AUGUSTA — Nine hikes and an Androscoggin River paddle will highlight the beauty of Maine’s fall foliage beginning this weekend and continuing into next month.
The Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and the Maine Forest Service are offering the events as part of the Maine state park system’s 75th anniversary, the bureau reported Tuesday.
“It’s a great time of year to encourage people to get out and experience the beauty of the changing seasons in Maine,” said Gary Best, assistant regional manager of the bureau.
“We once again are partnering with the Maine Forest Service to highlight some of the best places to view the fall foliage colors in Maine while learning why the leaves change color, what triggers leaf fall, and to give a better understanding of Maine’s forests.”
Local events, all at 10 a.m., include:
* Two hikes on Saturday, Oct. 2, at Mount Blue State Park in Weld: a four-hour moderate hike on Mount Blue, and an easy, 1-hour hike on Center Hill.
* A 3-mile river walk on Sunday, Oct. 3, at Sebago Lake State Park in Casco.
* A moderate, 1-mile hike from the trail head to the summit of Bald Mountain at Bald Mountain Public Reserve Land in Franklin County to enjoy panoramic views of Rangeley, Cupsuptic and Mooselookmeguntic lakes and the Height of Land.
* An easy, 30-minute hike on Sunday, Oct. 3, from Summit Trailhead at Bradbury Mountain State Park in Freeport.
* A beginner-level paddle on Sunday, Oct. 3, from the Turner boat launch off Center Bridge Road in Turner at the new Androscoggin Riverlands State Park in Turner.
Other events:
* A 3-mile hike up Quaggy Jo Mountain at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, in Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle.
* A moderate, 5-mile hike at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at the North Woods gates in St. Francis on Deboullie Public Reserve Land in Aroostook County.
* An easy, 1-mile hike on the Shackford Head Overlook Trail and a moderate hike on Schooner Trail at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at Shackford Head State Park in Eastport.
* A moderate, 2.5-mile hike on Mount Battie at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, at Camden Hills State Park in Camden.
Each event will be hosted by both a park manager and the local Maine Forest Service district forester to offer a unique perspective on the foliage and trees in each area, Best said.
Best said the collaborative outdoor events have been “very successful.”
Four hikes were held last year, attracting 180 people, including 60 who participated in the hike in Aroostook, Maine’s first state park.
“This year, we’re holding more hikes in more areas, so we are expecting more people to take part in the overall program,” Best said.
Hikers should wear sturdy, appropriate footwear with enclosed toes and comfortable clothing, preferably worn in layers.
Paddlers will have to bring their own boats, life vests and gear. Participants should bring cameras, binoculars, snacks and water.
For more specific information about the hikes and the paddle — including difficulty and meeting places — visit: www.parksandlands.com or contact Melissa Macaluso of the BPL at 287-4960.
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