Paris, Maine

Fore River Sanctuary is 85 acres in the heart of Portland right off of Congress Street. It is a unique place where the river meets the ocean and creates a marshland landscape, which provides a plethora of opportunities to see wildlife (especially a great diversity of birds - waterfowl, herons, eg...

This kayaking adventure begins at East End Beach at the Eastern Promenade in Portland. There is an easy boat launch zone if you have your own sea kayaks, but if you need to rent, Portland Paddle is right at the launch zone! It is $45 for 2 hours with a tandem sea kayak, which is what we opted for...

Don't let the relatively short 2.5 mile hike up Mt. Crawford fool you, you certainly work for the amazing views from the summit. Located in Crawford Notch, park in the Davis Path lot almost directly across from the Notchland Inn on Rt. 302. The trail starts by going over a footbridge crossing the...

Arethusa Falls is a popular hike in the White Mountains, and come winter it is a popular spot for ice climbing. The falls are located in Crawford Notch State Park and is the tallest waterfall in New Hampshire (between 140-200 feet). Following the Bemis Brook Trail to Arethusa Falls will add a few...

The Frankenstein Cliff trailhead is located in Crawford Notch State Park directly off of Route 302. If you're traveling from the south (Bartlett/North Conway) the parking lot for the trailhead is on your left hand side about 12 miles from Bartlett. There are signs for Arethusa Falls/Frankenstein ...

Built in 1855, (also known as 'Bug Light') the lighthouse was used as a breakwater to the bustling harbor of Portland during the booming shipbuilding era during the World Wars.  The small size of the the breakwater eventually led to the lighthouse being decommissioned in 1943, but located in Bug...

Being a less popular lighthouse out of the many in the greater Portland area, parking is easy and crowds are limited. Parking at Fort Prebble is ideal for a short walk to the lighthouse. Completed in 1897, off the shoreline of Fort Prebble, Spring Point is a unique lighthouse with huge importanc...

Peaks Island is the closest of the Casco Bay Islands to Portland, ME. It is a residential island that fills up with tourists in the summertime. If you visit the Peaks mid-spring, you can count on fairly decent weather and fewer crowds. There is a hotel and three or four restaurants on the island,...

The Jackson Webster trailhead is located on Crawford Notch Road a little ways down from the AMC Highland Center where they have bathrooms, food, a store, info, etc. There's a parking lot at the Center as well as a smaller lot right across from the trailhead. These lots often get filled up but you...

The hike starts across the street from the AMC Highland Center on route 302, which means there is plenty of parking and when you finish there is a fireplace and snacks to warm up with! It starts at the Webster Jackson trailhead and after 1.4 miles breaks off onto the Jackson trail. At that point ...

The hike begins right across from the AMC Highland Center, which is great because you can utilize their spacious parking lot! Once you locate the trailhead, the elevation begins almost immediately. Begin on the Crawford Connector Trail for 0.4 miles.You will come to a foot bridge over Gibbs Brook...

For hikers en route to climbing the 67 4,000 footers of Northern New England, or for those looking for a day-long mini-adventure, this four-peaks-in-one traverse is a spectacular must. Mount Tom, Mount Field, and Mount Willey are all above 4,000 feet, and Mount Avalon caps at 3,442 feet. The tota...

Mount Pierce (elevation 4312 ft.) is part of the Presidential Region in the White Mountain National Forest.  Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains.  To begin your hike, park at the Crawford Connector Trailhead. You will follow the Crawfo...

This hike begins at the trailhead behind Crawford Depot. The first 1/4 mile of the trail is relatively level. You will cross two small streams before the trail begins to steepen. For much of the trek up to the top of the mountain you will be following an abandoned carriage road. Along the sid...

Park on Sawyer River Road at the Signal Ridge Trailhead. Trail starts out as a mild climb and meanders with the Whiteface Brook. When you arrive at the Carrigain Notch Trail junction, turn left. Enjoy three miles of steep uphill along the mountain's edge. When you reach the the apex of Mt. Carrig...

Portland Head Light is one of Maine's most iconic and picturesque lighthouses that offers stunning views year round. Located just about 15 minutes outside of Portland, Maine, it's the perfect place to go to watch an early winter sunset and enjoy some ocean views. To get to the light house, you wi...