When I purchased my home in Maine more than a decade ago, I was already an avid hiker. I had trekked in northern India, I had climbed Kilimanjaro in Africa, and I had hiked in Colorado, Northern California, Utah, Europe and elsewhere.
I truly enjoy nature, and I immediately fell in love with Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island and the fine network of hiking trails that traverse the preserve. They crisscross rocky cliffs, gentle meadows, sand and rocky beaches, and dense evergreen forests.
Hiking these diverse trails has become a passion and a favorite pastime in any season, and I never tire of the flora and the views in this gorgeous park.
It’s my habit to wake up early, don hiking clothes and boots or sneakers, grab a bottle of water and gather my houseguests for a hike on any of the hundred or so trails for which this park is famous. Since my house is in Seal Harbor, many of my preferred hikes are nearby.
The Ladder Trail, one of the oldest, was built in 1893 by Waldron Bates, a pioneer of Acadia. There’s also Beehive, Precipice, Dorr Mountain, Great Head, Hunters Beach and Pemetic. (The guidebook, “A Walk in the Park,” by Tom St. Germain is a handy resource.)
Great Head is one of my favorite hikes. At 1.3 miles, this moderately difficult trail takes about an hour and a half to complete. It starts at Sand Beach and ascends 324 feet for spectacular views of an estuary, the outer islands and the Atlantic. Rest areas are usually located in the most picturesque spots.
Getting an early start is important to me. I love the solitude, the early morning light and the opportunity to see wildlife undisturbed by tourists and hikers.
We often have groups from the office join us for a weekend or for an off-site meeting, and hiking is an essential element of every visit. As we climb the stone stairs and granite-lined paths, everyone remarks on the incredible beauty, clarity of the air, perfection of the landscape and strenuous but invigorating exercise.
Questions should be addressed to Ask Martha, care of Letters Department, Martha Stewart Living, 11 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036. E-mail to mslletters@marthastewart.com.
&Copy; 2009 Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.
10 hiking tips
After many decades of hiking, I’ve learned the essentials for successful outings and getting the most out of a day on the trails.
1. Use a guidebook to plan your hike. Pay close attention to the level of difficulty, distance and duration. Do not choose a hike that is too advanced for your ability.
2. Check the weather forecast before heading out and be cautious of wet conditions.
3. Wear comfortable, nonslip shoes or boots. Dress in layers, and bring a hat and sunglasses.
4. Bring a small, lightweight backpack, and fill it with basic first-aid needs, a compass, a trail map, tissues, bottled water and a rain jacket. It’s also a good idea to carry a small flashlight, a whistle and a penknife.
5. Always wear sunblock.
6. Bring your cell phone, and tell a responsible person where you are going and for how long.
7. Obey the region’s hiking rules: Follow the markers and don’t veer off the trail. Always hike with another person.
8. Carry a small camera. You never know what you will see: a moose, a wild orchid, an especially beautiful rainbow.
9. On long hikes (more than 4 miles), bring along a healthy snack.
10. Do not take dogs on inappropriate trails. Always carry extra water for pets.
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