Happy Maine Dog-Friendly Trails on National Trails Day
On June 6 2015, outdoor enthusiasts throughout the United States will participate in The American Hiking Society 's 23rd Annual National Trails Day - America 's largest trails celebration. Maine boasts over 1000 trails for the outdoor-lover to explore. From the stunning coast, to the mountains and wilderness woods - you can find your happy Maine dog-friendly trail on National Trails Day in Maine.
Acadia National Park
Acadia ranks as one of the most popular National Parks in the United States and no wonder the dramatic coastal scenery, web of hiking and biking trails and diverse wildlife make it a huge magnet for outdoor lovers. The majority of Acadia 's park acreage is located on Mount Desert Island just outside Bar Harbor. The Acadia Park Loop follows the rugged coastline into the heart of this mountainous terrain and will deliver tongue-hanging views and plenty of picnic spots.
You might remember my article on Bar Harbor Brady, the dog about town and Acadian wag, who has "hiked every island trail without a ladder". These are some of Brady 's favorite Acadia trails. Shhhh - don 't tell him I told you.
Bar Harbor Brady 's Acadia Trail Picks
Bear Brook Trail (now known as Champlain North Ridge), on Acadia 's eastern most peak, Champlain Mountain.
Little Harbor Brook Trail on an inlet not far from Seal Harbor with a hike up Eliot Mountain delivering views over Northeast Harbor from the ledges near the top.
Norumbega Mountain 's - Goat Trail with a steep .6 miles ascent and views over Somes Sound and then a more gradual loop down Shady Hill Trail to lower Hadlock Pond.
Dorr Mountain - Another favorite peak for Brady. Arlo, another Bar Harbor local dog from Coffee Hounds, likes to ruff-it on the Stair Trail.
Thanks again to Chris Torrey and Kristen Cameron for sharing their happy places and some great photos of Brady. I 'm so glad that Brady is back wagging on the trails after a leg injury last summer.
Maine State Parks
Maine offers an unbelievable half million acres of state-owned public lands for your hiking pleasure: from Bradbury Mountain, to Camden Hills, to Grafton Notch and Mount Blue State Parks you 'll get your trail fix when you explore Maine.
Bradbury Mountain State Park - This 800 acre state park, in Pownal, is an easy 30 minute drive from downtown Portland. Depending on your schedule and fitness level, you can find trails on the West and East sides that will be perfect for you and your dog. The summit offers a rewarding view and a good picnic spot for refueling.
Portland Trails
Portland Trails maintains a 50-mile network of trails that navigate through woods, marshes, rivers and along the coast. This trail system provides a diverse mix of dog-friendly places to hike around Portland. As is always the case, dog-owners need to be mindful of picking up after their dogs and be considerate of other trail users so the dog-friendly access continues. Check out their extensive trail system and other access details via their website.
On Saturday June 6th, enthusiasts can celebrate National Trails Day with a hike on the 10-mile Forest City Trail led by the Portland Trails co-founder, Tom Jewell. Click here for more details. Portland Trails also has a Public Volunteer Day, from 9-1 pm, on the Stroudwater Trail.
We love Portland Trails. Our walkable easy access to Portland Trail 's network is one of the key reasons we bought our Portland home. I just renewed my annual Portland Trails Membership, which I view as my local outdoor membership to Portland 's natural playground.
Pleasant Mountain Trail, Bridgeton
Ted and his Dad enjoy one of the many HappyME views on Southern Maine 's Pleasant Mountain.
Rising to 2006 feet, Pleasant Mountain is the highest mountain in Southern Maine and offers panoramic views over the lakes and beyond. Our favorite trail is Ledges Trail, with 1600 feet of elevation, it 's a bit of a workout but if you pick a clear day you 'll be wowing at at the views the whole way. From Portland, you head west on 302 towards Bridgeton and then drive about 5 miles beyond Bridgton and turn left on Mountain Road. Continue a little past Shawnee Peak Resort to find the Bald Peak or Ledges Trail heads. The Fire Warden 's and Southwest Ridge Trails are on the west side of the mountain, located off of Wilton Warren Road and Denmark Road. Loon Mountain Trust 's trail brochure will help you choose the trail that suits you and your dog 's endurance levels.
You can check out National Trails Day trail-gating celebrations in Maine and beyond (courtesy of the American Hiking Society). As you head-out to celebrate National Trails Day and the rest of the hiking season, be sure to pack your camera and share your happy Maine trail-wagging adventures with HappyME on facebook or twitter.