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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

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

This maze happens every fall from September 3rd through October 31st. If you haven't done this maze with your kids, it's your year. Sure it may summon that eerie feeling you had watching Stephen King's "Children of the Corn", but you'll hold it together for your kids. And hopefully, they have no idea about that movie. My kids have heard me talk about childhood nightmares from watching it when I was far too young, but they've never seen it themselves. Henry loves to ask me abo

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

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

Rocky coastline, sheltered coves, tidepools, island access, historic buildings and Rachel Carson. This trail includes just about everything and is truly one of my favorites. This flat, 1.4 mile out and back trail is great for all ages. It is part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine and is protecting one of the largest networks of conservation land in Southern coastal Maine. The hike is short, but

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,

Broad Cove Reserve is one of the few, special places along the Maine coast where horseshoe crabs come to lay their eggs from mid-May to mid-June. It is also a gorgeous little stretch of beach on 104 acres, including woods and trails. Located off Route 88 in Cumberland Foreside, this reserve offers a stretch of sandy beach, a dock, meadows, woods, lime green marine grass, and horseshoe crabs. It was once the site of important fishing grounds for the Abenaki people. Later, it s

This is the time of year when we start dusting off the bikes to explore new and old places to ride. Even if you're not into biking pump tracks, or running up and down the rolling hills when no one's looking (I've never done that), this trail has plenty to offer. Including the Seek'em I've hidden for you here. The Lavoie Pump Track is Southern Maine's first. Rob Lavoie was the idea man behind this project, which came to fruition in 2019 through fundraising by the Gorham Conser

This week I have an exciting challenge for you: Locate the 11 gnome/elf homes and doorways tucked alongside the trails at the Pride Preserve. I'll bet you didn't even know these cozy little shelters existed here. I sure didn't...until their crafty designer emailed me, clueing me in to these magical little trail additions. This creative soul would like to remain anonymous, so I will honor that request. They were, however, open to the idea of me spreading word about these tin

Since it is school vacation week, I have a couple of extra ideas for you. The first, comedy. Making a pandemic laden February break feel like a "break" is a tall order. We can laugh or we can cry. I engage in both, but prefer the former. Comedy is a great way to remind us that there is humor in everything, even the toughest of times. Here are some of my favorites places to go when I need a good laugh: 1. Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend - the only podcast that consistently has me

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