By guest columnist Carey Kish
Carey Kish, Registered Maine Guide
There’s nothing like getting outside for a good hike to get some exercise, enjoy the fresh air and unwind a little amid the natural beauty of the Maine coast.
Thanks to the thoughtful conservation efforts of many public and private agencies and dedicated individuals, there are many protected lands along the coast. Miles of footpaths lead to these special places and provide hikers with a brief escape from the daily grind and precious opportunities to explore the sights and sounds of the natural world and its bird and animal life.
So pack a few things in your knapsack, like granola bars, water, sunscreen and insect repellent, wind and rain jacket, a small first aid kit and your cell phone, and go hit the trail and have fun!
Here are a few suggestions:
- Ten miles of trails crisscross Mt. Agamenticus in York and lead to views extending from the ocean to the White Mountains.
agamenticus.org - Climb to the top of Bradbury Mtn. in Pownal, then leave the crowds and head into the wooded interior of the park.
bradburymountain.com - Traverse the craggy ridgeline of Ragged Mtn. in the Camden Hills for dramatic clifftop views.
grlt.org - At Old Orchard Beach, stroll the sands from Pine Point to Ocean Park and enjoy some authentic beach food midway along at The Pier.
visitmaine.com/region/beaches/old_orchard_beach - Wells Beach has miles of sand, too, from Fishermans Cove to the mouth of Webhannet River.
visitmaine.com/region/beaches/wells - Hike gentle Morse Mtn. in Phippsburg and emerge at the open ocean at Sewall Beach.
bates.edu/x165543.xml - The Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve is home to seven miles of pleasant trails.
wellsreserve.org/visit/trail_system - Sayles Field and Bliss Woods offer quiet getaways not far from L.L. Bean and bustling Freeport.
freeportconservationtrust.org/properties.htm - La Verna Preserve in Bristol features nearly a mile of bold ocean cliffs.
pemaquidwatershed.org/Documents/LaVerna_brochure.pdf - The Salt Bay Trail in Damariscotta leads to an ancient oyster shell midden, the largest in Maine.
draclt.org/RiverMap.html
Carey Kish, an avid hiker, outdoors writer and Registered Maine Guide, has been exploring the trails of Maine for many years. He is editor of the 2012 edition of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide. Contact Carey at [email protected].
