Maine
10 places in Maine to hike with your dog
This story was initially printed in September 2013.
Since my canine Oreo entered my life, new questions pop into my head day-after-day. And in our quick time collectively, we’ve already discovered quite a few stunning and enjoyable trails to discover.
The next 10 locations are only a few examples of the numerous wilderness areas you’ll be able to discover together with your canine in Maine:
Nice Pond Mountain Wildlands in Orland totals greater than 2,300 acres and contains a number of multi-use roads and trails, and canine on leash are allowed on all of those roads and trails aside from Hothole Brook Path and Nice Meadow Path, as a consequence of an abundance of porcupines on these two trails. Nice Pond Mountain and Flagg Hill are two nice hikes for canine and supply gorgeous views on the high. Entry is free. For data, go to greatpondtrust.org.
Petit Manan Level Division of the Coastal Maine Islands Nationwide Wildlife Refuge in Steuben is a 2,166-acre refuge that includes two interpretive mountaineering trails — the Hollingsworth Path (a 1.5-mile loop) and the Birch Level Path (about 4 miles spherical journey) — which can be open to the general public, and canine on leash, daybreak to nightfall. The paths lead walkers via quite a lot of habitat, from coastal raised heath peatlands to blueberry barrens to cobble seashores. Interpretive indicators assist hikers perceive their environment. Entry is free. For data, go to fws.gov/refuges.
Pineland Public Reserved Land contains greater than 600 acres within the cities of Grey, North Yarmouth and New Gloucester. On this stunning forest, your canine will take pleasure in some difficult sections alongside the three.2 miles of loop trails. On the north facet of Depot Highway is the 1.7-mile North Loop Path, and on the south facet of the highway is the 1.5-mile South Loop Path. Entry is free. For data, go to mainetrailfinder.com/path/pineland-public-reserved-land/.
Cliff Path on Nice Island is 2.3-mile loop path close to the best level of Harpswell. On the path, you’ll be able to lead your canine via stunning forest and as much as 150-foot cliffs with spectacular views of Lengthy Attain, the place chances are you’ll need to choke up on the leash. And I’m certain your pup will take pleasure in serving to you discover pure supplies to construct a fairy home in one of many two zones alongside the path designated for fairy homes. And if that’s not sufficient train to your pup, there are a number of different dog-friendly trails in Harpswell. Entry is free. For data, go to healthymainewalks.com/walks/cliff-trail.
Acadia Nationwide Park on Mount Desert Island comprises an in depth, if not daunting, community of trails and multi-use roads that assist guests and their leashed canine discover the numerous mountains, lakes, ponds and seashores of the park. Select a route among the many 120 miles of mountaineering trails and 28 miles of carriage roads, however to your canine’s sake, shrink back from Precipice Path, Beehive and different trails that embody ladders and rungs. One dog-friendly suggestion: Gorham Mountain. Admission varies relying on period of use, time of 12 months and car. For data, go to nps.gov/acad/index.htm.
Alewive Woods Protect in Kennebunk is about 625 acres of forested land and the 45-acre Alewive Pond, conserved by the Kennebunk Land Belief in 1990. The protect’s trial community, which is open to canine if on a leash, totals 2.5 miles of multiuse trails (mountain biking, snowboarding, mountaineering, snowshoeing) which can be simple to reasonable in problem. And in case your canine doesn’t get all his vitality on the market, take him to a different one of many belief’s close by preserves, corresponding to Surprise Brook-Murphy Protect (with its 2.5-mile path community) or The Secret Backyard (with its 1.5 miles loop path). For data, go to kennebunklandtrust.org.
Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle is Maine’s first state park, established in 1939 as a 100-acre parcel. At present, the park totals practically 800 acres because of land donations and purchases. Along with Quaggy Jo Mountain, the park encompasses Echo Lake. Canines are allowed however have to be stored on a leash and usually are not allowed on the ski trails within the winter. Admission to the park varies relying on age and residency from free to $3. For data, go to maine.gov/cgi-bin/on-line/doc/parksearch/index.pl.
Scraggly Lake Public Reserved Land in T7 R8 WELS lies simply northeast of Baxter State Park (the place pets are prohibited) and features a campground, a mountaineering path and boat launch for guests and their canine. The ten,000 acres of closely forested land options Scraggly Lake and quite a few ponds, brooks and bogs. The Owl’s Head Path, which leaves from Scraggly Lake Highway, is a 4-mile hike, spherical journey. Entry is free. For data, go to mainetrailfinder.com/Path/scraggly-lake-public-reserved-land-owls-head-trail.
Mt. Blue State Park in Weld, greater than 8,000 acres of state-owned public land, is Maine’s largest state park — quite a bit to discover. Take your pooch on the favored day hike of the three,187-foot Mt. Blue, or for those who’re in search of one thing much less strenuous, attempt the hike to the highest of Heart Hill or take a look at a few of the park’s 25 miles of multiuse trails. And for those who’re nonetheless in search of extra trails, the Tumbledown Public Lands, with greater than 10 miles of mountaineering trails. For data, seek for Mt. Blue at maine.gov/cgi-bin/on-line/doc/parksearch/index.pl.
Bauneg Beg Mountain Conservation Space in North Berwick is 89 acres and contains the 866-foot tall Bauneg Beg Mountain, which has three peaks and provides a panoramic view, in accordance with the Nice Works Regional Land Belief, which conserved the property in 2001. The Bauneg Beg Path winds via the forest, then up via a big boulder part known as “Satan’s Den” and on to the best peak, in accordance with GWRLT. The mountaineering trails, Ginny’s Means, Tom’s Means, Linny’s Means, and North Peak Loop additionally discover the mountain. Canines are permitted on all trails. Entry is free. For data, go to gwrlt.org.