Winter hiking opportunities abundant in Sebago Lakes Region

Liza Powers and Sage Bizier enjoy hiking the trails in the
Raymond Community Forest during the winter months.
PHOTO BY BRIANA BIZIER

By Briana Bizier

Do you have a list of New Year’s resolutions for 2022? Perhaps you’d like to get in better shape, spend more time with family and friends, or have a few more adventures. If you’ve made any of those resolutions, I’ve got good news for you. The answer to keeping them is just outside your door: winter hiking.

Hiking in the middle of a Maine winter might sound intimidating but getting your family outside in January doesn’t need to resemble an Antarctic expedition. As with any hiking trip, however, proper preparation is essential, and the right gear makes the difference between a lovely walk in the woods and a miserable slog the kids will complain about for years. Happily, you don’t need super-specialized gear to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors this winter, and the Sebago Lakes Region is full of hikes that are beautiful in any weather.

If you’re thinking about hitting the trails this January, your first consideration should be clothing. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Scandinavian expression, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes?” This is doubly true on the hiking trail, so make sure everyone in your party is wearing appropriate outdoor gear. Start with a comfortable base layer that will keep you warm and dry, and avoid wearing cotton next to your body, as that could trap moisture and make you cold and miserable. Wear a soft, comfortable mid-layer to help insulate your body, and be sure you also have a windproof external “shell” jacket. You’ll also want to make sure everyone in your party has a hat and either gloves or mittens to cover their hands. A few hand warmers in a backpack could also provide a mid-hike morale boost to a chilly hiker.

Finally, make sure to wear warm, waterproof boots with warm, comfortable, and preferably wool socks. Here in Maine, a winter hike is guaranteed to feature both ice and snow, so you might also want to include gators to keep snow from falling in the tops of your boots. Snowshoes are also a great way to stay on top of the snow! If it’s icy out there, or if your hike includes steep, exposed stretches and you’re not planning on wearing snowshoes, you might want microspikes or grippers on the bottom of your boots. Trekking poles can also help you keep your balance as you navigate a snowy path.

Wearing comfortable, waterproof boots and lots of warm layers means you’ll be able to constantly regulate your temperature as you hike. Feeling a bit too warm after climbing that hill? Be sure to stop and peel off a layer. Getting chilly as you walk along a windy ridge? Stop and put that layer back on. All of this frequent stopping to take off or put back on your layers, and also your hats, mittens, or gloves, means that it’s essential to bring a comfortable pack with a bit of extra room on your winter hike.

That pack should also carry plenty of water and snacks. Dry air is dehydrating, so be sure to sip water as you stop to adjust your layers. Our family also likes to celebrate the midpoint of our winter hikes with a quick hot chocolate break. Carrying a few durable mugs, a thermos full of hot water, several packs of hot chocolate powder, and a selection of teabags means that I can offer both hot chocolate and hot tea for everyone in the party.

Winter hiking is slow, and it’s not only because of all those stops and starts as you adjust your layers. Walking through snow is usually slower than hiking over rock and soil, so choose trails that are short and sweet for your first few winter hiking adventures.

Luckily, the Lakes Region is full of short and sweet trails to get you outside this winter! The regional Loon Echo Land Trust conserves over 8,000 acres of land and many miles of trails in the Lakes Region. Our family is especially fond of the Raymond Community Forest, which has four different clearly marked trails that are all roughly one mile long. The Spiller Homestead Loop and Grape Expectations are both lovely meanders through the woods that would make an excellent introduction to winter hiking, while the Pismire Bluff trail offers both a more challenging hike and wonderfully rewarding views.

Speaking of views, Loon Echo Land Trust’s Bald Pate Mountain in South Bridgton has fantastic views of our beautiful corner of Maine as well as a network of clearly marked trails that range from gentle to challenging. The Bob Chase Loop, at 0.8 miles, is a lovely path to the summit that would make a manageable and rewarding introduction to winter hiking. That loop is also available for cross country skiers through the Five Fields Farm in Bridgton.

Finally, for experienced winter hikers who would like a serious challenge, it is possible to hike or snowshoe to the 2,006-foot summit of Pleasant Mountain, the tallest peak in Southern Maine, in the winter. This popular trail network is also managed by Loon Echo Land Trust.

Downloadable maps, directions, and detailed trail descriptions for Raymond Community Forest, Bald Pate Mountain, and Pleasant Mountain are all available on Loon Echo Land Trust’s website: https://www.lelt.org.

Happy hiking! <