Invite 95 // Jul 30

We've hit peak summer in Maine. The sea breezes no longer chill, grass tips are browning, and the air hangs hot and sticky. You might expect this intro to be about swimming holes, beaches, or ways to cool down. Instead, I'm going to do the complete opposite.

Think about fall and winter for a moment. I know that might sound unpleasant right now, but here's what I've learned: spending a few hours planning a season ahead opens up incredible experiences. The best campsites. That hard-to-book backcountry ski hut. The Airbnb with perfect fall foliage views.

So, before you step outside into today's heat, block out an hour to plan some fall or winter adventures. Your future self will thank you.

Now, on to the good stuff.

✌️ Max

Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event page before heading out.

The Maine Outsider is sponsored by Amble Therapy, offering walk & talk mental health counseling at nature preserves around Portland and telecounseling statewide.

Note: My views of this sponsor are in no way influenced by the fact she's my wife, I deeply respect her work, and I've benefited from a few great walks myself.

25 Days of Movement

Fri, Aug 1 - Sun, Sep 7 | Statewide | Free

Register for this outdoor summer challenge, presented by WinterKids, featuring 100+ equipment-free activities that families can do anywhere from backyards to local parks.

​Learn more​

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Above & Below the Water at North Gorham Pond

Sat, Aug 2 | Gorham | Donation Based

Explore North Gorham Pond's underwater ecosystem by swimming or snorkeling, followed by a grill out and campfire on the shore. Gear available for those who need it.

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Ride the Rails to Hike the Trails

Sat, Aug 2 | Alna | Paid

Ride the historic WW&F railway to Trout Brook Preserve for a guided hike through a scenic trail in midcoast Maine, then enjoy the return trip by steam train.

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Reading the Borestone Landscape

Sat, Aug 2 | Monson | Paid

Explore the Fox Pen Loop trail with a naturalist to learn about the diverse habitats and enjoy scenic views at Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary.

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Bikes & BBQ @ Hamblen Trails

Sun, Aug 3 | Gorham | Free

Ride the Hamblen trails with Greater Portland NEMBA and refuel afterward with BBQ from Ernie's Cycle Shop, all while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere with fellow riders.

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L.L.Bean Outdoor Adventure Film Series: A Moment in the Sun

Sun, Aug 3 | Freeport | Free

Catch an exclusive screening of "A Moment in the Sun," which tells the story of the 2024 eclipse in Maine from the comfort of LL Bean's outdoor lawn.

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Yoga on the Langlais Lawn

Wed, Aug 6 | Cushing | Donation Based

An all-levels outdoor yoga session held on the lawn of Langlais Art Preserve, surrounded by large-scale wooden sculptures in a scenic 90-acre nature setting.

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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)

​Island Soundscape Project | Wed, Jul 23 - Fri, Aug 8 | Free​

​Teen Sailing Trip: Casco Bay | Sun, Jul 27 - Wed, Jul 30 | Paid​

​Wild Rye Women’s Ride Series | Wed, Jul 30 | Free​

​Clam Day at Reid State Park | Fri, Aug 1 | Free​

​Summer Gravel Weekend | Fri, Aug 1 - Sun, Aug 3 | Paid​

​Bike MS: Great Maine Getaway | Sat, Aug 2 - Sun, Aug 3 | Donation Based​

​Maine Lobster Festival: Road Race | Sun, Aug 3 | Paid​

​2025 Farm to Fork Weekend Getaway | Fri, Aug 8 - Sun, Aug 10 | Paid​

​West Forks Riverfest | Sat, Aug 9 - Sun, Aug 10 | Free​

​Casco Bay Swim Run | Sun, Aug 10 | Paid​

​Gravel Grand Slam: The Ploye Pedaler | Sat, Aug 16 | Donation Based​

​Firebird Trail Races | Sat, Aug 23 | Donation Based​

​Pemaquid Beach Triathlon | Sun, Aug 24 | Paid​

​Maine Lighthouse Ride | Sat, Sep 13 | Paid​

​Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge | Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21 | Donation Based​

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

📝 MITA Daysail & Island Stewardship - Thu, Jul 24​

📝 Peaks to Portland Swim - Sat, Jul 26​

📝 Paddle the Presumpscot - Sat, Jul 26​

📝 MilliKAT 5K Trail Race - Sat, Jul 26​

📝 Crooked River 5k - Sun, Jul 27​

📝 Harpswell Lobster Boat Races - Sun, Jul 27​

📝 Island Ripple Run - Sun, Jul 27​

📝 Monday Music: The Hot Suppers - Mon, Jul 28​

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

The Maine Outsider is your invitation to get outside. Our mission is to connect you with outdoor organizations offering impactful events and experiences around the state.

We monitor 300+ organizations 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 us know.

Thanks for reading. Now, get out there!

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