Maine, Winter Sports, Food… What’s Not To Love?

Looking to beat the winter blues? Instead of heading south for warmer weather, why not get outside and embrace the cold? With its frozen rivers, snow covered evergreens, and evenings by the woodstove, winter is when Maine really shines. The MidCoast offers endless opportunities to explore. And when you’ve built up an appetite snowshoeing, hiking, skiing, or fatbiking, there are dining options to satisfy any winter adventurer.

 

 

Cross-Country Skiing in Jefferson

If lift lines and moguls aren’t your thing, step into some cross-country skis at Hidden Valley Nature Center, in Jefferson. Explore 1,000 acres of land and a variety of groomed ski trails. Want the full experience? Check out their cabins, yurts and campsites for an overnight! Then head over to Oxbow Brewing for an ale and board games, music, and a bite to eat.

Easy Winter Walks in Bristol

Head to Bristol for easy to moderate hikes through La Verna Preserve, on Muscongus Bay. 2.7 miles of trail and 3,600 feet of shoreline ensure spectacular views any time of year. Bring a carry-out lunch from the Rising Tide Co-Op, in Damariscotta, or warm up at Que Rico with authentic Mexican food (there might even be a Latin dance party happening!).

 

 

Summit Mount Battie in Camden

20 easy and moderate walking trails can be found at Camden Hills State Park. With 5,700 acres and over 30 miles of trails, there’s an option for everyone. Head to the top of Mount Battie’s 800’ summit for amazing views of Penobscot Bay. Pack a picnic from Bleecker & Greer, in Camden, or head to Rockport for Flatbread Pizza (Their Mid-Coast Community Flatbread is amazing!).

 

 

Snowshoeing and Bird Watching in Searsport

For easy trails and amazing rewards, cross the short causeway from Searsport over to Sears Island. One of the largest undeveloped islands on the east coast, it offers miles of shoreline trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Birdwatchers will enjoy searching for chickadees and woodpeckers, as well as loons and sea ducks right off shore. Grab some take-out from Chase’s Daily or Daily Soup, both in Belfast, and enjoy a winter picnic in this peaceful paradise.

Riverside trails in Waldoboro

Hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe more than three miles of trails along the Medomak River and Meadow Brook at Riverbrook Preserve. Look for deer wintering in the heavy tree cover, then grab lunch at Morse’s Sauerkraut. Using locally grown cabbage, and more than 100 years of tradition, they’ve perfected it!

 

 

Fatbiking in Bath

Bike riding isn’t just for summer anymore. Explore the trails at Lilly Pond Community Forest on an all-season fatbike. With three miles of trails, and 900 feet of frontage on Lilly Pond, it’s a perfect spot to experience biking on snow and to build up your appetite for dinner at Beale Street Barbeque. What could be better on a Maine winter evening? (If you don’t have your own, fatbikes can be rented at Bath Cycle & Ski.)