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AUGUSTA — Maine State Parks is encouraging people to begin 2020 with a focus on healthy lifestyles by participating in the America’s State Parks First Day Hikes program on Jan. 1. Five state parks in Maine are participating in the program, in which state parks in all 50 states are providing guided hikes.
Maine State Parks staff and volunteers will lead hikers along trails that will showcase the beauty of Maine. The distance and the difficulty of the trails vary from park to park, but the hikes are designed to benefit the entire family.
First Day Hikes began more than 25 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, which is a state park in Massachusetts. It is sponsored by the National Association of State Park Directors, which promotes and advocates for state park systems throughout the nation.
Maine’s 2020 First Day Hike Locations and Details:
Bradbury Mountain State Park, Pownal, 10 a.m.
Location: 528 Hallowell Road, Pownal, Maine; Meet at the upper parking lot.
Description: The guided hike to the summit will be led by Maine Guide Jeanne Christie. Along the way learn about the history of the park, species identification and tracking. We will be hiking to the summit on the Northern Loop Trail, and return to the base down Terrace Trail, where hike participants will get a nice cup of hot cocoa. Wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Meet at the upper parking lot. Plan on one to two hours; Snowshoe rentals available. Fee: Free park admission for First Day Hike participants. For more information, contact the park at 207-688-4712 or Jeanne Christy at 207-310-8708.
Lake St. George State Park, Liberty, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: 278 Belfast Augusta Road (Route 3)
Meet at the first Day Use parking lot past the entry booth.
Description: A leisurely 1-mile hike through the day use area and campground or a 3-mile hike across the lake around Hawaii 2 Island, depending on ice conditions. Meet at the first day use parking lot past the entry booth. Bring snowshoes, creepers, skis or hiking boots, and dress for the weather. A warming hut will be located inside the barn. Snacks and hot beverages will be provided. Leashed dogs are welcome. This is a beginner level hike.
Fee: Free park admission for First Day Hike participants.
For more information contact the park at 207-589-4255.
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park Time: 2 p.m.
Location: 426 Wolf Neck Road, Freeport; Meet at the picnic shelter by the second parking lot.
Description: A leisurely 0.3 mile guided walk to enjoy winter in the woods and learn how plants and animals survive the cold winter months. Wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Meet at the picnic shelter by the second parking lot. Plan on one hour. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash at all times. Hot cocoa and cookies will be provided after the hike. Fee: Free park admission for First Day Hike participants. For more information please contact the park at 207-865-4465.
Holbrook Island Sanctuary, Brooksville Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Location: Indian Bar Road on Cape Rosier, Brooksville; Meet at the Backshore Trail parking area.
Description: A leisurely mile and a half walk, for all ages, to enjoy the peacefulness of the coast of Maine. Meet at the Backshore Trail parking area and walk old roads out to the shoreline trail with views of Holbrook and Islesboro islands. The hike will break at Goose Falls (a reversing tidal waterfall) and return by Back Road. Snacks and hot drinks provided. Bring appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions. Leashed pets are welcome. Fee: Free; no admission charged. For more information contact the park at 207-326-4012.
Lily Bay State Park, Greenville, noon-3 p.m.
Location: State Park Road, Beaver Cove, Greenville (Lat 45.568853, Lon -69.538450); Meet at the entry booth parking lot (Route 15/6 to Lily Bay Road to State Park Road).
Description: A leisurely 3-mile hike near Moosehead Lake to investigate the wonders of the season. There will also be a 1-mile hike for beginners. Snacks and hot drinks provided at end of hike, along with a warm bonfire. Wear warm clothes and boots or snowshoes. Meet at the entry booth parking lot. Fee: Free park admission for First Day Hike participants. For more information contact the park at 207-695-2700.
PHOTO: Wolfe’s Neck State Park (Maureen Milliken photo)
