Preparing Yourself For The Appalachian Trail
- At May 16, 2018
- By admin
- In Maine Outdoor Recreation
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At just under 2200 miles, the Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking trail in the US and it starts in the spectacular Mount Katahdin in Maine. You can either hike the whole thing in several months, take a casual stroll in a day, or anything in between. Regardless of what you choose, you need to be prepared. This will take even the experienced hiker out of their comfort zone as you leave civilization behind and venture deep into the wilderness. Before you head into the Appalachian Trail, here’s the preparation you need to do.
Plan your route and have a backup
Research is everything. Wandering blindly into the mountainous countryside could be dangerous, so first explore the different routes so that you can select the right one for you. Decide on the length and difficulty, avoiding any paths that are dangerously steep. The Trail is constantly changing, both in length and terrain. You should plan a couple of routes in case the one you want to take is covered by a flood or mudslide. This will give you a safe option if you end up in an unsafe situation.
Selecting your equipment
Hiking is hard work, but there is equipment out there that will help you travel further and prevent injuries. You will need to take plenty of food and water and likely a tent or cooking equipment, so ensure you can carry everything by selecting a pack which is comfortable to wear, but also rugged. It should be able to cope with wet weather and heavy loads. Finding a high-quality pair of hiking boots and poles will also help you to trek comfortably and safely.
What to wear
When at altitude, layering is key. You will become colder as you climb higher, while becoming warmer as you exercise harder. This means your body temperature will vary and fluctuate often. You should start with a solid base layer that can regulate temperature and wick away moisture. Find a lightweight rain jacket or fleece, which can be easily packed away when not being worn. Synthetic materials engineered for performance will keep you comfortable and safe from the elements.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail is one of the most thrilling and spectacular things you can do in Maine. Ensure you have the trip of a lifetime by being properly prepared. Select your route carefully, then pack the essential equipment and clothing to keep you safe and comfortable to get the most out of your trip.
Start Planning for Maine’s Fall Foliage Season
AUGUSTA, Maine – While the State of Maine is enjoying an abundance of sunshine and beautiful late summer weather, now is the time to start planning your fall foliage trip. Beginning Wednesday, September 9, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) and the Maine Office of Tourism will provide an update on gradual change in leaf color from north to south culminating in peak conditions in late-October.
“Maine fall foliage is world-renowned and draws visitors from all over the country and around the globe,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “The fall foliage season is an example of how Maine welcomes visitors and is ‘Open for Business.’ Anyone can see the best places to go by visiting the fall foliage website and through weekly foliage updates.”
DACF Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted that the Department’s forestry employees have been reporting foliage color changing conditions since 1959. “The Department’s fall foliage website got over 500,000 page views last year,” said Whitcomb. “Many people and businesses use Maine’s fall foliage season to showcase products, events and the beauty of the entire state. We encourage families to enjoy this colorful season and use the website and weekly foliage updates to plan trips this month into October.”
Maine’s official fall foliage website: www.mainefoliage.com has a number of resources, links to scenic byways and to the Maine office of tourism. State officials are optimistic that the 2015 fall foliage season will be spectacular.
According to Bill Ostrofsky, Forest Pathologist within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, “The overall timing of peak color change will be near average this year – about the last week in September through the first week in October for the Augusta area; a bit earlier North, and a bit later South. With a return to cooler temperatures (more typical of what we have seen all year, with the exception of the past ten days or so), we should be in for a glorious season.”
To produce the weekly report on fall foliage conditions, DACF forest rangers submit on-the-ground observations each week throughout the reporting season (September 9 through October 21, with a final report on October 28 if needed) at www.mainefoliage.com – Maine’s official fall foliage website. The site includes a map indicating current foliage conditions with a useful foliage color key that is updated weekly. Visitors to the site can also find information on Facebook.
While navigating the website, leaf peepers can register to receive weekly reports and submit their favorite fall foliage photos. The site also provides information about complimentary ranger-led fall foliage tours in Maine State Parks.
Generally, the northern region of Maine is at or near peak the last week of September into the first week of October. Central, Southern and Western mountains are nearing peak conditions October 6 through October 18. Coastal Maine reaches peak conditions October 13 through 25.
Now is the time to plan a late-September getaway to Zone 6 and 7 in northeastern and northwestern Maine which includes Fort Kent, Caribou and Presque Isle to experience the first colors of autumn. There are scenic driving tours recommended on www.mainefoliage.com for the St. John Valley Cultural Byway and the Aroostook County circuit.
IFW Hunting Report for October 12, 2013
- At October 13, 2013
- By admin
- In Maine Outdoor Recreation
- 0
Southern Lakes Region
Hunters are enjoying the pheasant season in southern Maine.
“We have had two pheasant releases so far, and we have one final release for the season on Sunday, October 20,” said IFW Wildlife Biologist Scott Lindsay. “We have received some very positive comments about our two dozen release sites.” You can find a list of the pheasant release sites on the department website at www.mefishwildlife.com.
Read More»Peak Foliage in Southeast Maine for Columbus Day Weekend
October 9, 2013 AUGUSTA, Maine – The southeast of Maine is now experiencing peak foliage just in time for the Columbus Day weekend according to the fifth Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry. Leaf drop is low at 30% to 50%.
Read More»Maine Foliage Report for October 2, 2013
October 2, 2013 AUGUSTA, Maine – The foliage color is gradually reaching peak perfection throughout the state, according to the fourth 2013 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Read More»Maine Foliage Report for September 25, 2013
Maine Foliage Color Spreading Through Northern, Western Regions
Time to Get Out and Enjoy the View
Week 3: Maine Fall Foliage Report
September 25, 2013 AUGUSTA, Maine – The foliage color has begun to appear in the northernmost regions of Maine, according to the third 2013 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Read More»Maine Park Rangers offering Free Guided Fall Foliage Tours in northern part of the state beginning Friday, Sept. 28th
Augusta, Maine – September 18, 2013 In anticipation of one of the brightest seasons yet for Fall Foliage, the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Division of Parks and Public Lands has announced that it is offering free guided fall foliage tours at several state parks and public reserved lands beginning Friday, September 28th.
Read More»Maine’s Fall Foliage Season on Tap to be One of the Best Ever
Augusta, ME (September 11, 2013) The official start of the fall foliage season begins today in Maine. The 2013 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry reports that the northernmost part of the state is experiencing subtle color changes of less than 30% with very low leaf drop at less than 10%. However, the state anticipates an outstanding foliage season according to the Maine Forest Service.
“The native maples, particularly the red and sugar maples, which are considered to provide the great backdrop of seasonal color, have vigorous, healthy foliage with no notable problems. Given our moderate summer weather, and allowing for this trend into the fall, I expect an outstanding vibrant show, overall,” said Bill Ostrofsky, forest pathologist for the Maine Forest Service.
Cheap Thrills on the Kennebec River
Magic Falls Rafting Co. in West Forks, Maine has designed a rafting trip for Maine vacationers who want to experience the white water excitement of Maine’s wilderness rivers unhurried and inexpensively. Many Maine vacationers place whitewater rafting on their “must-do” activities list but often find that the early arrival time of 8:30 to 9 am at an outfitter’s base camp requires a very early departure time from their camping or lodging location. An all day rafting trip usually means an early morning wake-up call that doesn’t fit the visitor’s idea of a leisurely vacation.
Read More»Swan Island’s 2012 Season
2012 was a busy year as usual for Swan Island staff, volunteers and partners. We saw increases in visitation from 2012, and are hoping to see many new faces in 2013.
Now is the time to start thinking about your camping trip to the Island this summer — we begin taking reservations after March 15th. Remember, you can now access the Island for day use without reservations by paddling your personal canoe, kayak or small boat across. Simply place the user fees in an iron ranger (at the main pier or around the east side at the campground), grab a self-guided brochure and start to explore! For answers to your questions, or to see a map of the island and landing sites visit www.maine.gov/swanisland. Check in later this spring to see updates to the calendar for exciting events.
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