The Maine Outsider
The Maine Outsider is a free newsletter curating outdoor events across the state. Our mission is simple — help you find the fun and help great organizations find you.
Maine Outsider: Invite 105 // Oct 15
Invite 105 // Oct 15 We've got a big one today, folks. If Strava tracked scrolling distance, this newsletter would be a personal record. So, with that in mind, I'll keep it short, and we can jump right into the events. Enjoy the last few weeks of lingering fall color and pleasant weather. Happy adventuring. ✌️ Max Reach 850+ Maine outdoor enthusiasts while supporting a community resource. View sponsorship opportunities. Presumpscot River Revival Race Sat, Oct 18 | Windham | Paid Compete in a...
Maine Outsider: Invite 104 // Oct 1
Invite 104 // Oct 1 Hey all, a reminder that starting this week, the newsletter moves to an every-other-week cadence until early summer. The event calendar slows down significantly in the winter, allowing me time to make small improvements. You'll still receive a full batch of events every other Wednesday, including a mix of upcoming and future activities to bookmark. Enjoy the week and get outside! See you in two weeks. ✌️ Max Reach 850+ Maine outdoor enthusiasts while supporting a community...
Maine Outsider: Invite 103 // Sep 24
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 hand2. You can't trap it against your body (frat boy rules)3. You can speed walk but never runIt's almost impossible not to smile and laugh while playing this game. There's something...
Maine Outsider: Invite 102 // Sep 17
Invite 102 // Sep 17 It pains me when I discover a great event and it sells out before I can include it in the next newsletter. Such was the case with the Fall Foliage Express, a one-off train ride out of Millinocket, traversing forestlands around Katahdin on commercial tracks, benefitting youth programs on the Allagash. I heard about it last week, and by today, it was sold out. I've developed a spidey sense for what's going to be popular and what isn't, after bookmarking 1,000 events and...
Maine Outsider: Invite 101 // Sep 10
Invite 101 // Sep 10 This week, Maine State Parks announced that on September 20th, they'll provide free admission for anyone who shows up with a public library card. It's the perfect collab between two public institutions and community resources. Books are a gateway to deeper outdoor experiences. After reading Eager, I found myself awestruck by beavers. Thoreau's Maine Woods provided companionship on a 7-day solo trip north of Moosehead Lake. A book about Maine Sporting Camps made a winter...
Maine Outsider: Invite 100 // Sep 3
Invite 100 // Sep 3 Two and a half years ago, I drafted an email in Gmail and sent it to twelve friends with the subject line "Maine Outsider: Issue 1." The writing was a touch spicier back then... "Each week, I'll digest this fatty diet of outdoor goodies and baby bird only the best nuggets into your inbox." But the mission looked the same. Today, you're reading the 100th issue. What started as an experiment has evolved into a small community and a joyful practice. I've learned so much about...
Maine Outsider: Invite 99 // Aug 27
Invite 99 // Aug 27 Something strange happens to me when I sit at my computer for too long. My browser accumulates tabs, my attention bounces between tasks, and I start to feel a combined sense of detachment and claustrophobia. I lose myself in a digital world. The simple solution is usually to close my laptop and get outside for a walk or bike ride. But sometimes, during busier and more complicated times of life, even that isn't enough—the feeling lingers. When that happens, I need something...
Maine Outsider: Invite 98 // Aug 20
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...
Maine Outsider: Invite 97 // Aug 13
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...
Maine Outsider: Invite 96 // Aug 6
Invite 96 // Aug 6 Outsider reader, Lara, had this to say about the recent Peaks to Portland charity swim: "Great swim, well organized, and loved the DJ at the beach on Peaks, definitely got us all in the mood!" I've had this event on my bucket list for a few years. Envisioning a beach party/DJ sendoff before crossing the chilly waters of Casco Bay has me hyped too. I'm vowing to be out there next year. Thanks for sharing, Lara. Now, on to this week's activities. ✌️ Max Disclaimer Time:...
The Maine Outsider is a free newsletter curating outdoor events across the state. Our mission is simple — help you find the fun and help great organizations find you.