Only an intro to Maine hiking…

Let’s begin by acknowledging the fact that "hiking in Maine” is an extraordinarily broad topic. This post can only provide a tiny introduction. In my opinion, the best one-line summary on the subject was written by the Maine Office of Tourism:

"Trying to choose the greatest Maine hiking spot is as pointless as trying to pick the prettiest Maine tree in autumn.” 

Exactly.

But before we even get to the wonders of Maine hiking, please bear with me as I first examine the term “HIKING.” What do you envision when you see that word? It’s likely to be very different from what another Mainer has in mind. Do you think of leisurely strolling down a path through the woods, or navigating a pile of boulders, or something in between those two scenarios?

Even the dictionaries are not overly helpful in pinpointing what is meant by taking a hike. Here are some of their definitions:

• "a long walk especially for pleasure or exercise.” [Merriam-Webster] 

• “the activity of going for long walks, especially across country.” [The Oxford Dictionary]

• "to walk or march a great distance, especially through rural areas, for pleasure, exercise, military training, or the like.” [Dictionary.com] 

The Encyclopædia Britannica has some amusing analysis in their treatment of the word (for which they consider “rambling” an alternative term): "Because hikers can walk as far as they want, there is no physical strain unless they walk among hills or mountains.” 

???

So we’re left with unresolved questions about whether or not plain walking is hiking — or if strenuous activity only earns the “hiking” label. And then there is the confusion of what happens if you’re walking and you start up an incline: have you moved out of the hiking and into the “climbing" category? 

All of this silliness aside, whether you want to leisurely stroll a path or climb up mountains, you can do it in Maine. And not in just a few locations, but in a seemingly endless variety of settings. 

The most well-known hiking in the state occurs on the Appalachian Trail, the final 281 miles of which is in Maine. According to the Maine Tourism Association, "Maine is the A.T.’s most challenging, rugged and remote state, and it has the wildest feel of any area of the Trail even for the most seasoned hiker.”

One thing’s for sure: there’s no leisurely strolling on the AT. This is a tough and risky undertaking. For anyone having second guesses, the sign greeting (AKA warning) them as they enter the Hundred-Mile Wilderness (you know it’s serious when Wilderness is capitalized!) will give them pause. It announces the following:

There are no places to obtain supplies or help until Abol Bridge 100 miles north. Do not attempt this section unless you have a minimum of 10 days supplies and are fully equipped. This is the longest wilderness section of the entire AT and its difficulty should not be underestimated. Good hiking!

This fair-warning post is located in Monson, Maine. When you come out of your wilderness wanderings, you should be just south of Baxter State Park where Mount Katahdin — and the end of the 2,200 mile AT trail — is located.

Probably, for most of us, this isn’t the kind of Maine hiking we have in mind. If the AT seems a bit too rigorous, not to worry — you have other options. Lots of options. Websites like the Maine Trail Finder can help you find something more suitable for your outdoor exploration. Hopefully you don’t struggling with decision-making though because they have 988 trails listed on the site. 

One of the best things about Maine is that we have so many types of natural settings. You can hike along the ocean’s edge or a riverbank or a waterfall — in the dense woods or through open fields. You can hike down into a canyon or up a mountain. Trails are available in city parks and public preserves and state parks and…maybe even on your own Maine property.

If you’re able to explore Maine by hiking: happy trails!

Want to see the Appalachian Trail in 5 minutes? Here is one man’s journey…

This post is part of my A to Z Challenge Series with the overall theme, “This Maine Life.” I am covering a Maine-related topic with a different letter of the alphabet every day except Sundays throughout the month of April 2020.