Go for a hike

By Carey Kish, Guest Columnist

The scenic hills and mountains of southern and coastal Maine offer countless miles and hours of walking enjoyment on trails leading through quiet forests to spectacular vistas. These wonderful paths await your gentle footsteps, your eyes and ears, and the company of friends and family, so grab your daypack and go hit the trail.

Fun trails named Ginny’s Way and Linny’s Way lead to the top of Bauneg Beg Mtn. in North Berwick, the only mountain in southern Maine without a communications tower.

Trek the Sawyer Mtn. Highlands in Limington and Limerick for a tour of one of the largest tracts of undeveloped land in York and Cumberland counties.

Enjoy the work of volunteers from the Maine chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club on newly constructed loop trails on Burnt Meadow Mtn. and nearby Stone Mtn. in Brownfield.

Visit Bald Pate Mtn. in South Bridgton and sample the network of scenic trails maintained by Loon Echo Land Trust that lead to bald outcroppings and a unique pitch pine forest.

Climb to the peak of Douglas Mtn. in Sebago for grand vistas ranging from Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range to the Atlantic Ocean from the old stone observation tower.

Hike the Bri-Mar Trail, maintained locally by the Huntress Family, to the ledges atop Rattlesnake Mtn. for fine views over Raymond to Crescent Lake, Panther Pond and Sebago Lake.

The Mt. Pisgah Conservation Area in Winthrop features a terrific loop hike leading to an impressive 60-foot firetower that’s open to the public. Climb it to enjoy panoramic vistas!

The Northern Headwaters Trail winds easily over Whitten Hill in Montville, and then ambles along the Sheepscot River on lands protected by the Sheepscot Wellspring Land Alliance.

Traverse the long ridgeline of Mt. Megunticook in the Camden Hills for miles of moderate hiking pleasure and many pretty viewpoints, including Maiden’s Cliff overlooking Megunticook Lake.

Stroll through fields and forests to the summit of Beech Hill in Camden and see lovely views from Beech Nut, a historic sod-roofed, stone hut owned by the Coastal Mountains Land Trust.

Carey Kish, avid hiker, outdoors writer, and Registered Maine Guide, has been exploring the trails of Maine for many years. He is editor of the new 10th edition of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. Follow Carey’s hiking adventures at www.facebook.com/careykish.