Ooooh... I've always wanted to hike nearby Bauneg Beg, but there wasn't any parking (one used to have to park on the side of the road). It seems that has changed, so I'll be adding #BaunegBeg to my hiking list (along with #MountAgamenticus). While I'd love to travel further away (like the White Mountains or my old stomping grounds back in Massachusetts), I'm really not liking driving too far these days. And yes, I still have plenty to explore without having to drive anywhere, but I would like to get to at least one high spot this year!

Parks in #YarmouthME, #NorthBerwickME will share $500K in federal funding

By Laurie Schreiber, March 21, 2023

"Maine will receive $542,805 in federal funding to expand outdoor recreation opportunities at two sites.

"The town of Yarmouth is receiving $361,830 to make significant renovations at Royal River Park, and the town of North Berwick is receiving $180,975 to create a recreation area at Bauneg Beg Mountain South.

[...]

"The town of North Berwick will receive $180,975 to acquire and develop 60.8 acres of property for recreation on Bauneg Beg Mountain South. Upcoming projects include a gravel parking area, signage and informational kiosk and new trails.

"The area lies on the northern tip of North Berwick, consisting of 89 wooded acres of trails, rock formations and a panoramic view, according to Great Works Regional Land Trust.

"Bauneg Beg is an 'elusive' mountain, seen only from a distance and in certain weather conditions. It has a few steep steps at the top, but is otherwise manageable for just about anyone and is considered an excellent family hiking spot in all seasons.

"Bauneg Beg Mountain has three peaks, the highest of which is 866 feet – higher than Mt. Agamenticus. The peaks can be seen from the Atlantic Ocean and have been used by mariners navigating the Maine coast. The mountain is the only one in southern Maine that does not have a radio tower.

"Great Works permanently conserved the property in 2001."

Source:
https://www.mainebiz.biz/article/parks-in-yarmouth-north-berwick-will-share-500k-in-federal-funding

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineHikes #SpendTimeInNature #MaineParks #RoyalRiverPark

#Maine #StatePark #FirstDayHikes, part of the nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors, are a combination of led and self-guided hikes, and virtual visits for 2026.

Guided Program Listings:

#CamdenHills State Park, #CamdenME - 9:00 a.m. Meet at the visitor center. Join us for a scenic 2.6-mile hike on the #Megunticook and #Adams Lookout Trails with Park Ranger Erik Hallsey to ring in 2026. The Megunticook Trail is a moderately difficult hike that leads to the easy Adams Lookout Trail. Both trails provide scenic points that include excellent views of #PenobscotBay. Leashed pets are welcome. Read all the details and view the flyer. FMI: (207) 236-0849.

#HolbrookIsland Sanctuary, #BrooksvilleME - 1-4:00 p.m. Meet at the Backshore Trail parking lot on Indian Bar Road. Join us for a leisurely 2.85 mile walk for all ages to ring in the New Year! Meet and Greet at 1:00 - Warm beverages, water, and snacks will be on hand at the start and finish of our walk. The guided hike will begin at 1:30 or explore on your own anytime during the afternoon. Please wear warm clothing and sturdy footwear. Leash pets are welcome. Read all the details and view the flyer. FMI: (207) 326-4012.

#SebagoLake State Park, Campground Side of Park, #Naples<E. Meet at 1:00 p.m. at the campground booth. Join us for a leisurely 1-mile walk for all ages on January 1 to ring in the New Year! Meet at campground booth on the Naples side of the park, for snacks and beverages, which will be provided. This will be an easy to moderate 1- mile hike around Horseshoe Bog; a mostly flat, and slightly rocky trail. All ages are welcome, but parents should be prepared to carry their children if they tire. Parents must accompany children under 12 years old. No pets on this hike, please. Park entry and program are free to First Day Hikers. Read all the details and view the First Day Hike flyer. FMI: (207) 693-6231.

#TwoLights State Park, #CapeElizabethME - 6:30-9:00 a.m. The park is off Route 77. Meet at High Head at the rose garden. Arrive at 6:30 for the sunrise. Hike begins at 7:30. This is a leasurely 3/4-mile loop hike along the shoreline and woodland paths. Parents must accompany children under 12 years old. Leashed pets are welcome. Read all the details and view the flyer. FMI: (207) 799-5871.

Self-guided Hike Guides:
#BradburyMountain State Park, #FreeportME
Camden Hills State Park, Camden
#PophamBeach State Park, #PhippsburgME
#ReidStatePark, #GeorgetownME
#WolfesNeck Woods State Park, Freeport
Share your self-guided hike photos and comments with us by tagging @mainedacf to Instagram and Facebook.
Stay Informed with Safety Updates.

FMI (includes link to guides):
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/first-day-hikes.shtml

#MaineParks #NatureEvents #NatureHikes #NewYearsHikes #SpendTimeInNature
#MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime #MaineEvents #SolarPunkSunday

First Day Hikes: Activities & Events: Discover History & Explore Nature: State Parks and Public Lands: Maine DACF

#FirstDay Hikes at Select #MaineStateParks with Guided and Self-guided Options

"Maine State Park First Day Hikes, part of the nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks to encourage people to get outdoors, are a combination of led and self-guided hikes, as well as virtual visits to help you kick off 2026.

Join in on the fun and start out your New Year within the beauty and solace of a Maine State Park. Program listings are provided below. You can also download materials for self-guided hikes and view the virtual visits at BPL's First Day Hike page.

Program Listings - Join Us on January 1, 2026:

#CamdenHills State Park, #CamdenME
#HolbrookIsland State Park, #BrooksvilleME
#SebagoLake State Park - Campground side of park, #NaplesME
#TwoLights State Park, #CapeElizabethME

Enjoy the free park entry and program for First Day Hikers!"

FMI: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/first-day-hikes.shtml

#MaineParks #NatureEvents #NatureHikes #NewYearsHikes #SpendTimeInNature
#MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime #MaineEvents #SolarPunkSunday

First Day Hikes: Activities & Events: Discover History & Explore Nature: State Parks and Public Lands: Maine DACF

#Maine - Autumn Adventure Day at #BradburyMountainStatePark

Date: October 25, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Location: 528 Hallowell Road, #PownalME
State Park: #BradburyMountain
Event Type: #NatureExploration, Special Event

"Join us for a full day of family-friendly fun featuring #LeaveNoTrace principles. Our Autumn Adventure festival will lead you through a wide range of fall activities throughout the entire park. Come experience fall crafts, hands-on learning demonstrations, and guided hikes while practicing minimum impact on the outdoors."

Activities Include:
- 10:00 AM Language of Nature walk to the summit
- A guided 2-hour hike with Maine Guide and Maine Naturalist Jeanne Christy. - 11:00 AM Maine Wilderness and Rescue guided hike and demonstration of mountain rescue at the Quarry
- 12:00 PM Amazing Adaptations presented by the Maine Center for Wildlife.
- 1:00 PM Nature as my Muse presented by the Maine Center for Wildlife
- 3:00 PM Leave No Trace Principles presented by Maine Leave No Trace Advocate Tom O'Brien
- 3:30 PM Leave No Trace Trail of Treats: A self-guided hike through the Seven Principles
- 5:00 PM Fire lightning with hot dogs and s'mores
- 7:00 PM Outdoor movie

Contact Name: The Park
Contact Phone: (207) 688-4712
Website: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/trail_activities/bradbury_trail_conditions.shtml

Cost:
Free with Park Admission: Adult Maine Resident = $4. Adult Non-Resident = $6. Senior Non-Resident = $2. Children 5-11 years = $1. Maine Seniors and Children under 5 are free.

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineParks
#MaineEvents #Maine #Nature #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBasedLearning
#MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

#FullMoon Observation & Yoga on #MountBattie

Division / Program: Parks and Lands
Date: September 7, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Location: Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Road Camden, ME 04843
State Park: Camden Hills
Event Type: Nature Exploration

Arrive at 7:00 p.m. at the summit for yoga with Nicole Lazure, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the Bureau of Parks and Lands, then enjoy the full "Corn" Moon from the top of Mount Battie. The gate will be open until 10:00 p.m. Bring your binoculars and telescopes. This is a self-guided viewing.

Contact Name: The Park
Contact Phone: (207) 236-3109
Cost: Programs are free with park admission. Day use: $1.00 ages 5-11, $4.00 Maine residents age 12-64, $6.00 non residents age 12-64, $2.00 non residents 65+; persons under 5 & Maine residents 65+ free

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/eventinfo.shtml?id=13215541

#SolarPunkSunday #LunarPunkSunday #MaineParks #MaineEvents
#Maine #Nature #SpendTimeInNature
#NatureBasedLearning #MoreGreenTimeLessScreenTime

#OwlProwl at #CamdenHills #StatePark

Division / Program: Parks and Lands
Date: September 14, 2025
Time: 8:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Camden Hills State Park, 280 Belfast Road #CamdenME 04843

"Look and listen for Owls with Ranger Arzu Pahl. Meet at the park entry booth."

Contact Name: The Park
Contact Phone: (207) 236-3109
Cost: Programs are free with park admission. Day use: $1.00 ages 5-11, $4.00 Maine residents age 12-64, $6.00 non residents age 12-64, $2.00 non residents 65+; persons under 5 & Maine residents 65+ free

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/discover_history_explore_nature/activities/eventinfo.shtml?id=13235088

#SolarPunkSunday #LunarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #Nature #MaineEvents #MaineParks