Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Maine Bound Adventure Center
Maine Bound has a popular indoor rock climbing center where instructors provide support and instruction for all participants, as well as host clinics, lessons, and programs related to climbing skills. Many clubs and organizations participate in group climb events as a teambuilding and recreational experience. Access to the climbing gym is free for students and day, 30 day, and semester passes can be purchased by community members and students who are not currently enrolled in courses.
Maine Bound also hosts many trips, events, and training throughout the year which involve activities such as outdoor rock climbing, paddling, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, and mountain biking. All trips have a mandatory pre-trip meeting and can cost anywhere between $12 and $110 depending on transportation and equipment costs. Black Bear Bound trips are each several days long and led by Maine Bound. These trips last for several days and may involve many different outdoor activities in ideal recreation spots such as Acadia National Park and Mount Katahdin. Maine Bound provides rentable outdoor equipment such as canoes, kayaks, personal flotation devices, wet suits, helmets, rooftop kits (for cars with no boat transportation capacity), tents, camping gear, mountaineering gear, snowshoes, and ski gear. Rentals are affordable and prices depend on the gear and how long it will be rented out.
The Outdoor Leadership Program is great for people looking to work at Maine Bound or in the outdoors, as well as anyone interested in outdoor recreation, parks, and recreation. This program provides a foundational understanding of outdoor leadership and involves attending at least six classes, two trips or clinics, and one overnight trip. Though this program is not completed for academic credit, participants will receive a certification of Outdoor Leadership upon completion. Maine Bound also hosts and leads Challenge Courses which are organized outdoor team building activities for groups and organizations. Courses can last 2, 4, or 8 hours, and organizations can also request customized programs.
DeMeritt Forest Trail System
The 2,000 acre DeMerritt University Forest has played an important role in education, research, demonstrations, and training of students. There are more than 15 miles of trails which provide recreation opportunities for walkers, runners, hikers, cyclists and equestrians. Skiers and snowshoers are also welcome during the winter months. Some of the trails go off UMaine property, but they are still publicly accessible. For more information about trail maps, use, maintenance, and accessibility, please visit the Campus Recreation website.
Orono Bog Walk
The Orono Bog Walk is a great location for those who wish to experience the flora and fauna of Maine bog land. It is a one mile boardwalk loop trail that begins in the Bangor City Forest and crosses into UMaine’s portion of the Orono bog. There are signs and illustrations with information about the wildlife and areas along the walk. Volunteers help with guiding tours and educating visitors, as well as maintaining the boardwalk itself.
Acadia National Park
Acadia is Maine’s only National Park. The park encompasses areas of Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and eighteen other small outlying islands. The most well known area of the park on Mount Desert Island has most of its notable landmarks and attractions such as Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Bar Harbor, Thunder Hole, as well as many prominent hiking trails. Leashed pets are allowed on park property. There are various educational and outdoor programs and activities throughout the park, so researching your trip in advance, checking the visitors center, and looking out for opportunities as you are on your trip can help ensure that you make the most of your Acadia experience.
Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park was created by Governor Percival Baxter with the intention of preserving the rugged natural landscape so that distant generations could enjoy the same splendor he did. The park prioritizes preservation and conservation of the park’s landscape and wildlife over recreation access. For this reason, vehicle access to certain locations is restricted to preserve both the landscape and experience. The park includes more than 200 miles of trails and 337 campsites on more than 200,000 acres. Parking reservations and entry permits should be arranged in advance. Rangers hold educational programs about the park for people of all ages. There are opportunities for fishing, paddling, hunting, climbing, and cycling.
Swan Island
Swan Island welcomes hikers, birders, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and explorers. The island has seven miles of hiking trails, kayak and canoe rentals, two active eagle nests, geocaches, five historic homes from an 1800s farming community, a trout pond for children, and a self guided tour. There are several campsites which have fire pits, lean-tos, and drinking water. The island is maintained by the Friends of Swan Island.
Maine State Parks and Historic Sites
Maine has more than 40 state parks and historic sites, as well as many other state owned and managed lands. A list of all state parks and their addresses and contact information can be found on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry website. The site allows you to search for parks based on criteria such as proximity to other locations, region, activities, or facilities.
Maine Wildlife Park
The Maine Wildlife Park houses more than 30 species of native Maine wildlife which cannot be returned to the wild for various reasons including fishers, cougars, and moose. Residents may have been injured, orphaned, or become human dependent. There is also a fish hatchery, museum, gardens, and educational trails. The park occasionally puts on educational programs and hosts field trips.
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge
Hirundo Wildlife Refuge is 2,460 acres of conserved woodlands and wetlands just west of Old Town. The Refuge is dedicated to preserving nature while providing educational and recreational opportunities to the public. Hirundo offers more than seven miles of marked trails, river access, public programs, and free rental opportunities for canoes, kayaks, and snowshoes. There is also a universal access trail, the Trail of the Senses which is accessible to sensory and mobility impaired individuals. The Refuge acts as a living laboratory for numerous UMaine classes and student projects, offers environmental education programs to schools and the public, and is dedicated to cultivating a love of nature and dedication to environmental stewardship in local youth. A trail map and descriptions of trails can be found on the Hirundo website. There are also navigable waterways in the refuge, so you can bring your own boat, take out a rental, or participate in a paddle program. There are also fourteen geocaches placed for both beginning and experienced searchers.
Hiking and Climbing in Maine
Visitmaine.com provides useful information about scenic and fun hiking trails and climbing routes for people of all ages and abilities, as well as an interactive map. The site also has information about other activities, sights, and experiences throughout Maine. Maine Trail Finder can help you find hiking trails throughout Maine. Their calendar highlights events and activities such as clinics, races, guided walks, and volunteer opportunities. AllTrails offers information about hiking trails across the country. Hikers can leave comments and reviews of trails which can be helpful when planning and preparing for an excursion. Hikers can search by criteria such as area, difficulty, length, and popularity. There are also numerous apps available which help with mapping, researching, planning, and completing hikes.
