Day Hiking – Staying Sane in Maine

 

We all know how crazy of a year it’s been, I don’t think I have to go into any details about why. For me, and for many others, hiking has been one of the only things (if not the only thing) that has kept me sane this year. Being in the mountains is what makes me the happiest, and it’s where I feel the most like myself. I’m beyond thankful that I had the chance to hike throughout these months, and that I had access to trails, because I know many people who enjoy hiking don’t have the opportunity to do so where they live. 

 

Anyone who knows me, knows I love to take photos. I’m a “visual storyteller,” and I use photos to look back on things, as they bring up the most wonderful memories for me. I wanted to share some photos from my hikes this year in Maine, and put some of my favorites together here to share with you all! Hopefully, if you haven’t already been to Maine, they’ll inspire you to want to come here and explore some of the state’s pristine wilderness! (After the pandemic of course!) 

 

From Outdoors to Indoors

 

From living outside everyday on the Appalachian Trail last year, to being stuck at home a couple of months later was a difficult transition for me. I started to miss the trail uncontrollably, and with the pandemic rapidly sprouting, everything felt out of whack, and I felt completely lost. 

 

I was drawn to the trail again, but not the AT this time. I was drawn to the mountains of Maine. I just wanted to get outside and be in the places I loved. For me, that meant day hikes every (or every other) week, exploring more trails in my own home state. 

Finding New Goals

 

Because I no longer had the goal of finishing the AT, I felt as though I needed a new one – completing the ME 14 4,000 footers! Day hiking became my new source of happiness and fulfillment, and it helped me stay sane during all of the madness happening in the world this year. It also helped me discover and create new goals and new dreams for myself, since I was feeling pretty lost after the AT. I’m now planning a shorter thru-hike for 2021! (Stay tuned!) 

 

Anyway, from the coast, to the western mountains, to the north in Baxter State Park, and to the eastern border to Canada, there are adventures in Maine in every direction. Living in the Waterville area, I’m sort of in the center of it all, and it’s always a hard decision to choose which direction I want to go in, because they all offer something unique! I hope you enjoy some of these photos and short captions of some of my hiking highlights of the year! 

 

Coastal

Cadillac Mountain, Acadia National Park, Cutler Coast, and Camden Hills State Park.

West

Bigelow Preserve, Mt. Abraham, Mt. Redington, Borestone, Spaulding, and Sugarloaf Mountain.

North 

Mt. Katahdin, Mt. Chase, North Brother, and Sentinel Mountain.

 

 

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Comments 3

  • ATGracie : Dec 6th

    Great job, Moxie!!! It was nice to meet you in Caratunk this summer/fall.

    Reply
  • K : May 26th

    Thank you for sharing. Really enjoying . TY

    Reply
  • Keith Seymour : May 28th

    Moxie. Totally inspiring. I too am from Maine. I enjoyed you’re amazing pictures. Each picture tells a story.

    If you ever write a book. Please let me know.

    Thank you

    Reply

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