Hiking and Nature Walks The region is home to many walking and hiking opportunities.  From nature walks to the most strenuous climbs, every step you take there is a scenic view waiting for you. Remember please take only pictures and leave only footprints. Here is some more information on several of our “famous” walks and hikes from around our region. See below for more detailed information on the Appalachian Trail, International Appalachian Trail and local area hikes and nature walks. While in our area, please follow all Leave No Trace ethics and policies: www.lnt.org. Appalachian Trail – “A simple footpath…” –Appalachian Trail Conservancy The Appalachian Trail or the AT, as it is affectionately called in the hiking community, is the nation’s longest marked footpath, crossing over 2,178 miles, touching fourteen different states and more than sixty federal, state and local parks and reserves along the way.  The trail is maintained by volunteer efforts and there are thirty different clubs and many partnerships that keep the trails alive.  If you are headed northbound on your journey, the trail starts at Springer Mountain in Georgia and ends at our amazing Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. Maine’s portion of the AT is not recommended for novice hikers.  Our 281 miles of trail is considered to be some of the toughest trail that hikers can encounter.  Our section of the trail can be divided into three different geographical categories: East, Central and West. The northern section of the trail is known as the 100 Mile Wilderness Region, which covers an area between Mount Katahdin and the town of Monson.  This section of the climb is home to several low, but very rough climbs and complicated stream crossings. The central section of the trail is between the Bigelow Preserve and the town of Monson.  This section features some of the least demanding hiking and amazing views of one of Maine’s mightiest rivers, the Kennebec.  There is a free canoe service that shuttles hikers across the river because this river’s water levels are so unpredictable. The southern section of the trail is the toughest part of the entire Appalachian Trail.  It is covered with tremendously steep 4,000 footers and boulder climbs that aren’t for the novice hiker. Fun facts – takes approximately five million footsteps to walk the entire length of the trail; there are 165,000 blazes marking the way; more than 10,000 people have hiked the entire length of the trail; International Appalachian Trail – "I visualized a trail that would connect two countries and cultures, link a state and two provinces and traverse two major watersheds--the Gulf of Maine and the Gulf of St. Lawrence." -Dick Anderson Technically, the Appalachian Trail doesn’t have to end at Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park!  If you want to keep on hiking, head northbound to connect with the International Appalachian Trail.  This trail follows the Appalachian Mountains from Mount Katahdin to Crow Head in Newfoundland/Labrador.  The trail is a total of 1,900 miles, crosses two countries and ends at the northernmost point of the Appalachian Mountain range in the western hemisphere.  The idea for this trail is relatively new and since 1998 there have been a known total of 86 people that have thru-hiked the trail in its entirety. Greater Bangor Region: www.VisitBangorMaine.com Orono’s own Bog Boardwalk is a wonderful outdoor experience, and one the whole family can enjoy. This mile long loop shows how bogs make great inhabitants for wildlife seen nowhere else, and with the boardwalk and multiple rest sites keep the challenge limited, so you can enjoy all the wilderness there is appreciate. For more info please www.oronobogwalk.org. The Bangor City Forest, located on the outskirts of Bangor near Orono is a beautiful and inviting woodland where visitors and residents are welcome to go and enjoy the miles of natural trails. The wilderness presented by the forest has a year round appeal, whether it be dog walking or biking in the summer, or cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The Bangor City Forest offers multiple trails of varying difficulty, some with packed gravel, perfect for a summer bike ride. The forest also makes for an excellent wildlife spotting adventure, with many different animals to spot and appreciate. For more information please visit www.oronobogwalk.org/bgrforest.htm The University of Maine offers is recreational trails in Orono to the public, and they are a treat. Being removed from the city, the trails have a great and wild feel anytime of year, and you might be lucky enough to spot a woodland creature. With more than 15 miles to explore, the University of Maine Recreational trails allow you to connect with nature one on one. For more information or a map of trails please visit: http://www.umaine.edu/CAMPUSRECREATION/facilities/trails.html Katahdin Area: www.KatahdinMaine.com Baxter State Park offers day hikes for all ability levels, trails here span from sea level to the peak of Mt. Katahdin, which stands 5,268 feet tall.  This peak marks the end of the Appalachian Trail and is the tallest peak in the state of Maine. For more information on day hikes or hiking the Appalachian Trail, please visit – www.BaxterStateParkAuthority.com. Moosehead Lake Area: www.MooseheadLake.org Gulf Hagas is a hidden gem in our region.  Known to locals as the “Grand Canyon” of the East, it is an eight and a half mile loop that includes views of waterfalls, chutes and pools along the way.  The canyon itself is over four miles long and has 300-400 foot high slate walls.  For more information, please visit www.MooseheadLake.org Elephant Mountain is a very historic hike that is in the Moosehead Lake region.  This hike ends at the crash of a B-52 plane that was left on the mountain and still remains today.  For more information, please visit www.MooseheadLake.org Photo by Jessica Donahue