Invite 98 // Aug 20

Several weeks ago, I was mountain biking through a forested preserve somewhere in the Midcoast. I reached the boundary of the preserve and noticed the trails kept going. There weren't any trespassing signs or indications to stop, so I kept riding.

I started to notice more trails and little homemade signs. It was clear I'd stumbled on a small community trail network. I rode these secret trails until I popped out at a farm's driveway.

Feeling a bit guilty and unsure, I turned back to the paved road and headed to the official trails of the original preserve.

I'm a curious person — probably too curious — so I found the farm on tax parcel maps and emailed her to ask about access. Was I trespassing? Would it be alright if I visited a second time? Where would be the best place to park?

Turns out, she's also curious and Googled me. She learned about this newsletter and specifically asked that I not disclose the location of the trails because she was concerned about the general public disrespecting them.

This isn't the first time I've encountered this fear. As a state with very little public land, many of our favorite hidden gems are actually on private land, where access is an act of generosity rather than obligation.

My philosophy has always been to only share locations that come with an invitation — an organization inviting community participation. It's a simple way to ensure visitors go where they're welcomed, plus it's fun to make your own discoveries.

If you do hear about one of these special "locals only" places and decide to go, be a respectful visitor. The landowner I met wanted to share her trails but worried about irresponsible visitors. Maybe if we can learn to be better visitors, more landowners will share access without fear.

✌️ Max

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Rubbish Project at Bissell Brothers

Wed, Aug 20 | Portland | Free

Get outside for some fresh air, meet new people, and clean up the Thompson Point of trash with the cool kids of the Rubbish Project.

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Arts on the Hill: Sugar Snaps

Thu, Aug 21 | Rockport | Free

If you haven't watched an outdoor concert at Beech Hill, you're missing out. Trek to the top of this coastal hill for expansive views and R&B music from a local band.

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Coastal Excursion: Green Crabs

Thu, Aug 21 | Cape Elizabeth | Free

GMRI hosts wonderful events that are basically field trips for adults. If this sounds cool to you, check out their next one, which includes a beach walk with a scientist to learn about the pesky invasive green crab.

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Nature at Nightfall

Fri, Aug 22 | Weld | Paid

After last week's intro, I'm sure you bought an annual state park pass (I did), which grants you free entry to this event at Mount Blue State Park, which features an after-dark nature walk with a naturalist.

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Stars Over Schoodic

Sat, Aug 23 | Winter Harbor | Free

Explore the night sky above the Schoodic Peninsula with an indoor presentation and outdoor laser tour led by an amateur astronomer.

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Freeport Summer Ride

Tue, Aug 26 | Freeport | Donation Based

Participate in a self-paced bike ride with 34 and 42-mile route options, starting from Freeport, where you can enjoy the scenery while supporting the Portland Gear Hub's mission.

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Mycology Outside

Fri, Sep 5 - Sun, Sep 7 | Saco | Paid

North Spore is back with another weekend retreat featuring workshops on foraging, cultivation, and cooking at The Ecology School on the banks of the Saco River.

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Megunticook Trail Festival

Sat, Sep 6 | Camden | Paid

Experience challenging trail races in Camden Hills State Park, including a 10K, 20K, and 50K, showcasing the rugged beauty where mountains meet the sea.

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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​

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

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

​Thorne Head Preserve Birthday Cruise | Fri, Aug 29 | Paid​

​Bald Pate 10k | Sun, Aug 31 | Paid​

​Alpine Run Retreat | Fri, Sep 12 - Sun, Sep 14 | Paid​

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

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

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

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

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

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.

📝 Portland Bike Party - Fri, Aug 15​

📝 Journaling Like a Geologist - Fri, Aug 15​

📝 Gravel Grand Slam: The Ploye Pedaler - Sat, Aug 16​

📝 Outdoor Adventure Day - Sat, Aug 16​

📝 Stand-up Paddleboard Yoga - Sat, Aug 16​

📝 Tour de Bowdoinham - Sat, Aug 16​

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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