Local Wonders

Local Natural Wonders - Day 55 - Bridal Veil Falls in Franconia, New Hampshire

This 5 mile, moderate, out and back hike leads to one of New Hampshire’s most iconic waterfalls. This is a great hike for children, as the trail follows the Coppermine Brook from about the one mile marker on, with numerous places to stop for a picnic or climb the rocks before reaching the cascade itself with its natural rock slide and small pool for swimming. If you want to make a longer adventure of it, you could sp…

Local Natural Wonders Day 54 - Cascade Falls in Saco, Maine

Located near the Maine coast and easily accessible, Cascade Falls is a lovely 20 foot horsetail-type falls that is best viewed in the spring or after a heavy rain. In the hot summer months the falls may be close to dry, but it is still worth visiting at this time (just be sure to go again when the water level is higher!). The half-mile looped trail also includes Story Walk signs for children to follow that correspond to the children’s …

Local Natural Wonders Day 53 - Sprague Pond Preserve in Phippsburg, ME

Sprague Pond is a deep, cold spring-fed pond that is nearly ten acres and can be found on Sprague Pond Preserve. Off Route 209, the 114 acre preserve has a trail that winds past a beaver pond and dam, over a footbridge, and through a wooded area to Sprague Pond. The trail then follows along the shore. Just beyond the beaver dam, the trail intersects with the Sprague Pond Loop Trail. The loop to the right runs along the west …

Local Natural Wonders Day 52 - Ocean Path Trail in Bar Harbor, Maine

Ocean Path Trail is an easy, flat 2.2 mile trail that takes you along the shore and mostly parallels the Loop Road in Acadia National Park. There are numerous scenic views as well as access to the rocky shore. Along this trail two major natural attractions can be found: Thunder Hole and Otter Cliff. This trail can have a bit more traffic, so if you prefer quieter times, try early or late in the day.

More on exploring along th…

Local Natural Wonders Day 51 - Angel Falls in Township D, Maine

Getting to Angel Falls is not easy, but the spectacular falls are worth the few miles of driving on gravel roads and several creek crossings on the trail. The trail itself is one mile out and back and only rises about 250 feet in elevation. Crossing the creeks may require some rock hopping, and when the water is low it is easy to stay dry. If the water is a bit higher, it may be necessary to wade across (ankle to knee deep). The wa…

Local Natural Wonders Day 50 - Streaked Mountain in Buckfield, Maine

Just under 700 feet in elevation, Streaked Mountain offers a 1.1 mile out and back trail (Streaked Mountain Trail) that is a bit challenging, but offers beautiful views and plenty of wildflowers to enjoy. The first part of the trail is wooded and one should watch out for prominent roots and loose rocks underfoot. As the trail continues up the steep granite face of the mountain (this is where it gets a bit more challenging), wi…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 49 - Basin-Cascades Trail in Lincoln, New Hampshire

Right in the heart of the White Mountains, this trail offers several interesting geologic formations and beautiful waterfalls. With plenty of scenic spots to stop for a picnic or dip your feet in a cold mountain stream, this is an excellent hike for all ages.

From NH Family Hikes:

From the parking area, walk down the paved walkways into the Basin. Cross the bridge over the river, passing a powerful cascade. Follow…

Local Natural Wonders Day 48 - Dodge Point In Newcastle, Maine

Dodge Point offers over 500 acres and 8,000 feet of frontage along the Damariscotta River with several trails, three secluded small beaches and many species of plants and animals. Choose from four different trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to moderate and 0.8 to 2 miles and enjoy the red pines and coastal vistas on your hike.

At one time this land was a tree farm. The State of Maine purchased it in 1989, with help and fundin…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 47 - Pott’s Point Preserve in Harpswell, Maine

If you love exploring the ocean shoreline, this tiny preserve has just about everything you could want. There are extensive tide pools to explore, a gravel beach and dramatic views of Casco Bay. Tide pools along the shoreline teem with life. You might be able to spot barnacles, oysters, crabs, shrimp, periwinkles, hermit crabs, star fish, sea urchins and the occasional lobster or squid. All live in these small pools, sur…

Local Natural Wonders Day 46 - Ovens Mouth Preserve in Edgecomb, ME

This 146-acre preserve is bordered by tidal waters, salt marsh, and coves and offers over 5 miles of various level hiking trails on two peninsulas, connected by a 93-foot footbridge. “Ice House Cove” is located on the Boothbay side of the preserve. In 1880 the demand for ice was growing, and so this cove was damned to form a fresh water pond. An ice house was built and ice was shipped to Boston and New York by schooner. Today, …