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Local Natural Wonders Day 41 - Pawtuckaway State Park near Raymond, NH

Pawtuckaway State Park is in the Secoast Region of New Hampshire and is the perfect place to spend a day, a couple nights or a week for a perfect outdoor adventure. Camping, hiking, paddling, swimming, fishing, bird and wildlife watching, picnicking, and exploring are among the many activities visitors enjoy at this park. Take a hike to the 1915 fire tower atop South Mountain or spend time at the sandy beach on Pawtuckaway L…

Local Natural Wonders Day 40 - Pismire Bluff Trail in Raymond, Maine

Pismire Bluff Trail is a 1.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back, moderately rated trail. Perfect for families and dogs, this short hike offers a steady incline and lovely views of Crescent Lake and Mount Washington. This trail is part of the Raymond Community Forest, and other trails are also available (see the trail map below).

From Loon Echo Land Trust: Raymond Community Forest is a 356 acre permanently conserved preserve…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 39 - Vaughan Woods State Park in South Berwick, Maine

Not to be confused with Vaughn Wood in Hallowell Maine, Vaughn Woods State Park is a 165 acre park along the shores of the Salmon Falls river. This park features hiking trails through beautiful old growth pine and hemlock forests as well as sweeping river views. There are picnic tables and charcoal grills if you want to have a picnic or just explore the hiking trails in this magical forest.

To learn more about th…

Local Natural Wonders Day 38 - Durham River Park in Durham, Maine

Located just nine miles from Freeport and eight miles from Auburn on Route 136 is Durham River Park, 12 acres own by the Town of Durham, maintained by the Durham Conservation Commission, and open to the public. The park area with picnic tables has three short, easy trails that lead to the beautiful Silver Maple-lined bank of the Androscoggin River. This is a great spot to visit with young children or to fish, swim, or launch a ca…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 37 - Blueberry Mountain and Rattlesnake Pool in Stow, Maine

White Cairn Trail to Blueberry Ridge Trail:
This 3.9 mile loop trail has a little bit of everything—from a start in the woods, to a short but steep climb, to ridgetop views, picnic spots, and blueberry picking—this hike has it all. And to top it off, on the hike back to the trailhead, there is a short side trail to Rattlesnake Pool; one of the most idyllic, clear, and alluring swimming holes in all of Maine -…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 36 - Head Of Tide Park in Topsham Maine

The Cathance River is a hidden gem in the Land Trust’s service area of Brunswick, Topsham, and Bowdoin.

From Head of Tide Park, Cathance River Trail snakes along the river and through its uplands, providing views of the pristine river and its undisturbed natural surroundings. The trail leads to the impressive 60-foot aluminum Clay Brook pedestrian bridge which was locally designed and fabricated.

Across the bridge lie an addi…

Local Natural Wonders - Day 35 - Wilbur Preserve in Phippsburg Maine

 This 10 acre preserve at the end of Cox’s Head road includes lovely woods and a stunning view from the summit. A 1/4 mile trail winds past a spring fed pond two thirds of the way to the summit which once provided water to the adjacent homes, and a Revolutionary War garrison on the summit.  Your easy ascent begins amongst a wild Apple Orchard. The view from the summit includes all of Atkins Bay, the western coasts of Gerogetow…

Local Natural Wonders Day 34 - Frenchman’s Hole in Bethel, Maine

This beautiful spot in Bethel with high rocky ledges and deep clear water is perfect for a dip on a hot day in the cool water. There are spots to jump off the rocky cliffs into the water, or simply enjoy a picnic and the view. The shallower upper pool is great for kids.

From Wild Swimming New England: Fairly secluded spot in beautiful Bethel, Maine near Sunday River where the river coming off the mountain has made an astonishing …

Local Natural Wonders - Day 33 - Mt. Agumenticus in Cape Neddick, Maine

From the Mt. Agamenicus Conservation Region website:
The Mount Agamenticus Conservation Region consists of more than 10,000 acres and is located within an additional 30,000 acre expanse of conservation land in southern Maine.  This land is comprised of a rich and unique coastal forest that supports the highest diversity of animal and plant species in all of Maine.  The mountain and the surrounding area provide residents with…

Local Natural Wonders Day 31 - Lilly Pond Forest in Bath, Maine

Part of the Kennebec Estuary Land Trust (KELT), Lilly Pond Community Forest has three miles of trails for hiking and biking. This preserve protects 900 feet of Lilly Pond frontage and includes shaded rocky forest, wetland forest and open wetlands. The beginning of the trails includes a steeper incline with steps leading from High Street and trails are considered mostly intermediate.

Directions from KELT:

Take High Street south an…