8 summer outdoor adventures recommended by UMaine forestry professors
One of the best things about being in Maine during the summer (or any season, for that matter) is the wealth of outdoor opportunities it offers — they don’t call it “Vacationland” for nothing. Faculty at the University of Maine School of Forest Resources (SFR) enjoy recreating in the great outdoors just as much as they love conducting field research in it.
If you are looking for new outdoor adventures in Maine this summer, here are eight recommendations from UMaine SFS professors.
Hike Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park
“One of my favorite hikes is up Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park. The views over Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay from the top are stunning. I take the incoming SFR Park and Recreation students hiking here every August as part of the Tanglewood Camp, and often hear that it’s one of their highlights of the week. I grew up just down the road from the park, in Lincolnville, so there’s a bit of nostalgia when I get the chance to hike near there too.”
— Adam Daigneault, associate professor of forest policy and economics
Fish for smallmouth bass in the Stillwater River
“My not-so-secret fishing hole for smallmouth bass is our very own Stillwater River, launching from right behind the Steam Plant. It’s right under our noses and definitely an underappreciated fishing spot.”
— Jessica Leahy, professor of human dimensions of natural resources
Hike to Bubble Pond in Acadia National Park
“Every summer, I hike what we call the ‘Bubble Pond Trail’ in Acadia National Park with my sons, but technically we are hiking the Cadillac South Ridge Trail to the Cadillac West Face Trail to the shore of Bubble Pond and then back again. I started this doing a short piece with my oldest son Devon in a Gerry Pack when he was one year old and we progressed to the full trail and have hiked it every year for over 40 years. Later, his brother Isaac began to join the tradition. We do a lot of other hiking, and Devon through-hiked the Appalachian Trail last year, but we always do the ‘Bubble Pond Trail’ at some point each year for tradition!”
— Ivan Fernandez, professor of soil science
Camp in Cobscook Bay State Park
“I think it is the nicest campground among Maine’s State Parks for a number of reasons, including its more ‘out of the way’ location from the busier summer tourist areas. It has access to fantastic hiking (e.g., the Cutler Coast Public Reserve and the Maine Coast Heritage Trust trails), paddling and biking (e.g., over on Campobello Island). But the real draw for me is probably just setting up a lawn chair to sit and watch the 20-foot tide come in-and-out twice a day. We go every year for the 4th of July to enjoy things like lobster dinner in Lubec and the festivities and fireworks in Eastport.”
— Daniel Hayes, associate professor of geospatial analysis and remote sensing
Paddle the Dead River
“The Dead River offers something for everyone (depending on the water levels) that cuts through the beautiful western forest of Maine with lots of history and excitement along the way.”
— Aaron Weiskittel, professor of forest biometrics and modeling
Explore the Williamsburg Forest
“For hiking, I like the Williamsburg Forest which is about an hour from Orono and managed by the Piscataquis Soil & Water Conservation District. I like it because of its history and diverse terrain. It has hosted multiple UMaine student projects over the years (including an active one right now), and has demonstration forestry areas too.”
— Jessica Leahy, professor of human dimensions of natural resources
Camp and hike in Gulf Hagas
“If you are looking for scenic views, moderate hiking conditions, nice flora and fauna, and don’t mind sharing the trail with others, then Gulf Hagas is a ‘must do’ hike as one of the natural wonders of Maine. The waterfalls are lovely, the geology is fascinating and the forest is inviting. It abounds with photo opportunities! I recommend camping nearby to hike the whole trail and to get an early start if you want to avoid the crowded part of the day.”
— Amber Roth, assistant professor of forest wildlife management
Bike the Penobscot River Trails in Grindstone
“The trail system along the East Branch of the Penobscot River is great for cross-country skiing in winter and biking otherwise. This property is so amazing that you just need to see it for yourself — especially the spectacular view of Katahdin from the Long Meadow hut. This is [also] a great place to visit during the peak fall color season.”
— Daniel Hayes, associate professor of geospatial analysis and remote sensing
These eight recommendations only scratch the surface of what the vast Maine outdoors has to offer in the summer. Grab a DeLorme Maine Atlas & Gazetteer, or hop on Maine Trail Finder, and set out on your own adventure!
Contact: Sam Schipani, samantha.schipani@maine.edu