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To be completely honest, I used to get turned around in these woods every time I visited. I've spent countless hours in here and am truly in awe of the fact that I sometimes find myself lost, STILL. That is why I love these woods. They are extensive, interesting and a real challenge! They include easy sections as well as rock boulders for climbing and difficult mountain biking. The woods are shady, filled with bird sounds, ancient trees and green ferns. It's heavenly in here,

Last Friday, schools were closed and I was gifted some rare, one-on-one time with my teenager in the mountains. And although he realized...

At age 12, our son and his friends are old enough to walk themselves to the neighborhood coffee shop for hot chocolate, but young enough...

This post is less of a detailed trail write-up and more of an ode to my mom. Here's why: It was my mom's idea to visit this conservation area because, like me, she has also become hooked on exploring local trails. This makes perfect sense since she loves traveling, new experiences and adventure of any kind. We lovingly refer to my mom as the "Honey Badger" because she's fearless and seemingly invincible. With all the talking, my mom and I got lost on these trails (shocker),

This was a trip. One that involved people in the middle of the woods with pickaxes, shovels, wheelbarrows and sifting screens, hoping to find the next lucrative stone. These gem-hunters are fueled by stories of other rockhounds who've found rare treasures here, like the woman who recently discovered a large piece of watermelon tourmaline worth a whopping $200,000. That was a story told to us by a middle-aged man we met, who'd been digging at Mt Apatite since childhood. He als

Since returning to full-time teaching this fall, my hiking time has been reduced to shorter, local trails. It's a trade-off I'm happy to make since working with kids offers a different kind of fun and fulfillment. It's also no real sacrifice, considering the long list of spectacular trails we have in Southern Maine (if you haven't seen my list, click here ). Still, I'm all for the four-day work week and if anyone wants to institute that, I give my full support. In the meantim

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

Located just 5 minutes from Higgins Beach, this preserve offers wildflowers, monarch sightings, open fields, woods, wildlife, wetlands, and a gorgeous old metal barn. The 161 acres and 1.5 miles of trails found here also includes a .25 mile Universal Access/ADA Trail named Eleanor's Trail. This rare open space contains headwaters of the Spurwink River and abuts the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Rescue. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed on Eleanor's Trail. We came here f

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...

I was feeling guilty as I left my family at 6:00am last Friday to pick up my hiking partner, Jaime, and spend another glorious day in the...

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

A couple of weeks ago, I drove my son and his friend to Killington Mountain School's week-long Bag Jump Camp in Vermont (If you haven't...

Located off of Shore Road in Cape Elizabeth, Robinson Woods Preserve contains 197 acres of woodlands, fields, ponds, streams, waterfalls and massive white pine, red oak and hemlock - some as many as 300 years old! It offers over four miles of public trails on varied terrain, open year round for hiking, mountain biking and snow shoeing. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash. Read about Enock Glidden's experience using a wheelchair on these trails through Maine Trail Find

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

This sunrise adventure includes easy parking, a dog-friendly beach, and a long walk to a Ferris wheel. I first experienced this sunrise walk a couple of years ago with my friend Becca, who loves beach walks and is also an early (and I mean, early ) riser like me. The beauty of walking Pine Point Beach in the wee hours of the morning is this: - You will mostly have the beach all to yourself. - Parking in the municipal lot is only $5 before 9:00am. - Dogs are allowed off-leash

This hiking area truly offers something for ALL abilities, from a 3.7 mile accessible trail to a 17.5 mile (out and back) hike up a 4,025...

Peak's Island is one of my favorite local summer adventures. It includes a boat ride, a 3.9 mile loop with stellar views, historic forts to explore, and just enough food/coffee/ice cream stops to keep the crew happy. The perimeter road is paved and mostly flat, with benches along the way. This is a dog-friendly island and these trails are maintained by the Peaks Island Preserve . Served by the Casco Bay Lines, the 20 minute ferry ride from downtown Portland to Peak's is a jou

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