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The rhythmic crunch of snowshoes provides the perfect accompaniment to an otherwise quiet winter walk in the
Maine woods. Snowshoes allow winter exploration in deep snow, up hills and mountains, and to remote spots with great views.
Touring centers, farms, and community parks in
Maine allow snowshoeing on groomed and ungroomed trails for a fee or for free. Many touring centers rent snowshoes for all ages.
Here are just a few of
Maine‘s scenic spots for winter exploration.
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Snowshoers enjoying themselves in Bethel, Maine
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Douglas Mountain Preserve near
Sebago
Lake has three trails that offer an easy round-trip walk of one to two miles to a scenic mountain top. Take off the snowshoes at the summit to climb the rectangular stone tower which has a map at the top identifying the surrounding mountains and bodies of water.
Fort Baldwin State Historic Site in Phippsburg has a hilltop view of
Fort
Popham and Pond Island Lighthouse. A wide trail leads up the hill, passing three concrete batteries built into the land. Another trail begins at the top of the hill through a pine forest following moss covered rock walls for more than half a mile.
Bring a camera to capture the winter beauty of waterfalls and stone bridges along the trails atVaughan Woods
in the small central Maine city of
Hallowell. The moderate main loop trail is two miles following a stream with a striking arched bridge at the midpoint.
Thinking Spring? Start planning a visit to Maine’s free public gardens
Visit one of these public gardens when the warmth of spring reawakens flowers, flowering plants and trees, and woodland ferns.
Camden’s Merryspring Nature Center is a 66-acre park open year-round with theme gardens, a 10-acre arboretum with labeled native plants and trees, and a network of trails.
McLaughlin Garden in South Paris is known for its 200 lilac plants, grass pathways lined with wildflowers, and wooded spaces filled with ferns and hostas.
Wild roses, lilacs, perennials and historic Native American flower species draw visitors toPettengill Farm, a 19th century saltwater farm bordering the Harraseeket River in Freeport. The farm sits on 140 acres just a mile and a half from the shops of downtown Freeport.
For more information about Maine’s winter events and activities, go to www.visitmaine.com.
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