Raising Maine

Young children have their own ideas about what makes hiking fun and it generally includes running, jumping, getting dirty, making lots of noise and finding special "treasures." But during early spring there is one additional feature most little ones relish - MUD. But with some preparation that includes wearing rubber boots and packing a change of clothes for the drive home, your family can find some enjoyment during the messiest season of the year in Maine.

Here are a few trail suggestions for your family to explore.

Mackworth Island in Falmouth
This trail around the small island is a little over a mile and the easy, flat terrain works well for strollers. Purple sea shells found along the beach, the fairy house village and pet cemetery give kids plenty to explore.
Getting there:  From Route 295 in Portland, take Exit 9 North to Route 1 and cross Martins Point Bridge. Take third right on to Andrews Road to the causeway on to Mackworth (follow Governor Baxter School for the Deaf signs). 
Bathroom: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash

Wolfe's Neck Woods in Freeport
The trails at the state park are well-marked with kiosks indentifying the wildlife and plants in the area. Along with the daily ranger programs, a visit to the park can offer a great educational experience for everyone in the family. Park admission is $1.50 per person.
Getting there: From Route 1 in Freeport take Bow Street to Wolf Neck Road.
Bathroom: Yes
Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash

Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm in Wells
A trip to the beach via the trails at the farm make this an exciting early spring hike for kids. The looping trails, which also include several boardwalks, make it easy to choose a distance right for your family.
Getting there: From Exit 2 (Wells) off the Maine Turnpike follow signs to Route 1 in Wells. Follow Route 1 north 1.5 miles to Laudholm Farm Road (just north of the Lighthouse Depot and south of the Maine Diner, at the second flashing traffic signal). Turn right and follow signs to the reserve. Parking at the trailhead.
Bathroom: Yes
Dog-friendly: No

Fore River Trail in Portland
From spotting birds in trees to searching for "magic feathers," (we always seem to find seagull feathers here), this mile-long trail can keep kids busy and happy. The boardwalks will appeal to kids who like to make noise and to moms because of the minimized mud factor in early spring.
Getting there: Hobart Street is off outer Congress Street in Portland. Parking on Hobart Street
Bathroom: No
Dog-friendly: Yes, on a leash

Josephine Newman Sanctuary in Georgetown
The trails at the sanctuary give young birders plenty to listen to and spot in early spring. The Red Trail is the largest looping trail at the sanctuary and is easy and well-marked. But there are some protruding roots and with the mud and ice of early spring, hikers should keep an eye out for those.
Getting there:  From the junction of U.S. Route 1 and Route 127 in Woolwich, just east of the Woolwich-Bath bridge, head south on 127 for 9.1 miles to Georgetown. On right is small blue sanctuary sign. In early spring the access road might be too icy to drive on so parking is limited to the wide shoulder on Route 127.
Bathroom: No
Dog-friendly: not available

Wendy Almeida is the Content Producer for RaisingMaine.com. To read more about the Almeida family's outdoor adventures, check out the Kid Tracks blog