With winter and its accompanying chilly temperatures just days away, you may feel like it’s time to stow those hiking boots away in the closet for a while. But just because it’s cold outside, it doesn’t mean you have to be stuck inside. For those who crave outdoor adventures in any kind of weather, winter hiking in Maine is just what you need to keep your boots on the move. Here are four fantastic places you can explore the next time you’re in the Pine Tree State in winter.
1. Edwin Smith Preserve
The Edwin Smith Preserve is a 1,100-acre nature preserve featuring over 10 miles of trails. The preserve is home to white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobcats, owls, and partridges. Head here for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
2. Great Pond Mountain
To get some elevation while winter hiking in Maine, head to Great Pond Mountain. This 4,500-acre park is open year round and is home to the Bucksport Family Snowmobile Club. There are 15 miles of gravel trails available to hikers and snowmobilers. You can also bring your dog along to enjoy this leash-friendly environment.
3. Branch Lake Public Forest
Maine is filled with picturesque lakes too beautiful to miss. Branch Lake is deep in the heart of timber country, and is also the sole source of fresh drinking water for the nearby town of Ellsworth. The lake loop trail is a round trip of 2.5 miles and takes about 1.5 hours to traverse.
4. Spring Point Shoreway
Winter hiking in Maine wouldn’t be complete without a stop at that postcard perfect coastline. Located near Portland, the Spring Point Shoreway allows you enjoy the salt air with a trek along the sandy shore. You can also visit historic Fort Preble, a former military haven built in 1808. Maine also means lighthouses, and Spring Point has its very own, an adorable beacon at the end of a flat-stone jetty.
Featured Image from Carl Newton/Unsplash
