Local Wonders

Local Natural Wonders - Day 45 Hedgehog Mountain in Freeport, Maine

Hedgehog Mountain offers five miles of trails and 196 acres with a 2.8 mile loop trail to the summit in Freeport, Maine. Owned by the Town of Freeport, this little mountain is perfect for hiking with children, mountain biking, trail running, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The summit provides a narrow view of Mt. Washington and Mt. Jefferson, as well as local mountains, Pleasant and Bradbury. Dogs are welcome here but mus…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 44 - Camden Hills State Park in Camden, Maine

Camden Hills State Park is a 5,710-acre public recreation area overlooking Penobscot Bay in the town of Camden, Knox County, Maine. The state park features multi-use trails to Mount Battie, Mount Megunticook, and other scenic locales. The park is managed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Best known for the scenic vista high atop Mt. Battie with its sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, …

Local Natural Wonders Day 43 - Lily Bay State Park in Greenville, Maine

Lily Bay State Park is located on the northeast shore of Moosehead Lake, with gorgeous views of Moose Mountain, access to Kokadjo and nearby hiking, and paddling to Sugar Island. There is a flat two-mile trail that follows along the shoreline from the beach to Rowell Cove campground that offers scenic views of Moosehead Lake. Amenities include a swim beach, playground, two trailerable boat ramps with boat slips. Camping is …

Local Natural Wonders - Day 42 - Bald Mountain and Artists Bluff in Franconia, NH

This beautiful hike is in the heart of Fanconia Notch in New Hampshire. It is short, but steep at times, and opens to a spectacular view of Franconia Notch State Park, Cannon Mountain and Echo lake. This is the perfect hike to find incredible views of the park and some amazing foliage in autumn. 

From The Outdoor Project:

There are a few options for hiking here, including an out-and-back hike to either Artists B…

Local Natural Wonders Day 41 - Pawtuckaway State Park near Raymond, NH

Pawtuckaway State Park is in the Secoast Region of New Hampshire and is the perfect place to spend a day, a couple nights or a week for a perfect outdoor adventure. Camping, hiking, paddling, swimming, fishing, bird and wildlife watching, picnicking, and exploring are among the many activities visitors enjoy at this park. Take a hike to the 1915 fire tower atop South Mountain or spend time at the sandy beach on Pawtuckaway L…

Local Natural Wonders Day 40 - Pismire Bluff Trail in Raymond, Maine

Pismire Bluff Trail is a 1.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back, moderately rated trail. Perfect for families and dogs, this short hike offers a steady incline and lovely views of Crescent Lake and Mount Washington. This trail is part of the Raymond Community Forest, and other trails are also available (see the trail map below).

From Loon Echo Land Trust: Raymond Community Forest is a 356 acre permanently conserved preserve…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 39 - Vaughan Woods State Park in South Berwick, Maine

Not to be confused with Vaughn Wood in Hallowell Maine, Vaughn Woods State Park is a 165 acre park along the shores of the Salmon Falls river. This park features hiking trails through beautiful old growth pine and hemlock forests as well as sweeping river views. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills if you want to have a picnic or just explore the hiking trails in this magical forest.

To learn more about th…

Local Natural Wonders Day 38 - Durham River Park in Durham, Maine

Located just nine miles from Freeport and eight miles from Auburn on Route 136 is Durham River Park, 12 acres own by the Town of Durham, maintained by the Durham Conservation Commission, and open to the public. The park area with picnic tables has three short, easy trails that lead to the beautiful Silver Maple-lined bank of the Androscoggin River. This is a great spot to visit with young children or to fish, swim, or launch a ca…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 37 - Blueberry Mountain and Rattlesnake Pool in Stow, Maine

White Cairn Trail to Blueberry Ridge Trail:
This 3.9 mile loop trail has a little bit of everything—from a start in the woods, to a short but steep climb, to ridgetop views, picnic spots, and blueberry picking—this hike has it all. And to top it off, on the hike back to the trailhead, there is a short side trail to Rattlesnake Pool; one of the most idyllic, clear, and alluring swimming holes in all of Maine -…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 36 - Head Of Tide Park in Topsham Maine

The Cathance River is a hidden gem in the Land Trust’s service area of Brunswick, Topsham, and Bowdoin.

From Head of Tide Park, Cathance River Trail snakes along the river and through its uplands, providing views of the pristine river and its undisturbed natural surroundings. The trail leads to the impressive 60-foot aluminum Clay Brook pedestrian bridge which was locally designed and fabricated.

Across the bridge lie an addi…