Saco Lake Loop
This is a beautiful, easy lakeside walk at the gateway to Crawford Notch with views of Mt. Tom, Field, and Webster. Though situated along the road, we enjoyed a peaceful morning with little traffic thanks to our trip taking place just after Summer high season.
Mount Tecumseh from Waterville Valley Resort
Sometimes you hike a peak that’s completely socked in and that was the case here. While there were zero views at the summit, this hike had the widest variety of mushrooms that I can remember, and a large black bear made an appearance on the way down (no pictures because reaching for a camera instead of bear spray is begging for trouble). And, if you like a physical hike, this is a steady, unrelenting climb.
Seriously though, I would normally have opted for a waterfall hike or something with a view below the clouds (Mt. Willard, perhaps), but my son was on a quest to summit the 67 4,000-footers of New England, and this was on that list. So, while the views were zero, we made the most of it including a funny random hiker caption below:-)
Mount Carrigain via Signal Ridge Trail
I thoroughly enjoyed this hike, but couldn’t help but think about what a gorgeous place this would be to spend a sunset and sunrise in White Mountain National Forest. With a 360-degree view from the tower and tremendous views north and east on the approach, I can see why many who climb the 4,000 footers of New Hampshire save this hike for last.
On our hike, it was mostly clouds with a few peeks of sunshine, but the views still did not disappoint - I was particularly fascinated with Mt. Lowell’s gorgeous exposed granite on the approach and at the tower. And, while the clouds were uncooperative, there were no less than two dozen species of mushrooms along the trail, making for a great walk in the woods.
Sabbaday Falls Lollipop
This is a beautiful waterfall and an easy hike for the whole family - and an ideal recovery hike if you’re coming off a big day. The hike along Sabbaday Brook is gorgeous and the scene at the falls is glorious. Get here off season or early morning for a more peaceful day.
Mt. Katahdin - Pamola and Baxter Peaks - Clockwise from Roaring Brook Campground
Katahdin is the iconic hike in Maine and the famous location of the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The prominence of this mountain is nothing short of stunning, and while the views are spectacular, the real beauty of this hike is its relentlessness physicality - a true hiker’s hike.
Sentinel Mountain from Kidney Pond
Compared to Doubletop, this is a much shorter, easier, and arguably, more beautiful hike. For relative payoff, Sentinel is certainly a better value if you’re not in the mood for a big day.
Take in the views from Kidney Pond, a nice forest walk on friendly paths, and a short, but physical climb to outstanding views in all directions from the various overlooks atop Sentinel Mountain.
Doubletop Mountain from Kidney Pond
This was our warm-up hike for Mt. Katahdin, and it was perfection! This hike breaks down into three sections - an easy walk through the forest, a steady climb, and a steeper scramble to reach the top.
The peaks provide outstanding views of the surrounding mountains and lakes with plenty of space to sit and enjoy lunch. While Katahdin is the big draw to the park, this hike would make for a great day as a standalone hike.
Ibis and Osprey Ponds at Pinckney Island NWR
We enjoyed bluebird skies and the two most active ponds on the south side of Pinckney Island. Ibis Pond remains the big attraction at the refuge, but Osprey Pond provided superior gator watching with adults and babies gracefully cruising its waters.
South Side of Pinckney Island NWR
This was a gorgeous morning hike under lively sun and clouds. Plenty to see here with palmetto, pine, and beautiful Spanish moss covered live oak lining the trails. This place is rich with wildlife including at least a dozen species of coastal birds. Though most stop at Ibis Pond for a short hike, each pond has something different to offer - and all are worth a visit. Baby alligators at Osprey Pond were a nice treat:-)