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PHOTO: First Day hikers reach the summit of Bradbury Mountain in Pownal in 2020. (Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands photo)
AUGUSTA – Several Maine State Park First Day Hikes, part of the nationwide initiative led by America’s state parks to encourage people to get outdoors, have been planned.
A combination of led and self-guided hikes, as well as virtual visits, are on the Jan. 1 schedule. With the in-person led hikes and events, state park admission is waived and hikes are free. All events are family-friendly. Participants are reminded to dress warmly and for the weather.
Hikes that will be led by a guide are:
Holbrook Island Sanctuary, 1-4 p.m. Brooksville (Cape Rosier, Penobscot County), meet at Backshore Trail parking area. Easy 1.5 mile walk for all ages (leashed pets welcome) through coastal woods toward Goose Falls village, with the option of hiking the shoreline trail that provides views of Islesboro and beyond (conditions permitting). Hike will pause at Goose Falls bridge and the historic renovated John and Christina Bakeman Cemetery, before returning via Back Road to the trailhead. Warm beverages, water, and snacks will be available at the start and finish. Meet and greet 1 p.m., hike begins at 1:30 p.m., Wear appropriate footwear and dress for the weather. Click here for more information.
Lily Bay State Park, 10 a.m. State Oark Road, Beaver Cove, 9 miles north of Greenville, easy and leisurely 2.5-mile hike on Lily Bay Trail near Moosehead Lake. Snacks and hot drinks provided at end of the hike, along with a warm bonfire. Wear warm clothes and boots or snowshoes. Bring water, hiking pack, snacks, and hiking poles. Leashed pets are welcome. Click here for more information.
Popham Beach State Park, 1-2 p.m. West Path, right-hand side of parking lot, Route 209, Phippsburg, welcome table will provide information about the beach’s ever-changing shoreline and self-guided hike materials. Children must be accompanied by adults and pets must be leashed. Dress warmly and bring water and snacks. For more information, click here.
Two Lights State Park 6:30-9 a.m., High Head rose garden, Tower Drive, Cape Elizabeth, dress warmly, bring chairs and hot beverages to sip and enjoy the sunrise. Stay to take a walk to learn how plants and animals adapt to survive the cold winter months, on an easy 3/4-mile loop of the shoreline and woodland paths. Arrive: 6:30-6:45 a.m., sunrise at 7:15 a.m., winter plant and animal adaptation walk 7:30-9 a.m. Parents must accompany children under 12 and pets must be leashed. For more information, click here.
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 2-3 p.m. Wolfe’s Neck Road, Freeport, 2 p.m. bird viewing, meet at Islands and Beyond Panel (sign 8), Casco Bay Trail, self-guided 2-mile Heritage Hike to follow. Snowshoes will be on loan near the parking area on a first-come, first-served basis for those who would like to use them. For more information click here.
OTHER FIRST DAY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
For information on self-guided hikes at Bradbury Mountain State Park, in Pownal; Camden Hills State Park, in Camden; and more, click here.
You can share your self-guided hike photos and comments with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands by tagging @mainedacf to Instagram and Facebook.
Virtual visits, safety information and updates, and more, are also available, by clicking here.
