Invite 103 // Sep 24

My wife and I play a silly game this time of year. On the return leg of a hike, if the trail is flat, we'll have a competition to see who can catch the most falling leaves before we make it back to the car.

The rules are straightforward and somewhat quirky:
1. You must catch the leaf with one hand
2. You can't trap it against your body (frat boy rules)
3. You can speed walk but never run
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It's almost impossible not to smile and laugh while playing this game. There's something intoxicating about craning your neck toward the golden canopy, trying to track drunkenly falling leaves while somehow staying upright on the trail.

You look like an idiot doing it, but you feel like a kid, which is a feeling I find myself chasing more with each passing year.

So far, I'm undefeated. I like to think it's because I'm deeply in tune with the breezes and when a maple is ready to drop its leaves, but it's more likely because I'm a 6'3" former center fielder.

The leaves are changing early this year. We considered starting a game on Mt. Blue this past weekend, but the trail is hellishly steep and the trees weren't yet ready to play.

The foliage forecast is looking great this weekend, though. See you on the trail?

✌️ Max

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Naturalist Adventure Series: Guided Hike of Smelt Brook Preserve

Thu, Sep 25 | York | Free

Explore the Smelt Brook Preserve with Maine Master Naturalist Paul Dest, as you learn about the York River's wetlands and wildlife.

​Learn more​

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Pumpkin Patch Trolley

Fri, Sep 26 - Sun, Oct 19 | Kennebunkport | Paid

Hop on the trolley at Seashore Trolley Museum for a ride to the pumpkin patch, where you can pick your own pumpkin and enjoy various family activities back at the museum.

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Mushroom Walk at Fields Pond

Sat, Sep 27 | Orrington | Paid

Join author David Spahr for a guided walk in the woods to learn mushroom identification, collecting techniques, and folklore.

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Stars Over Katahdin

Sat, Sep 27 | Stacyville | Donation Based

Experience the wonders of the night sky at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument with stargazing, campfire chats, and a model rocket launch, all under some of the darkest skies in the East.

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Trail Fest at Longwoods Preserve

Sun, Sep 28 | Cumberland | Donation Based

Enjoy an afternoon of pizza, live music, lawn games, and kids' activities at this outdoor trail celebration and fundraiser for Falmouth and Cumberland trails.

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Leaf Peeping Paddle

Sun, Sep 28 | Old Town | Paid

Paddle out on Pushaw Stream surrounded by fall colors, with plenty of time for photos and wildlife viewing in this peaceful, beginner-friendly autumn adventure.

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Blackstrap Group Ride

Sun, Sep 28 | Falmouth | Free

If you haven't heard, GPNEMBA is making big moves, building bike trails around Portland. Join them for a group ride at one of the area gems, Blackstrap Preserve.

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Goods from the Woods

Sat, Oct 4 | Newcastle | Paid

Head to Oxbow's farmhouse location for a celebration featuring craft beer, food, music, and art set among the trails and woods of their Newcastle location.

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Better with friends. Some of life's best outdoor experiences are shared with others. Share this newsletter with a friend to inspire your next group adventure by forwarding this email or sharing a link to subscribe.

Coming Up (Previously Featured)

​Slow Leaf Peeping Class | Sun, Sep 14 - Sun, Nov 2 | Paid​

​Harvest at the Huts | Sat, Sep 27 - Sun, Sep 28 | Paid​

​Open Farm Day | Sun, Sep 28 | Paid​

​Spud Spin Gravel Ride | Sun, Sep 28 | Donation Based​

​Fall Trail Rally | Sat, Oct 4 | Paid​

​Flagstaff Foliage & Historical Weekend | Fri, Oct 10 - Sun, Oct 12 | Paid​

​Crooked River Rambler | Sun, Oct 12 | Paid​

​Run MDI: Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half & Relay | Sun, Oct 19 | Paid​

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Trail Log: Share your Experience

Have you attended any of these recent activities? Use the quick check-in links(30 seconds or less) to log your attendance and share your experience.

Outsider reader, Jamie's report from the recent Maine Lighthouse Ride

📝 Nature X Change - Wed, Sep 17​

📝 Bike Park Skills Clinic & Outdoor Films - Thu, Sep 18​

📝 Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge - Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21​

📝 5th Annual Oxbow All Species Fishing Tournament - Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21​

📝 Portland Bike Party - Fri, Sep 19​

📝 ACT Trail Fest - Sat, Sep 20​

📝 Mt. A Trail Challenge - Sat, Sep 20​

📝 Harvest Party - Sat, Sep 20​

📝 State Parks Free Admission - Sat, Sep 20​

📝 Fall Equinox Concert - Mon, Sep 22​

Your responses help me decide which events to feature again and motivate the newsletter's continued creation.

👋 I'm Max. I created the Maine Outsider to help people connect with organizations offering outdoor events and experiences around the state.

I monitor 300+ newsletters, but can't know everything. If you're hosting an event or have a tip about an upcoming experience, use our tip line to let me know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!

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