By Dan Elliott

With the decline in temperature we’ve seen in the past few weeks, it is now official: Fall is here.  While some people mark the beginning of the new season by grabbing their pumpkin-spice anything, or bring the family out to the orchards for some apple picking, others (myself included) inaugurate the coming of fall by heading out to hit the local trails for some autumn hiking. Hiking in Maine is a wonderful pastime, and in the fall the trailblazer is treated to a tableau of reds, yellows and oranges as the forest gets ready for the coming winter. Getting out into the wilderness is a perfect way for the stressed student to unwind and get some fresh air, and the Midcoast area is not short on places to explore; there are many local jaunts SMCC students can take advantage of this October. In this article I will cover my two personal favorites, Bradbury Mountain and Wolfe’s Neck State Park, both less than thirty minutes away from the Brunswick Campus.

For as long as I can remember, Bradbury Mountain has been the go-to place for local hikers wanting to traverse some vertical terrain without having to sink a significant chunk of time on travel. Located out in Pownal, it was acquired from the federal government in 1939. It has been a favorite of families due to its diversity of trails and relative low difficulty to climb: 15 or 20 minutes is all it takes to reach the summit. From the top, one can see out for miles. I’ve had many a lunch sitting up on the rocky summit, and have often nearly fallen asleep due to the peaceful serenity that envelops the mountain. Visitors will encounter an assortment of outdoor enthusiasts on the trails; bikers, hikers, joggers and campers all gladly share the park with one another. There is a fee to get in, a mere $3 for Maine residents. Oh, and it’s open year-round.

For those who with a bit more acrophobia, there is Wolfe’s Neck State Park in Freeport. Opened to the public in 1972 by Lawrence and Eleanor Smith, farmers in the beef industry, Wolfe’s Neck combines hardy paths with rocky coastline. The trails are accompanied by placards containing information about the local flora and fauna  out in the forests neighboring the Casco Bay area. Large open fields and picnic shelters ensure the hiker has all the space they could need for hosting a fall jamboree or a casual get-together between friends.

I have seen people from near and far come to the park for the exquisite nature walks and to see the large osprey that dwell in the area. One trip in particular I had the pleasure of meeting tourists from our neighbor to the north, who had come to the park on a trip collecting mushrooms. Like Bradbury, Wolfe’s Neck is open year-round, which gives travelers plenty of time to go out and snap a few pictures of the beautiful arrangement of colors in the leaves before the winter.

Bradbury and Wolfe’s Neck are great opportunities to enjoy what living in Maine is all about — enjoying the beauty of nature right in our own neighborhood. Whether you enjoy the mountains or prefer the coast, there’s something for everyone. Of course the list does not end with these two spots, and if one is adventurous enough, more remote and challenging climbs await the intrepid explorer.  Regardless of what it is you’re looking for, Maine has it. So next time you’re bogged down with that Calculus homework or about to lose your mind over that Psych exam, relax, take a deep breath — and go outside and play.