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Let me start by stating the obvious - it's icy out there. You may choose to avoid all trails right now, and I wouldn't blame you. For me, I need the woods like a need my morning coffee. It keeps me grounded, gives me energy, and feeds my soul. I also have a dog who only behaves when she's off-leash in the forest. Trying to walk Romy around the neighborhood on a leash is about as easy as pushing a giant boulder up a large hill. I was not meant to tell anyone what to do and she

Located at the end of Biddeford Pool, this short, easy loop is one hundred percent ocean. Well there is a foot path. You don't have to swim. A short loop was about all that I could handle on a 7 degree morning in Maine. Luckily, my friend Becca was up for braving the frigid temps with me. We dressed appropriately - layers, upon layers. Upon layers. We did NOT re-check the temperature at the trailhead. Once you've done all you can to prepare, knowing how brutally cold it is wi

This trail includes Brunswick's highest point (a.k.a "pinnacle") at 350 feet above sea level. It's no Katahdin, which is 5,269 feet above sea level, but it is much easier to get to. Last week I was home with my kids after Henry had a positive COVID test and Finn had some symptoms. Quarantining with kids can be a mixed bag. It provides some extra quality time, which I usually enjoy because I really like my kids. It can also drive you bananas if you're unable to get outside. Wi

I'd almost scratched this trail from my list, then made the better decision to go ahead and explore it. Glad I made the right choice, this trail is truly a wonder. This 1.8 mile loop is great for snowshoeing, hiking and dogs. A peaceful sanctuary infused with sunshine and river views, these trails wind through upland forest, across brooks and along the banks of the Kennebunk River. They are ideal for bird watching, especially during migration when birds can be seen here in ab

A fascinating history that includes a mysterious ship wreck, a former casino and theatre, a mansion damaged by fire, and an old military base. Plus, of course, stunning views and the most photographed lighthouse in the world. This place may be a tourist attraction, but it deserves the hype. I'm sure many of you have been to Fort Williams Park, but you may not have explored the cliff walk...or the curious history behind this park. I'm here to tell you about both. I tend to

When I first learned about the pair of otters who'd set up camp in Evergreen Cemetery, I had OH so many questions. My first question was, "Wait, we have otters in Southern Maine ponds?" Maybe this is common knowledge, but I'm just being honest about the first thought that popped into my head. Until my recent trip to the cemetery, I'd only seen otters on Nat Geo and thought they lived in wilder places like, say, the sea. My second question was, "How did these Maine otters en

An accessible path that's plowed and sanded in the winter. This flat, 5.3 mile out and back path is just outside of downtown Brunswick. The paved path is 14 feet wide, suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. There are also benches and bathrooms along the way. The surprise I found here was a large, somewhat empty dog park near the beginning of the path. I'm not usually into dog parks, but this one was different...spacious, just a few dogs, just my speed. Parking for this trail

A trail as sweet as tupelo honey with a history that includes a dummy train. For real, these woods are home to the rare tupelo tree and were once home to "The Dummy." I'm not making this up. This 1.4 mile woods loop, just a stone's throw from Ferry Beach, hosts a large stand of the rare to Maine tupelo trees. Before I share details on this gem of a trail, here are some facts I learned about the tupelo from the informative signs along the way: The black tupelo, also called bla

Steele Trail - Fox Den - Brook Loop. Forest management at work and a trail that's calling for mountain bikes. This 2.3 mile loop features a waterfall and several narrow boardwalks. It is also connected to the extensive 7.4 miles of trails found at Smith Preserve if you're looking for a longer journey. Dogs are allowed here and the trails are rated as easy, moderate. A limited portion of the trails are accessible for all. For more info, please contact the Kennebunkport Conserv

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

Love from Canada Jays, new hiking traditions, and a journey that somehow took us all day. Maybe because we were in no rush to finish this...

This sunrise adventure includes easy parking, an empty beach, and a Ferris wheel lit by the full moon. My friend Becca occasionally wakes at the crack of dawn to run from Pine Point Beach to the Old Orchard Beach pier. I'd been invited to join her many times, but my answer had always been, "maybe next time." With kids to get to school and a dog to walk in the mornings, it just didn't seem feasible. Plus, COVID had taught me how to sleep in and 4:30am no longer felt like a rea

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