great hiking in Maine (family)

[flycessna]

Originally Posted by ogre

Of course the OP described an easy hike that's good for the kids,

Thats just the stage of life I am at right now.

personally I Would like to see any and all hikes. esp those off the beaten path that are not advertised or with some unusal destinations (like my monument hike).

But for this thread ANY hikes will due as long as there special to you!

[mollysmiles]

One that I used to do when the kids were little was the walk in to Moxie Falls. There were a couple of overlooks there, and the view was great, especially in the spring with the higher water. The drive there is very nice too! I don't remember the path being very long--a mile or so?--and the first time we went my now 14 year old was in a back pack!

flycessna this thread has been so good! It's reminded me of some great places that I haven't been in a while, and want to visit again!

oh, Moxie Falls, Map 40 on your handy dandy Gazetteer

[moughie]

A great hike with little ones in tow is Mackworth Island ( Baxter School for the Deaf) off of Rte. 1 between Portland and Falmouth Foreside. A small free parking lot( and port-a-potty) exisit before the school entrance.

The path is the circu****ence of the lovely island, with a playground area, wooded area and open field area. Multiple opportunities exist to walk down to the shoreline.

It is gorgeous, esp in Autumn. I miss it so

[mollysmiles]

Originally Posted by moughie

A great hike with little ones in tow is Mackworth Island ( Baxter School for the Deaf) off of Rte. 1 between Portland and Falmouth Foreside. A small free parking lot( and port-a-potty) exisit before the school entrance.

The path is the circu****ence of the lovely island, with a playground area, wooded area and open field area. Multiple opportunities exist to walk down to the shoreline.

It is gorgeous, esp in Autumn. I miss it so

you're right! haven't been there for a while....yet another one for my list!

[ruthere04976]

Another great hike series of hikes with small children is the Rome area. There are small mtns. and old carriage roads to traverse. There are old foundations to explore along the way too! It's called the Kennebec Highlands Trails. Check out this link too!Outdoors in MaineToday.com | Hiking Trails

I agree with Mollysmiles, the Bold Coast Trail in Cutler is one of the most beautiful places I've hiked.

You definately have to have a good pack with a chest strap when toting a 30 pound child or the shoulder straps will pull back and rip your chest open like a chicken breast in a frying pan! Or at least it'll feel like it.

[mollysmiles]

Originally Posted by ruthere04976

...You definately have to have a good pack with a chest strap when toting a 30 pound child or the shoulder straps will pull back and rip your chest open like a chicken breast in a frying pan! Or at least it'll feel like it.

Holy cow! THAT sounds like something you know from experience!! lol...

[MRVphotog]

We like the coastal trail system around Wolf Neck SP just east of Freeport. The Mackworth Island walk around is very nice tho Baxter's doggie cemetary is abit diferent.

[Unhappycamper]

This summer my friends and I hiked Tumbledown Mountain twice in one weekend. The first day we took the brook trail, its a moderate hike but should not be a problem for kids. Towards the end there is some rock climbing. Of course for us there was a nice thunderstorm. Climbing rock in pouring rain and marble size hale. It was awesome.

The second day we took the Chimney trail. That was tough. It was pretty much a straight up rock climb. Kids could do it with assistance but not dogs. Too much hand over hand and climbing through "the chimney" towards the top. it was a long hike straight up.

I've also backpacked up there and spent the night. Brought a fishing pole and caught some trout in the pond on the top. Its a great place. Gets a little crowded on weekends though.

Here are some pictures from the summit I took about a month and a half go.


Here are some pictures from the summit

[Elcarim]

Wow! Gorgeous pics!! I just can't wait to hike. I've only done that once in my life because it's always too stinking hot here to be outside. I don't remember the last time I went camping overnight anywhere. I do remember it was a bad night, so hot we couldn't sleep and got eaten alive by mosquitos. I vowed then I'd never sleep outdoors again! I'm guessing I'll be doing a good bit of sleeping outdoors in Maine!

I have a feeling when we get settled, you'll never find us home!

[Calandria]

We love Borestone in Elliotsville. We hike it every year with the kids. Our almost three year old did it, but with some carrying involved. Probably most kids 5 and up could handle it.