Campground in Freeport. I had a few days off, he was free (he's 12, always free) and we both love camping. It was the perfect escape. We'd already decided to explore all of the local destinations this summer, so it made perfect sense to also try camping close by. Lucky for us, they had a few open sites to choose from and we were even allowed to bring our dog. We've been taking the boys camping

Our 15 year old, Finn, does not like hiking. Never has, maybe never will. He's more into the adrenaline seeking sports like skiing,...

When we moved to our house ten years ago, we were most excited about the fact that it abutted Baxter Woods, a 30-acre city forest in...

Here I am, circa 1979, in my Sunday best and webbed lawn chair. I must have had some fancy plans, because I wasn't generally this clean...

I've been coming up with inventions my whole life. Some of these not so great ideas have included: an ice cube tray that only releases...

The path leading me to new trails is not always calculated or well planned. There's no master list or method to the madness. Still, I continue to find new trails every week because they are quite literally everywhere. Sometimes the best way to find them, is to just open your eyes. Last week, Finn and his friends asked if I'd bring them to the new skatepark in Gorham. My dog also (desperately) needed a walk, so I brought her with us in hopes of finding a trail nearby. The ska

I heard about this place three different times before deciding to explore it. The first time was from a camp counselor who was in WFA training with me. The second, from a postcard that arrived at my house. The third, from google when I searched "mini golf near me". When something keeps showing up in your life, just take the bait. In my experience, it usually leads to something good, as was the case with this curious desert located in the woods of Freeport. The 20 acres of rol

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

Every year since our boys were toddlers, we've gone camping at least once a summer. And every year, at the 18th hour of packing up for...

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

Before our visit here last week, it had been over two years since we'd walked the trails at Gilsland Farm. That's because we got a dog and dogs are not allowed at most wildlife sanctuaries, including this one. For a solid year when Romy was a puppy, we walked/hiked her for hours a day and looked only for dog friendly trails. Now she's two and our "mountain dog" has become a full grown "couch potato". Now it's hard to motivate the ol' gal to do a short loop through Baxter Wood

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

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

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

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