In Maine, if state and national parks were the only places available to the public for experiencing the great outdoors, so much would be lost.
Because as beautiful as all of Maine’s state lands, more of Vacationland is privately held. By property owners gracious enough to share the right to their Maine land. Remote lands are not just good for hikers, back packing but for wildlife. To explore areas of Maine that most vacationers stuck on coastal US Rt 1 or Interstate 95 just never imagine exist.
Over 500,000 acres of public property are owned, managed by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.
In nearly 30 sections that range from 500 to 43,000 acre segments. And lots of smaller acreages sprinkled around the state of Maine. Find trails in Maine to discover, to make a healthy habit happen. A yearly routine with family, friends, loved ones. Hiking, walking, be out in the unspoiled, natural setting in the space called Maine.
Maine’s nearly 300 miles of Appalachian Trail is considered not the easiest of terrain to challenge the hikers in the audience. Divided into three main sections, the western segment is extremely steep. The 3/4 mile high mountains rank the most arduous of the entire Appalachian Trail. With the most notable the mile-long boulder scramble of Mahoosuc Notch.
Mahoosuc Notch Boulder Strewn Near Vertical Appalachian Trail Video
In Maine private land owners that allow snow sled, snowmobile trails to cross their property are treated to a free public thank you supper annually. To publicly say appreciate it for the use of their Maine land. So everyone in the public can use each acreage as a stepping stone to get to their destination. Clearly marked, groomed by trail machines and maps updated yearly to point out hazards. To offer clear directions that can be followed in any kind of weather conditions. Just stay on the trail.
Practically all of the ten million acres privately held in Northern, Eastern and Western areas of Maine are accessible by all terrain vehicles (ATV) too.
Private land owners in Maine share the resource and all are reminded to stay on the ATV trails. Respect the privilege not a right to travel over some of the most picturesque property terrain you will ever witness in your lifetime.
If you have little ones, want to hike as a family, get out your walking sticks. Pack a picnic and hit a small elevation like Horse Mountain at Baxter State Park. Roughly 1589′ high and much quicker to traverse than the nearly mile high Mt Katahdin, Horse Mountain is one of many available to catch the hiking bug. Develop the healthy habit of hiking in Maine’s vast outdoor resource. This half day hike offers views of Matagamon Lake, Traveler, the East Branch, and the cliffs of Trout Branch Mountain. Round trip from the Baxter Park perimeter road to fire tower (elevation 1589′) is 2.8 miles.
Not every Maine hike has to be a challenging rock littered slippery when wet dangerous mountain outing either.
Lots of small Maine mountains and flat lands salt and peppered with twisting trails can add plenty of excitement. Without putting anyone in the hiking park in danger. Or stretchered to a hospital. Haystack Mountain in Caste Hill Maine in Aroostook County is a climb the kids and I did a lot growing up. Year after year until they got bigger, moved on to more challenging hikes. The picnic area near the base and many lakes add to the experience of this junior mountain that looks more severe than it really is. If you are a ten year old kid or younger.
My favorite climb up Maine’s highest mountain is on Abol Trail. It’s seven and a half miles round trip. The shortest but steepest trip to the Baxter Park’s Mount Katahdin peak. The trail starts with loose gravel and dense woods. But becomes less treed, larger rocked until a table land of stone before the summit. The combination to descent on the Hunt Trail makes for a fun, nine mile exhilarating round trip. Bring lots of water, snacks, rain gear.
Get to Maine, so many ways to experience her. Get up close, snuggle and get to know her nooks, crannies, mysteries and extreme natural beauty.
I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com