Invite 97 // Aug 13

Several years ago, a friend gave me a Maine state park pass as a gift. Prior to that, I'd camped at Camden Hills State Park, but never really thought much about the state parks.

Holding that little blue pass in my hand sparked my curiosity. I found myself on Google Maps, scoping out swimming spots at Lake St. George, XC Skiing trails at Mt. Blue, or canoeing opportunities at Lily Bay. (You can view a map of all parks here.)

On drives home from weekend trips, my wife and I found excuses to stop for picnics at tiny coastal parks like Moose Point or Birch Point. When a heat wave settled over Portland, we'd pass by the crowded parking lots at Higgins and Willard, opting for the ample space and parking of Crescent Beach.

There's a charm to state parks. The CCC-era wood signs, little charcoal grills scattered in grassy fields, and quirky educational events. They aren't the trendiest or coolest spots, but I love them.

Having an annual pass is an excuse to explore. It's worth having at least once.

Here's a not-so-insider secret. On August 15, passes for next year go on sale, and they include the remainder of 2025.

Crunch the numbers to see if it makes sense for you. If it doesn't, check your local library — some libraries, like the Portland Public Library, offer state park pass loans.

✌️ Max

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

Portland Bike Party

Fri, Aug 15 | South Portland | Free

Portland Bike Party is headed to South Portland this month for a ride out to Bug Light and back with the obligatory dance break in the middle.

​Learn more​

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Journaling Like a Geologist

Fri, Aug 15 | Scarborough | Free

Walk Higgins Beach with local science journalist Laura Poppick as she leads a geologic journaling walk, helping you observe and document the stories told by coastal rocks.

​Learn more​

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Outdoor Adventure Day

Sat, Aug 16 | Camden | Paid

Explore Camden Hills State Park with horse carriage rides, mountain bike demos, guided hikes, and activities for all ages, plus food options from local vendors.

​Learn more​

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Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga

Sat, Aug 16 | Jefferson | Paid

Experience yoga on the water with a stand-up paddleboard class at Little Dyer Pond, featuring a short hike and boards provided by Midcoast Conservancy.

​Learn more​

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Tour de Bowdoinham

Sat, Aug 16 | Bowdoinham | Donation Based

Pedal through Bowdoinham's scenic hills and farmland while supporting the local food pantry with a donation, choosing from 10, 24, or 34-mile routes with refreshment stops along the way.

​Learn more​

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Thorne Head Preserve Birthday Cruise

Fri, Aug 29 | Bath | Paid

Celebrate 25 years of Thorne Head Preserve with a two-hour cruise on the Kennebec River, featuring insights on local ecology and history, along with cake and a toast.

​Learn more​

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Alpine Run Retreat

Fri, Sep 12 - Sun, Sep 14 | Denmark | Paid

Experience a weekend of mountain running, yoga, and relaxation in Denmark with guided trail runs, workshops, and access to a sauna in a serene setting.

​Learn more​

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5th Annual Oxbow All Species Fishing Tournament

Fri, Sep 19 - Sun, Sep 21 | Oxford | Paid

Participate in a weekend-long fly fishing tournament at Oxbow Beer Garden, featuring awards, prizes, and a celebration of the different types of fly fishing possible in Maine.

​Learn more​

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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)

​25 Days of Movement | Fri, Aug 1 - Sun, Sep 7 | Free​

​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​

​Bald Pate 10k | Sun, Aug 31 | 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.

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

📝 Yoga on the Langlais Lawn - Wed, Aug 6​

📝 Community Standup Paddle Boarding - Thu, Aug 7​

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

📝 West Forks Riverfest - Sat, Aug 9 - Sun, Aug 10​

📝 Full Moon Paddle at Hirundo - Sat, Aug 9​

📝 R&B Dance Cruise - Sat, Aug 9​

📝 Casco Bay Swim Run - Sun, Aug 10​

📝 Owl Prowl - Sun, Aug 10​

📝 Nature and Forest Therapy Walk - Sun, Aug 10​

📝 August Full Moon Dip - Mon, Aug 11​

📝 Portland Coastal Cleanup - Mon, Aug 11​

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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