Northern lights are on the bucket list of many people to see and experience. Traveling to Alaska, Norway, Iceland, and other northern points are certainly one way to fulfill this, but if you do a little homework to prepare yourself you may be rewarded and get to see the show without the need for a passport or expense of an airplane ticket. Capturing the display will make for a wonderful visual memory to always have.  Here are some pointers to get you on your way to making your best shot of nature’s very unique light show in the sky.

The key to getting the perfect photo is understanding exposure. You need a camera capable of making long exposures in order to collect the dim light. Just as you would use a cup to collect water from a faucet, think of your camera as being a collector of light when you “make” a picture. (I always say “make” rather than “take” a photograph, because you’re creating visual content by doing more than pushing a button.) We usually capture an image in a fraction of a second under bright daylight – it’s like filling a cup under a high-pressure fire hose. Light from Aurora is like a dripping faucet and just as you would need to hold the cup under the faucet for a long time to fill the cup, the same is true with your camera to collect enough of the dim light to make a favorable exposure.

For DSLR camera settings – I start around ISO 1000, Daylight White Balance, try 10 seconds at f/4 as a working starting point and adjust from there. Capturing in Camera Raw mode will give you the maximum editing capabilities after you make your image. Auto focus will likely not work and may actually prevent the camera from shooting, so disable that function – usually it is a switch found on the lens. Use the Live View function and manually adjust the focus to make some bright star sharp in the electronic viewfinder. Alternately, adjust your lens to the infinity mark but not beyond or your stars will look like blurry snowballs. A good tripod is a must to keep the camera steady for the anticipated longer exposures. If you don’t have a shutter release cable, consider using the timer function in the camera and Live View mode together to mitigate any camera motion when pressing the shutter button. A fast f/2.8 or better wide-angle lens is preferred but a fast 50MM will work too.

There are apps for smart phones that will allow for long exposures and it is worth looking and installing one of those before going out to capture an Aurora. Most Android cell phones have the ability already installed. If you have an Apple phone you may need to download a free app such as Adobe Lightroom that restores many camera functions that were not included. Also, there are adaptors that will let you mount your phone to a tripod and it’s worth investing in one of these handy mounts if you only plan to use your phone. Most cell phones have an option to trigger the shutter with a simple Voice Command that will leave the phone motionless. Capturing in Raw mode or Digital Negative [DNG] is important to be able to make more adjustments later when editing your image.

Planning where to take the picture is very important. In general, any place with a good look angle to the northern horizon and with low light pollution is where I would begin. It’s worth scouting out places on a map and visiting those places in the daylight. Grab a compass or use the one in your vehicle or GPS to help you locate a place with the northerly exposure.

The sky needs to be free of cloud cover – if you cannot see stars, then you will not see the Aurora. Also, the moon phase is important as a partial or full moon can wash out the ability to see the dim lights of an Aurora.

Aurora is NOT a seasonal event – it comes in about a 21-year cycle and can be visible any month of the year. The year 2025 is the predicted coming peak for Aurora activity, and like an incoming tide, there are always some rogue waves, so to speak, that are a little higher than the rest. We are experiencing this now as the cycle continues to peak.

The Kp index is an indicator of the Aurora activity. You can find the current state anytime and sign up for alerts by going to this website: www.bit.ly/KpIndex

Sometimes, this will spike during the day, and were it not for the sunlight, we could actually see the Aurora more often. The higher the Kp index, the lower in latitude the Aurora display may be visible. When the index goes to 5, the Aurora can be visible in northern Maine – primarily Aroostook County and into Canada. An index of 6 puts the visible Aurora on the horizon in the Midcoast area and to the west through the lakes regions. When the Kp index approaches 7, you could expect to see a possible Aurora in Southern Maine. With an index of 8 and above, it’s possible to see Aurora overhead in southern Maine and possibly further south into southern New England. The Kp index is only updated in three-hour intervals and if you see a rising trend it’s worth going out to look as there can be momentary spikes where you may catch a view of the lights.

The three optimal conditions of having a cloud-free sky, a new or setting moon, and a higher Kp index does actually happen more often that you think. If seeing Aurora is on your bucket list, it is best to keep an eye on all three factors and know with the coming peak that the odds of seeing Aurora in your sky is looking pretty good.

Even if you are not successful capturing the Aurora, there still are other elements that are worth trying for, such as the Milky Way. You can create some wonderful nighttime images just using a cell phone as well and that’s just one more bucket list item to forward to this summer.

Story by Michael Leonard, a certified night owl who feels right at home shooting pictures after the sun sets and before it rises. His course, AfterDark, details all you need to make pictures at night. See more of his course offerings under the Events Tab at his website www.phototourismbymike.com.

Maine’s Rangeley Lakes Region includes more than the 10-square-mile lake itself, extending to five other large lakes and hundreds of smaller lakes and ponds. Add rivers and streams, two mountains – Saddleback and The Horn — just east of the lake, and mile after mile of forests and what do you get? A paradise for those who love the great outdoors and all the activities it invites. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, climbing, camping, cycling, wildlife watching, or just lazing beside the lake – whatever your summer bliss, you’ll find it here.

Photo: Chris Riley

Take your bike to the extensive network of trails at the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center. Golfers will appreciate the scenic Mingo Springs Golf Course, a favorite of both beginners and scratch players. Although the course is relatively short, it’s challenging, and birders love it for the variety of species that nest alongside the course. All the lakes and ponds surrounded by forest make a prime wildlife habitat, and moose-watching and photography is one of the region’s most popular activities.

Nice views from Mingo Springs Golf Course

To explore the lakes and ponds and enjoy the wildlife that make their homes on the shore, rent a canoe or kayak at Ecopelagicon the Rangeley Adventure Co. on Pond Street in Rangeley. Single and double kayaks, canoes, and standup paddleboards can be rented by the hour, day, or week. You can also find hiking, camping and paddling gear for all your other outdoor activities.

The Rangeley Inn is located in the center of Rangeley, and has renovated accommodations in the historic inn or at the Haley Pond Lodge on the waterfront. All rooms feature a private bathroom, satellite TV, WiFi, and a coffee maker. Choose from rooms with one king bed or two queen beds, or suites with one or two bedrooms. Some rooms offer a mini-fridge and microwave. Sit down to a relaxed breakfast in the elegant historic dining room or enjoy dinner in the rustic Tavern. Take a stroll down Main Street to a number of local shops, galleries, and eateries. Caryn Dreyfuss at Morton and Furbish Real Estate can help you find your own little spot of heaven in the Rangeley region, whether it’s a cozy cabin in the woods or a family-sized lakeside retreat.

A hiker enjoys the views of Katahdin from the Rainbow Loop Trail, Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area.

The 100-Mile Wilderness is the name given to the next-to-last section of the Appalachian Trail on its 2,192-mile route from Springer Mountain, Georgia, to Mount Katahdin in Maine. A vast, 750,000-acre expanse of forests and mountains, lakes and ponds, and rivers and streams, this iconic region ranges roughly from the town of Monson to the West Branch of the Penobscot River.

While not formally a wilderness area by any legal definition, the 100-Mile Wilderness is nonetheless very primitive and wild.

Hikers on Monument Cliff on Third Mountain enjoy views of the high summits of the White Cap summits.

Stephen Clark, editor of the Appalachian Trail Guide to Maine from 1964 to 1982, coined the name to alert AT thru-hikers to the fact that no resupply points existed along this remote and rugged 100-mile stretch of trail, still largely the case today.

Conservation lands abound in the 100-Mile Wilderness thanks to the dedicated work of many public and private organizations, and there are recreational opportunities aplenty. For hikers and backpackers, there are many miles of foot trails to explore. Here are a few fun ways for foot travelers to enjoy the best of Maine’s incredible 100-Mile Wilderness.

The summit of Borestone Mountain rewards hikers
with far-reaching views north into
the 100-Mile Wilderness.

Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary

Revel in 360-degree views from this craggy 1,981-foot peak in the namesake 1,693-acre wildlife preserve. Hike the Base Trail to the lovely Sunset Pond tucked into the upper mountain’s base. Then scamper up the Summit Trail to the top, taking advantage of helpful iron rungs and a handrail along the way. It’s 3.5 miles round-trip.

Morning sun at Antler’s Campsite on the AT.

AMC Maine Woods Initiative Conservation and Recreation Area

The Appalachian Mountain Club has protected 100,000 acres in the 100-Mile Wilderness and built an extensive trail network. Climb Third Mountain (2,082 feet) via the Gorman Loop Trail, Third Mountain Trail, and the AT for a good look around at the club’s remarkable preservation efforts. About a seven-mile loop.

Gulf Hagas

Popularly known as the Grand Canyon of Maine, this deep, narrow slate canyon on the West Branch of the Pleasant River drops an impressive 400 feet over four miles. The National Park Service owns this nearly 2,000-acre scenic jewel, while the Maine Appalachian Trail Club maintains an eight-mile loop trail system. Hike it all, or opt for a briefer segment.

Nahmakanta Public Land

Remote ponds and scenic ridges dominate this 43,000-acre property, the largest in Maine’s public lands system. A quarter of the land is designated as an ecological reserve, and within that, there’s the roadless Debsconeag Backcountry. Ramble around the 13-mile figure-eight loop trail at will to discover the wonders of this special place.

Enjoying a view of Clifford Pond in the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area.

Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area

Home to undisturbed stands of mature trees and the highest concentration of remote ponds in New England, the entire 46,271 acres of this amazing place is an ecological reserve. The Rainbow Loop visits several ponds while offering panoramic views ranging from majestic Katahdin south across the 100-Mile Wilderness. Hike the six-mile circuit.

Appalachian Trail

Sunrise over Wadleigh Pond.

Hikers have countless ways to savor time on the AT, from the ponds and ridges north of Monson and the Barren-Chairback Range summits to the peaks of the White Cap Range and the lakes, rivers, and ponds to its north. Grab a map and guidebook, develop a plan, and go. Ambitious hikers could, of course, spend 7-to-10 days hiking the entire 100-mile section.

Access to many 100-Mile Wilderness trailheads is through the KI Jo-Mary Forest, a consortium of landowners that manages gates, roads, campsites, and related facilities. There are fees for day use and camping. Please consult their website for info on rules and regulations.

Story & Photos by Carey Kish of Mount Desert Island. Carey is an avid hiker and beer drinker and author of the new book, “Beer Hiking New England.”

Miles of white sand, saltwater taffy, long estuaries to explore by kayak, and several iconic lighthouses – what’s not to love about this stretch of Maine’s picturesque shoreline?

Wells and York are all about families kicking back, and their beautiful beaches are open to all. Each offers a wide range of lodging and dining choices. Visit the local Chamber of Commerce offices or the Maine Tourism Information Center for more information about various businesses and events throughout the region.

Photo courtesy of Palace Playland, Old Orchard Beach

Maine’s longest stretch of sand beach makes Old Orchard Beach a magnet for summer vacationers. 7 miles of soft white sand that’s meticulously cleaned each night by volunteers. Smaller beaches spread north along Scarborough’s coast. Some – such as the beautiful Western and Ferry beaches – are protected by the long peninsula of Prouts Neck.

With all this coastline, you can expect a variety of water sports – surfing, paddle-boarding, sailing, fishing and kayaking. Scarborough Marsh has miles of meandering channels alive with birds, to explore on foot or in a kayak or canoe. The Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center runs guided nature walks and canoe trips through the 3100-acre estuary. Birders flock to Prouts Neck Bird Sanctuary. The Wells Reserve at Laudholm offers seven miles of walking trails in a protected estuarine environment.

This flat coastline is great to explore on two wheels, and you can follow the Eastern Trail, a greenway of backroads and trails for bicycles. Also an easy walk away from the Old Orchard Beach Pier and amusement park, the Beachfront Condotel has two-bedroom and studio units with kitchens and Jacuzzis. For RV enthusiasts, Seacoast RV is Maine’s premier RV dealer for recreational vehicles, camper sales, service, parts and accessories. They carry an extensive line of new and used recreational vehicles and campers for sale from leading manufacturers as well as motorhome rentals.

If all the saltwater makes you hungry for seafood, you won’t find it fresher than at Ken’s Place (207-883-6611) on Pine Point Road in Scarborough. Nothing fancy, but Maine’s best ocean-fresh fried clams, lobster rolls, chowders and a raw bar. A must visit!

Old Orchard Beach

Maine’s 228 miles of Atlantic shoreline, which expands to 3,500 miles if you count all of the bays, coves, and inlets, make it a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. But not all Maine’s water sports are in the sea: lakes offer boating, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, swimming, and other ways to play in the water.

Cobbosseecontee Lake. © Stillman Rogers Photography

The largest is Moosehead Lake. With more than 75,000 acres of water in northwestern Maine, its shoreline is marked with bays and islands that make it a favorite for kayakers and canoeists. Northwoods Outfitters rent canoes and kayaks or you can rent a boat from Wild One Rentals to fish for smallmouth bass, land-locked salmon, and lake trout. Northwoods also offers guided canoe and kayak trips, family fishing adventures, and moose safaris.

If you want to see Moosehead from a different vantage point, take a floatplane ride with Currier’s Flying Service or a scenic cruise on the century-old Steamboat Katahdin, both in Greenville.

Closer to Portland and easier to reach, Sebago Lake is perhaps Maine’s most popular body of water. Surrounded by resorts, campgrounds, and rental cottages, Sebago has sandy beaches, including Songo Beach, whose half-mile of sandy shore is backed by giant pines and hardwoods. Nason’s Beach & Campground  has its own beach and lakeside campsites. To enjoy the lake’s more than 30,000 acres of water, stop at Sebago Lake Boat Rentals for kayaks, pontoons, motorboats, paddle boards, water trampolines, slides, canoes, fishing boats, floats, tubes, and water skis.

At nearby Long Lake, in Naples, you can rent pontoon boats and deck boats with waterslides at Long Lake Marine  or tour the lake onboard the Songo River Queen II, a replica of a Mississippi paddle wheeler. For aerial views of both Long and Sebago lakes and the Songo Locks that connect them, take a seaplane ride with Naples Seaplane Adventures in Naples.

Rangeley Lake, in western Maine, is renowned for fishing, well known for its 12- to-18-inch brook trout and four-to-six-pound landlocked salmon. Rangeley Region Sports Shop  is a good place to find fishing gear and flies and Green Farm Guide Service  can provide guided fishing trips to the best spots.

Damariscotta Lake State Park. © Stillman Rogers Photography

Both Rangeley Lake State Park, on the southern lakeshore and the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust have waterfront campgrounds.

Rivers Edge Sports Shop in Oquossoc maintains a large rental fleet of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, which you can launch right from their dock or have delivered and picked up at your favorite put-in. The lake’s three public boat launches are located at the Rangeley town park, at the state park, and at the outlet in Oquossoc.

South of Baxter State Park, Millinocket Lake is blissfully remote, entirely surrounded by forest, and with very limited access. The minimal roads to its shore have preserved a pristine lake that’s perfect for exploring by canoe or by kayak. A boat is the only way to get to the sandy beaches of the north shore. Lakeside lodging is at Twin Pines Cabins, a series of log cabins and campsites owned by the New England Outdoor Center, and at Big Moose Inn, Cabins & Campground.

Book a three-hour moose cruise on Katahdin Princess from the inn to visit moose-feeding areas around the lake and watch for eagles, loons, and other wildlife. A public boat launch is on the southwestern shore, just off the Golden Road.

Don’t confuse Millinocket Lake with the even more remote Lake Millinocket, north of Baxter State Park. It, too, has very limited access and only one place to stay. For more than 130 years, Libby Camps have offered fly-fishing packages at Millinocket Lake with accommodations in cabins.

Well-known to locals for its sandy beaches and exceptional fishing, Damariscotta Lake is close to the busy seacoast routes, but little used by tourists. Damariscotta Lake State Park, at the northern end in Jefferson, attracts families to its long sandy beach. The water is shallow for quite a distance into the lake, making safe wading and play space for young children; lifeguards are on duty during busy seasons.

At the lake’s southern end, Spectacle Islands are locally popular for swimming and have a few campsites managed by the Midcoast Conservancy. Reservations are required. The islands are easy to reach by kayak, canoe, or small boat from the nearby public boat launch on Bunker Hill Road in Damariscotta.

Great Pond, Belgrade. © Stillman Rogers Photography

Near Augusta, Cobbosseecontee Lake is known to fishing enthusiasts as one of Maine’s best places to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass. Hopeful anglers can launch at either of two public ramps, one off Route 202 near Manchester at the north end of the lake, and the other on the west side near Camp Cobbossee Boy’s Camp.

Lakeside Lodge & Marina has an extensive selection of tackle and also rents pontoon and fishing boats. Maine Premier Boat Rentals will deliver rental pontoon boats, fishing boats, pontoon boats, or canoes to a camp or public launch on this or any other lake of your choice.

Just north of Cobbosseecontee Lake, Great Pond is one of the seven Belgrade Lakes. On its western shore, Great Pond Marina rents boats for fishing and waterskiing, as well as paddleboards, and the marina store carries everything from wakeboards and water skis to sunglasses.

This is only a sampling of the more than 6,000 lakes and ponds in Maine. Those traveling with a kayak, canoe, or small boat will have no trouble finding ramps and put-ins all over the state where they can chart their adventures.

Story by Bobbie Randolph. Bobbie is a New England native who writes about camping and outdoor adventures on the water, on the snow, and on the trails.

Like so many people who live for the outdoors, I’ve spent much of my time in the woods and waters of Maine until, at age 26, an unexpected rash brought my life to a screeching halt.

Photo: Jaclyn Sanipass

As a trained wilderness guide and a Maine native, I was well aware that Lyme disease existed here in the Northeast. Yet, I didn’t know its devastating effects when I developed the familiar bull’s eye rash in 2006. I wished I’d known more before becoming bed-bound for more than two years and succumbing to a desperate search for my health. Luckily after seven years, I fully recovered with the help of a team of doctors, neurological rehabilitation, and support through adaptive sports programs. Now I am back running trails, backpacking, and practicing martial arts in the elements again.

The cool, fresh mornings of spring in Maine open up so many opportunities to go outside and focus on healthy activities. As green begins to return in the forests, it seems to draw people from their homes and call them back to the great outdoors.

Staying healthy outdoors is on the mind of many fresh-air seekers hitting the trails this summer season. Whether you are hiking, backpacking, camping, trail running, , or gardening—there is potential for tick exposure. Children are most susceptible because they tend to play outdoors the most, and people who spend time outdoors are at a higher risk. Pets let outdoors can also pose a risk, as they are likely to carry ticks back into the home.

Avoid Bushwacking; Stay on Trails

Try to stay out of the long grass as many ticks stand on the end of the blades of grass reaching up with their legs, ready to attach to whatever happens to walk by. They will attach to a pant leg, shoe, or sock and then migrate upwards, looking for warmth.

Photo: Jaclyn Sanipass

Tick Checks are Extremely Important 

I do quick tick checks along the trail, especially if I travel through low brush, leaf litter, or tall grasses. I do another check once I return to my car. Then once back at home, I do a thorough tick check. Use your hand to rub along your skin as it may be easy to mistake a tiny deer tick for a freckle. A tick will be raised slightly so you might be able to feel one more easily than being able to see it. Use a mirror to check your back. Then, throw your clothes in the washer and dryer. Be sure to check thoroughly. Favorite places for ticks are behind the knees, armpits, waistline, groin, and scalp.

What if you find an attached tick?

Remove ticks as soon as you see them. There are tick scoops that you can find at most outdoor stores or use regular tweezers. Grasp it as close to your skin as possible and pull with a gentle tug. Try to avoid breaking the tick. If broken, the head of the tick will be left inside the skin and may cause irritation. If you suspect infection, consult your physician right away.

Take a picture of the embedded tick. Write down the day and time that it was found embedded in case you need to have it examined or keep records for a doctor. Watch the area for any signs of rash and note any developments of other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, malaise, diarrhea, fever, etc.

In short, always be mindful of where you walk this summer. Not all ticks carry infectious diseases and not every bite will lead to disease. But better to be careful, educated, and aware. Consult your physician if you suspect you may have a tick-borne illness.

Jaclyn Sanipass is a survivor in complete recovery of neurological Lyme disease and Babesiosis. After a seven-year battle, she returned to the wilderness and led women’s retreats for more than 10 years. Her newly released book It’s In Your Dreams is a novel about her life as a wilderness guide and her journey of healing from Lyme disease.

Like so many people who live for the outdoors, I’ve spent much of my time in the woods and waters of Maine until, at age 26, an unexpected rash brought my life to a screeching halt.

As a trained wilderness guide and a Maine native, I was well aware that Lyme disease existed here in the Northeast. Yet, I didn’t know its devastating effects when I developed the familiar bull’s eye rash in 2006. I wished I’d known more before becoming bed-bound for more than two years and succumbing to a desperate search for my health. Luckily after seven years, I fully recovered with the help of a team of doctors, neurological rehabilitation, and support through adaptive sports programs. Now I am back running trails, backpacking, and practicing martial arts in the elements again.

The cool, fresh mornings of spring in Maine open up so many opportunities to go outside and focus on healthy activities. As green begins to return in the forests, it seems to draw people from their homes and call them back to the great outdoors. 

Staying healthy outdoors while maintaining the proper social distance is still on the minds of many fresh-air seekers hitting the trails this summer season. Yet, there is more to think about beyond the current pandemic when heading out on that next adventure.

Whether you are hiking, backpacking, camping, trail running, participating in one of the new virtual trail races, or gardening—there is potential for tick exposure. Children are most susceptible because they tend to play outdoors the most, and people who spend time outdoors are at a higher risk. Pets let outdoors can also pose a risk, as they are likely to carry ticks back into the home.

Avoid Bushwacking; Stay on Trails

Try to stay out of the long grass as many ticks stand on the end of the blades of grass reaching up with their legs, ready to attach to whatever happens to walk by. They will attach to a pant leg, shoe, or sock and then migrate upwards, looking for warmth.

Tick Checks are Extremely Important 

I do quick tick checks along the trail, especially if I travel through low brush, leaf litter, or tall grasses. I do another check once I return to my car. Then once back at home, I do a thorough tick check. Use your hand to rub along your skin as it may be easy to mistake a tiny deer tick for a freckle. A tick will be raised slightly so you might be able to feel one more easily than being able to see it. Use a mirror to check your back. Then, throw your clothes in the washer and dryer. Be sure to check thoroughly. Favorite places for ticks are behind the knees, armpits, waistline, groin, and scalp.

What if you find an attached tick?

Remove ticks as soon as you see them. There are tick scoops that you can find at most outdoor stores or use regular tweezers. Grasp it as close to your skin as possible and pull with a gentle tug. Try to avoid breaking the tick. If broken, the head of the tick will be left inside the skin and may cause irritation. If you suspect infection, consult your physician right away.

Take a picture of the embedded tick. Write down the day and time that it was found embedded in case you need to have it examined or keep records for a doctor. Watch the area for any signs of rash and note any developments of other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, malaise, diarrhea, fever, etc.

In short, always be mindful of where you walk this summer. Not all ticks carry infectious diseases and not every bite will lead to disease. But better to be careful, educated, and aware. Consult your physician if you suspect you may have a tick-borne illness.

BE TICK AWARE

The Global Lyme Alliance, a research and education organization based in Connecticut, gives suggestions on their website to help people to “Be Tick AWARE,” which is an acronym for the following:

AVOID areas where ticks live. Ticks thrive in woodpiles, leaf litter, long grass, beach grass, bushy areas, stone walls, and perimeters where the lawn meets the woods.

WEAR light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily, long-sleeved shirts tucked in at the waist, long pants tucked into high socks, closed-toe shoes, and a hat with your hair tucked in, if possible. Do not walk in the grass barefoot or in open sandals, even if it’s cut short.

APPLY EPS-approved tick repellent (such as DEET or picaridin) and insecticide (such as permethrin) to skin, clothing, and shoes as directed.

REMOVE clothing upon entering the home; toss into the dryer at high temperature for 10-15 minutes to kill live ticks. Putting them in the washer, however, will not.

EXAMINE yourself and your pets for ticks daily. Feel for bumps paying close attention to the back of knees, groin, armpits, in and behind ears, belly button, and scalp. Check everywhere – ticks love to hide where the sun don’t shine.

ABOUT SIZE
Tick larvae are less than 1 millimeter long (the size of a poppy seed) while nymphs are 1-2 millimeters long, about the size of a pinhead. Adult ticks can range from about 2 – 6 millimeters long when unfed and can grow up to 10 millimeters long after feeding. Source: www.domyown.com

TICK TESTING
The University of Maine offers tick-testing services and provides surveillance information on ticks and tick-borne disease in Maine. To learn more visit: www.extension.umaine.edu/ticks/submit

TICKS & PETS
Monitor your pets every time they come back inside for ticks, so that they don’t carry them inside your home. Look thoroughly around the eyes and ears, between front and back legs, between toes, around the tail, and around the neck and shoulders. Consult a veterinarian about effective options for controlling ticks on dogs and cats. Source: www.domyown.com

Story by Jaclyn Sanipass, a survivor in complete recovery of neurological Lyme disease and Babesiosis. After a seven-year battle, she returned to the wilderness and led women’s retreats for more than 10 years. Her newly released book It’s In Your Dreams is a story about her life as a wilderness guide and her journey of healing from Lyme disease.

A gregarious “gray jay” perches on the hand of a hiker. Photo: Garrick Hoffman

According to conventional wisdom, the best hiking season runs from May through the end of October. It’s warmer, visually spectacular, and attracts the most amount of in-state and out-of-state visitors, so it’s got to be better, right?

From this hiker’s perspective, not quite.

I have reached the point where I don’t even hike anymore in spring or summer. Fall is an exception (how could one not love autumn hikes, with crisp conditions, bedazzling foliage, and no humidity?) Instead, I have completely fallen in love with winter hiking, for a number of reasons.

Snowshoes are essential when “breaking trail” after a snowstorm. Photo: Garrick Hoffman

Picture going out on a trail walk in the winter the day after a fresh coating of snow to see the way the sun illuminates the snow on the tree branches in such a way that it practically glows. That’s what winter hiking will offer you as you ascend a mountain.

Now, envision rolling your ankle from all the rocks, crevices and divots in the trails. Hiking in the winter is actually easier for this reason, as the snow fills in all the gaps and makes finding purchase easier on your feet, particularly with sturdy winter boots or snowshoes.

Perhaps the best reason to hike in the winter is that there’s something so serene and peaceful about it. It’s quieter, less crowded. While everyone heads to the ski mountains on the weekends, often you’ll have the trails to yourself. True, many a hiker still ventures to the mountains in the winter, but it simply does not compare to the scale of people during the typical hiking season from spring to fall. With a solo hike through the hushed woods, you’re guaranteed tranquility and solitude.

Descending a mountain comes with
stellar views in the winter.
Photo: Garrick Hoffman

But, hiking in the winter can actually provide a bit of thrill as well, especially when you’re traversing an ice-capped ridgeline or racing against the very limited daylight hours. This is why greater caution must be taken while hiking in this season.

The beauty of winter hiking is that you find yourself walking through a transformed landscape. I truly love hiking on a snowy path and feeling as though I’m immersed in a bonafide winter wonderland, with fresh snow all around me. Or seeing the breath of my hiking companions illuminated by the sun as we make our way to the summit. Reaching the summit and marveling at all the snow-capped trees and surrounding mountains – it’s always something to behold.

And if none that entices you, maybe this will: no bugs!

So gear up with all your best winter outdoor wear, slap on a pair of microspikes, and go hit those snowy trails! 

Story by Garrick Hoffman. Garrick is a freelance writer, photographer and actor based in Auburn. Visit his website at GarrickHoffman.com, and follow him on Instagram at @garrickhoffmanphotography, and on Facebook at @ Garrick Hoffman Photography.

Thanks to its perfect location at the gateway to the best alpine skiing, snowboarding, and Nordic skiing in Maine, it’s not surprising the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) boasts several successful intercollegiate Snow Sports programs: Alpine Skiing (Giant Slalom and Slalom), Freeskiing (Rail, Slopestyle, Skiercross), Nordic Skiing, and Snowboarding (Rail, Slopestyle, Snowboardcross). During the summer and fall months, UMF Snow Sports team members were putting in their dry-land training and are now out on the snow across the Northeast doing what they love.

Photo courtesy of UMaine at Farmington

Over the past several years, the University of Maine at Farmington varsity Snowsports programs have quietly become a national powerhouse. The teams are based at both Sugarloaf and at Farmington’s Titcomb Mountain.

For his efforts, Andrew Willihan, UMF Director of Snowsports and head men’s and women’s Alpine coach, was named the 2022 U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association (USCSA) National Coach of the Year. He also received the Eastern Region Coach of the Year award in 2018.

Willihan, a 2006 UMF graduate, completed his sixth season at the helm of the men’s and women’s Alpine teams. He oversees all UMF ski and snowsports programs: Men’s and Women’s Alpine, Nordic, and Snowboard / Freeski. His efforts in recent years to improve the caliber of UMF’s training and competition opportunities at Sugarloaf has positioned UMF’s teams for great achievements – now and into the future.

Last season, Farmington sent four competitors to the USCSA National Championships at Lake Placid, New York. Ryan Brueninghaus, Samuel Scheff and Carson Theriault, combined to finish sixth in the men’s Freeski team combined — UMF’s best showing in men’s Freeski at the USCSA national championships. And Women’s Nordic skier Mullein Francis finished 27th among individual competitors at the Nationals.

On the Alpine slopes, four UMF skiers Simon Spear, Abbey Landry, Zach Berliner and Jacob Roy took All-Reynolds Division honors, with Berliner finishing seventh in the Giant Slalom at the USCSA Eastern Championships at Sugarloaf.

With 1,600 students, UMF is a small college, but it has long been a powerhouse in the collegiate ski and snowboard scene, providing its student-athletes the opportunity to compete on a local, regional, and national level. For ski and snowboard minded students who want to compete at a collegiate level, the University of Maine at Farmington provides a nationally recognized college education at a competitive price, while training and racing at the best resorts in the Northeast.

~ ~ ~

The 2023 U.S. Collegiate Ski & Snowboard National Championships will be held March 6-11 at Mammoth Mountain, California. (https://www.uscsa.org/2023nationals.html)

A snowshoer enjoying the trails.
Photo courtesy Smiling Hill Farm.

For many folks, being outdoors is more of a lifestyle than simply a hobby. There is something sacred about embracing the elements, despite the season. Fortunately, in Maine, there’s always something to do outside.  As the summer dew starts to solidify to fall frosts, people need to start thinking about the best ways to keep warm during winter. Staying active is one of the best ways to do that, especially via cross-country (XC) skiing, which is an excellent cardiovascular exercise. 

Also referred to as “Nordic skiing,” cross-country skiing offers Mainers and visitors an opportunity for a more casual experience than downhill skiing, depending on where they live in the state. Downhill skiing, or “Alpine skiing,” can entail long drives and lodging expenses, making it more of an excursion than an afternoon activity. And not everyone lives next to a ski mountain; however, the chances are higher that a XC trail system is much closer. As agriculture yields to a wintery wonderland, several Maine farms welcome people on their properties to enjoy the fields, trails, and even a warm beverage or a meal.

Smiling Hill Farm in Westbrook, well known for its quality milk, offers XC skiers of all levels 25 kilometers of trails. According to their website, the system consists of “steep drops at ‘Holstein Hill,’ gently rolling fields, and old winding logging roads.” 

Opened in 1720, Smiling Hill farm began welcoming XC skiers in the 1990s, and when conditions are favorable, the skiing is lovely. After a snowfall of four inches or more, the farm grooms its trails into two tracks to allow for optimal classical XC skiing, when one’s skis move back and forth driving forward from the hips. There is also “skate skiing” when the skiers move their feet as if ice-skating or rollerblading, utilizing the ungroomed portion of the trail. They offer equipment rentals and have partnered with Winter Kids to allow parents to use the app to get discounts for their kiddos. Their Ice Cream Barn is open year-round from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and their lunch café is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving up sandwiches and hot chocolate. Just what you need to top off a good day of skiing.  

Pineland Farms in New Gloucester offers an extensive trail system with equipment rentals and private ski lessons for varying levels. Their superb café and market serve as a great place to warm up, dry off, eat, and then stock up on fresh meat, cheese, and produce.  

Groomed trails at Smiling Hill Farm make
for great classical XC skiing.
Photo courtesy Smiling Hill Farm.

Maine Outdoor Wellness Center in Turner is a non-profit organization partnered with Nezinscot Farm that offers XC skiing on an extensive trail network across 300 acres. They offer a few basic rental options and operate on a donation basis, but check the website for more details. The non-profit honors Roy Varney, the family’s son, who died in a farming accident in 2019. Varney was a two-time state champion in XC skiing at Leavitt High School. 

At one time XC skiing was much more prolific than today, partly due to warmer temperatures. Preston Noon, Operations Manager from the New England Nordic Skiing Association, (NENSA) said, “XC Skiing is difficult for farmers to sustain over multiple years of light snow. Even Pineland, with some of the best trails around, still has trouble with snow. Portland Nordic, a volunteer skiing organization, is working on getting snowmaking at their location at Riverside.” According to Noon, there once were more than 200 Nordic ski centers in New England. Today, it’s almost 10 percent of that.

Smiling Hill Farm also has had a similar experience. “As a kid, I remember having boatloads of snow!” said Hilary Knight, Smiling Hill’s Barnyard Manager. “Now, we get rain. We had many recent winters where we didn’t open for more than a few days at a time. Mother Nature is not always on our side, unfortunately.” 

These challenges make it all the more important to get out and hit the trails after a heavy snowfall. XC skiing is such a great way to keep yourself active and witness the pristine beauty of winter. 

Story by J.G. Breerwood, teacher of English and Creative Writing at Lewiston High School.  His first novel, Sinking Dixie, was published in 2020. He welcomed his daughter Elsie to the family in June.

From top to bottom, photos by: Bill Wood, Seth Fischer, Andrew Krause, Chris Bartram.

“The learning curve for ice climbing is easier than rock climbing because you can put your crampons and ice axes almost anywhere,” says Tierney, who has been guiding and teaching ice climbing since the 1980s. He has even taken clients to western China to tackle first ascents of difficult ice climbs and mountain peaks. Tierney is one of 80 fully-certified international mountain guides working in the US (IFMGA) and the only one residing in Maine.

If you are interested in learning to ice climb, instruction is essential. Hiring a professional guide is the surest and fastest way of learning to ice climb safely. Tierney’s school, Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School, offers daily instruction in Acadia National Park, Camden Hills, and the Sugarloaf and Sunday River regions as well as over the border in the White Mountains. The school is fully accredited by the AMGA to provide rock, ice, mountaineering or backcountry skiing instruction or guiding. Start swinging those ice tools today!

Bethel is Maine’s most beautiful mountain village.

The centerpiece of winter sports in Bethel is Sunday River, with eight mountain peaks connected by 135+ trails and glades that are accessed by 15 lifts. It’s a family-friendly place, where kids love the slope-side entertainment and snow tubing at South Ridge and teens appreciate the six terrain parks. Cross-country skiers find trails and equipment right in town at Bethel Nordic Ski Center, at the start of 30km of classic and skate tracks, through forests and across fields with views of the Mahoosuc Mountains. Miles of snowshoe and fat bike trails and a skating rink make Bethel Village a one-stop winter recreation center. Plenty of scenic trails are available, too, for those who prefer to explore the woods and fields on a snowmobile.

For rooms, dining and an après-ski scene in one place, The Sudbury Inn is a family-friendly inn with a French bistro and lively Suds Pub, featuring more than 29 beers on tap. The free Mountain Explorer shuttle takes skiers right to Sunday River and home again, so you can leave your car right at the inn.

There’s plenty of winter fun to be discovered in Bethel. To learn more, stop by the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at Station Place in the center of town, or call (207) 824-2282. 

Try winter under canvas in one of Maine’s cozy yurt rentals.

If you spend the colder months wistfully glancing at your camping gear and dreaming of nights close to nature, you’ve been missing out on a winter adventure that encapsulates all the best elements of camping without the fear of frostbite. Explore a plethora of yurts available to rent all across Maine. 

The traditional yurt structure creates a cozy circular sanctuary. Photo courtesy Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

Made from a circular-shaped wooden latticework, covered in canvas and typically featuring a woodstove and chimney, the traditional yurt originated from Central Asia, where nomadic groups from Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey created the structure – then covered it in animal hides – as a hardy yet moveable dwelling to traverse the steppes. The modern iteration can be found tucked away in nature all over Maine, providing an elevated kind of camping experience thanks to its roomy interior and heating capabilities. Many rentals across the state also enjoy proximity to the ocean or a trail network, offering the opportunity for winter walks, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing before you settle into your digs for the night.

Even with a stove and a bed, you’re still just a sheet of canvas away from nature. Many yurt rentals will require you to light and maintain your own woodstove. Therefore, it’s essential that at least one member of your party has a working familiarity with wood-burning stoves. Once the stove is burning efficiently, you should stay cozy inside the structure. Nonetheless, it’s smart to bring your headlamps, camping gear, potable water, and your warmest clothing – even if it’s just so you can step outside and marvel at the brilliance of the night sky in winter.

Birdsong Yurt boasts an expansive view across Maine’s
lakes region toward the slopes of Mount Abram’s ski area.
Photo courtesy Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

Birdsong Yurt

Woodstock

$250-$265 per night

Perched on a granite outcrop overlooking the winter forest, Birdsong Yurt is a four-season yurt that melds the appeal of the great outdoors with some seriously luxurious amenities. Located in Woodstock and surrounded by mountains, including the far-off lights from Mount Abrams ski slopes, Birdsong is a romantic getaway for any sporty couple in search of winter adventure. The interior is a study in modern-rustic chic, complete with sliding barn doors, sage green kitchen cabinets, and mid-century furniture. “Guests staying at Birdsong yurt in the winter can expect a quiet and cozy stay,” said owner Shari Kilton.  “We have a full kitchen and bathroom – so there’s no running out in the cold to an outhouse!” With a pellet stove, a king-sized bed, a television, and WiFi access, Birdsong ensures there’s no sense of “roughing it” for a night. But, that’s not all.  Step outside and take your pick whether to admire the panoramic views from the raised deck, fire pit, or – most decadently – the hot tub. After a long day on the slopes of Mount Abram or Sunday River, there’s no sweeter place to return. 

Maine Forest Yurts 

Durham

$150 per night 

A family of winter enthusiasts can find all the activities and accommodations they could imagine on the banks of Runaround Pond in Durham. Maine Forest Yurts operates a year-round campground with four large yurts and more than 100 acres of wilderness just waiting for exploration. Pack your cross-country skis and snowshoes and hit the trails or glide across the pond on skates. No matter how you spend your time, the comforts of either Fisher Ridge, Hemlock Ridge, Hideaway, or Zen Den yurts will welcome and warm you after a long day in the crisp winter air. Each yurt comes fully furnished with a kitchen, composting toilet, and woodstove amenities. The simple and spacious interior is laid with pine flooring and furnished with bunk beds, a futon, and a dining table. The setup is dog-friendly, so the entire family can vacation together. 

Sugar Ridge Yurt 

Hidden Valley, Jefferson

From $96 per night

Tucked away on a ridge in the forested preserve on the banks of Little Dyer Pond, Sugar Ridge Yurt is one of a handful of rustic cabin and tent sites managed by the Hidden Valley Nature Center. A thousand-acre parcel of contiguous forest, Hidden Valley is an important site of environmental education and recreation in Midcoast Maine, hosting student research, sustainable forestry, and avid trail runners. An overnight stay at Sugar Ridge offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of this landscape. The yurt is accessed by a half-mile walk or ski along groomed trails through woodland and along waterways. The yurt setup contains four bunk beds, making it the perfect affordable winter escape for a group of friends in search of a quiet night in nature. Just make sure you come prepared: the woodstove is the only heat source and amenities are limited to an outhouse. Those willing to tough it out will be rewarded with a night sky that is free from light pollution and a perfect winter morning waking up among evergreens and the snow.

AYW hosts yoga classes, sauna, and
massage services to elevate the yurt experience.
Photo courtesy Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

Frost Mountain Yurts Brownfield

$125 to $140 per night

Frost Mountain owner Scott Moulton describes a stay in his six all-season yurts as “camping at its finest,” allowing you to enjoy the outdoor experience without “lugging in any of the equipment.” Located on 57 acres of wooded hills just south of Fryeburg and a short drive from Mount Washington Valley, Frost Mountain has six pet-friendly yurts tucked away among the trees. Each includes three bunk beds and two pull-out couches, making them well-suited to larger groups. The yurts are well stocked with a woodstove, gas stove and grill, and kitchen utensils should you feel like rustling up a feast, although you’ll need to be comfortable without running water and electricity (gas lamps provided). Once you’re settled, you won’t need your car to access winter activities. Frost Mountain includes a private network of XC ski and snowshoe trails, as well as “great sledding in the field through the apple trees,” according to Moulton. “We’re also directly connected to the international snowmobile trail network that is open to skiers and trekkers for longer loops.” Only one mile down the road you’ll discover the trailhead for Peary Mountain and a panoramic view of Mount Washington and the Presidential Range. 

Premium yurts include a full bath and kitchen, WiFi, and
generous amenities. Photo courtesy Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

Acadia Yurts & Wellness Center

Southwest Harbor

From $181 to $221 per night

Experience Mount Desert Island from a different perspective. Acadia Yurts combines earthy accommodations with the luxury of a wellness center, featuring onsite massages, a yoga room, an infrared sauna, and even a flotation room! Opt for ultimate comfort with Acadia’s exclusive 30-foot yurt, resplendent with colorful furnishings and generous amenities, including both an enclosed and a lofted bedroom, full kitchen, and bathroom – and perhaps most luxurious, a dishwasher. Alternatively, there are four 24-foot yurt rentals that certainly won’t make you feel like you’re slumming it. Each has room for four people, as well as a full bathroom and kitchenette. Located in the heart of Seal Cove, you’re just minutes from the coast and all of the vistas and natural glory that MDI has to offer. 

Story by Saisie Moore. Saisie is a freelance writer and editor living in Portland, Maine.

Be sure to check out these great businesses for adventurous activities and delicious food!

Maximize your sightseeing in Portland and save money with one of Portland Discovery’s exceptional combo tours! Simply choose a cruise and combine it with a trolley tour for a fabulous land and sea adventure! Take the tours in any way that fits your schedule, just be sure that when you choose your times that the boat tour and city tour times don’t overlap. For example, many people will choose the 10:00 a.m. Portland City and Lighthouse Tour then enjoy lunch and shopping in the Old Port before boarding an afternoon cruise. To see the best of Portland, visit Portlanddiscovery.com or call 207-774-0808.

Portland Paddle offers guided sea kayaking trips and paddleboard rentals at the East End Beach on the Portland waterfront. It’s amazing how rugged and wild the coastline gets just a short paddle away from the bustling Portland harbor.

The great variety of islands in Casco Bay offer endless possibilities for exploration. Look out for seals, lighthouses, wave-battered cliffs, seabirds, hidden beaches, wooden schooners, and 19th-century granite forts. Portland Paddle’s guided trips and lessons are led by licensed Maine Guides who are passionate about sharing their love of sea kayaking and their knowledge of the history and ecology of the Maine coast. Multi-day trips, advanced paddling lessons, and rentals are also offered at Portland Paddle. 

The Great Lost Bear has been a Portland institution since opening in 1979. The Bear is located about two miles from Portland’s touristy Old Port but well worth the journey across town to the mysterious Woodfords Corner. The Great Lost Bear features an enormous, eclectic family-friendly menu with something for everyone, all served in an entertaining atmosphere. They have added more taps as new breweries open throughout the Northeast. Now, with the craft beer revolution in full throttle, GLB offers an amazing selection of hard-to-find beers with most of them brewed in Maine. Come taste some of the freshest local beer around at the GLB!

Portland Schooner Company has been making memories for Casco Bay visitors since 2002. Owned and operated by husband and wife team, Scott Reischmann and Michelle Thresher, they offer an authentic, Old World sailing experience from May through October aboard Portland’s only historic windjammers. Whether you’re looking to experience the Portland waterfront from a unique perspective or just hoping to step back to a simpler time for a couple hours, Portland Schooner Company offers an experience you don’t want to miss.

The adventure begins aboard one of their classic wooden schooners, Wendameen or Bagheera. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, both schooners were designed by famed naval architect, John G. Alden, in the early 1900s and built by some of the best craftsmen in the world at the shipyards of East Boothbay, Maine. Two-hour sails depart from the Maine State Pier in Portland’s Old Port and are offered four times daily, presenting visitors with a perfect vantage point for viewing Portland’s unforgettable sights and sounds – from lighthouses and seabirds to seals and the rocky coastline. The friendly, professional crew is not only there to provide you with a safe trip … they’re happy to share a bit of Casco Bay history and trivia. You’re invited to join in any way you’d like: hoisting the sails alongside a deckhand, taking a turn at the ship’s wheel, or just relaxing and enjoying the ocean breeze and salt air. And you’re welcome to bring food and drink, including beer and wine, aboard. Though not required, reservations are strongly encouraged.

If you’ve got more time to spend on Casco Bay, Portland Schooner Company also offers charters for family or corporate functions, lunchtime lobster bakes on scenic Cow Island, and overnight excursions where you can spend an evening nestled in a quiet island anchorage.

Kon Asian Bistro has a unique modern look and features 10 hibachi tables with amazing entertainment as your meals are prepared right in front of you. They also have a private party room available.

Over the last several years there has been an enormous surge in the recreational use of the Maine outdoors, from the rocky coast to the big woods to the mountain peaks. More people of all ages, interests, and abilities than ever before have discovered the health and fitness benefits of time well spent exercising and having fun in the woods and on the waters of our beautiful Pine Tree State.

But there are downsides to this recreation boom, like overcrowded beaches, jammed parking lots, unauthorized campfires, trashed campsites, and a marked increase in trail erosion. There’s more garbage and litter, unwanted noise, improper disposal of human and pet waste, and an alarming rise in emergency calls and rescues.  

Enjoying a beautiful afternoon on the West Branch of the Penobscot River.

These unfortunate problems are negatively impacting our natural resources, degrading the experience for visitors and residents alike, and causing considerable distress among land managers, property owners, and tourism officials, becoming a wholly unsustainable situation.

“After COVID-19 hit and the pandemic continued to spread, we saw an enormous rise in the number of people out there, reports of property damage, the many complaints and concerns,” said Steve Lyons, the director of Maine’s Office of Tourism. “About 95 percent of Maine’s forest land is privately owned and about half of that is open to the public through the generosity of the landowners. When the Maine Warden Service reported a substantial increase in landowner requests for “Access By Permission Only” signs, it was a clear indication of concern over user numbers and behavior.

Sign at Maine Turnpike Kittery rest area.

That’s when outdoor and tourism leaders around the state rallied together and approached the MOT to develop a message to help ameliorate the problems. The result was the Look Out for ME campaign, the goal of which is “to ensure that visitors and residents alike venture out safely and responsibly with a great respect for the land we all love and cherish.” Per MOT’s website, the initiative is a blueprint for “how we can all do our part to conserve the state’s natural resources, season after season, and for generations to come.”

The Look Out for ME message is pretty straightforward:

Check out your intended destination in advance and know the rules and regulations. Travel only on designated trails and roads. Visit places outside of peak hours and always have a Plan B to avoid disappointment. Don’t transport firewood and clean and dry your boots and boats to reduce the spread of invasive species. Be careful with fire, use only designated sites, and don’t harm green trees.

But wait, there’s more.

The Cranberry Cove Ferry leads to
great adventure on Great Cranberry Island.

Don’t litter, pack out your garbage and that of others less thoughtful. Bag and dispose of your dog’s waste similarly. Practice proper hygiene: know how and where to dig a cat hole for poop and take the used toilet paper and wipes out with you in a plastic bag. Be personally prepared by carrying the “Ten Essentials” (a handful of emergency items that should always be in your pack). Choose an activity that fits your experience and fitness level and let someone responsible at home know your plans.

Prepare For Getting Lost or Injured

There are a lot of people in the Maine woods these days trying a host of recreational activities for the first time and they are often approaching these pursuits unprepared and getting into trouble. This poses an undue risk for the enthusiasts themselves, impacts the environment, and creates extra headaches for land managers and public safety officials.

The sand and gravel beach at Lily Bay State Park is a fun place on a summer day, with a great view to boot.

“Maine is a big, beautiful place,” said Andy Cutko, the Director of the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. “But it’s also remote and wild, so it’s far too easy to get into trouble if you aren’t properly prepared, and help can be a long way off in terms of both hours and miles.”

Based on trends in campground reservations to date, Cutko expects that 2022 will be another record year in the Maine outdoors and he’s hoping that the Look Out for ME effort will be a big help in getting the message out to visitors, preferably well in advance of when they get here.  

“We want people to enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly, and to leave the state better than when they arrived,” said Lyons.

That’s a good thing for Maine, Mainers, and visitors alike, now and for future generations. Look Out for ME is another important step in striving to achieve a healthy and sustainable balance of tourism, natural resources, economic development, and residential quality of life. Let’s all do our part. 

LOOK OUT FOR ME 

To learn more about Look Out for ME, find great resources for planning a safe, responsible, and enjoyable outdoor adventure, and discover ways you can help spread the word, visit the Maine Office of Tourism at visitmaine.com/look-out-for-me. 

Story and Photos by Carey Kish of Mt. Desert Island, ME. Cary is freelance writer, avid hiker and beer drinker, and the author of the new book, Beer Hiking New England (available later this year).

A trail winds through the woods, around clusters of swaying ferns and lichen-covered boulders. Golden mushrooms dot the mossy forest floor. And a brown bird with a speckled chest sings an ethereal tune.

The Maine wilderness is full of diverse beauty. Every delicate wildflower and fluttering butterfly has a name and story. If you’re trying to learn more about nature, it can sometimes be overwhelming. Where do you even start?

How About a Game?

Outdoor scavenger hunts can help you become better acquainted with nature while honing your observation skills. They’re also a great activity for children, keeping them active and engaged while spending time outside. 

How to Create an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

Outdoor scavenger hunts are easy to create for any season.
You can organize them in a grid format and play the game
similar to how you’d play Bingo.

Outdoor scavenger hunts can be designed for any age group or skill level. While some involve hiding objects, such as an Easter egg hunt, others are simply about finding items that already exist in nature, such as plants, rocks, and seashells.  You don’t even need to know the names of plants and animals to create one. For example, design a hunt in which you search for the colors of the rainbow in nature. Or look for different shapes, textures, or aromas. You can even create an outdoor scavenger hunt using different household items, according to Hazel Stark, co-founder of the Maine Outdoor School.

“Bring out a Q-tip or toothbrush, then try to find something in nature that matches the shape or reminds you of the item,” said Stark.

During the hunt, one person can verbally announce items for everyone to find – one at a time – or participants can carry a visual reference such as a list or grid of items on a sheet of paper.

“It can be like scavenger hunt bingo where you try to find all the things on the sheet or five in a row,” said Stark. “That tends to work best for kids who need a little more motivation. It’s a bit of an incentive because they want to win.”

Creating a scavenger hunt sheet can be a fun art project and an opportunity for learning vocabulary words. Children who haven’t yet learned to read can represent items with photos or pictures. And don’t forget to leave some room on the sheet to write notes or draw pictures of what you find in nature.

Ideal Scavenger Hunt Locations

Any outdoor space, whether it’s a vast tract of forestland or a tiny, fenced-in backyard, can serve as a wonderful place for an outdoor scavenger hunt.

Having a scavenger hunt in your backyard or at a local park can help you develop a greater sense of place right at home. The game might lead you to notice a bird’s nest under your porch or a patch of wildflowers in your yard that you never noticed before.

“It’s a cool way to get people to start to notice details and distinctions in nature, which is the first step to realizing that there’s a lot of diversity out there,” said Stark. “If you have any interest in foraging or hunting or anything like that, you have to develop skills in observation.”

Willamina writes down what she notices about a cluster of ferns during the scavenger hunt.

A scavenger hunt played away from home can be especially exciting because it may introduce you to new habitats and species. And because it’s such a low-impact game, it can be played in just about any public outdoor destination. In fact, a scavenger hunt is a great way to keep children happy while walking on hiking trails, though the family-friendly activity may slow your pace.

If visiting a public property to conduct your scavenger hunt, be sure to follow posted rules or guidelines. Many property owners ask that you remain on established trails at all times. So, while you’re searching for something in nature that’s “squishy” or “star-shaped,” be sure not to wander off the beaten path.

Scavenger Hunt Rules

When playing a game, it’s easy to get caught up in the task at hand. But it’s important to keep a few rules in mind – and communicate those rules with everyone who is participating in the scavenger hunt. 

Chiefly, try to leave the wilderness as you found it. Or, if you find some trash to pick up, make that part of the rules that you leave the wilderness even better than you found it. 

“When out in nature, we’re not picking anything or ripping leaves off plants,” said Jessica Decke, camp director of Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning Centers in Lincolnville. “We’re handling things with care and being mindful about where we put our feet down so we don’t trample anything.”

At Tanglewood, campers often participate in scavenger hunts and other activities that strengthen observation skills. As a part of those exercises, children are taught Leave No Trace principles so they can reduce their impact on the environment.

Among those principles is the directive to respect wildlife as well as other people who are enjoying the same outdoor location as you. You can do this by keeping your voice down and giving everyone plenty of space.

During the hunt, you can record your discoveries by taking photos, sketching pictures, writing down notes, or simply checking off items on your sheet. And at the end of the game, everyone can come together and share what they’ve found.  

Aislinn Sarnacki is a registered Maine guide and the author of three hiking guidebooks, Family-Friendly Hikes in Maine, Maine Hikes Off the Beaten Path, and Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine. Follow her writing, photography, and guiding services at www.mainenaturehikes.com.