Author Archives: sarahtrailhunter

The Carrying Place: Debsconeag Lakes Paddling Loop

The Abenaki word Debsconeag, meaning “carrying place,” aptly describes the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area, located southwest of Baxter State Park. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, this pristine parcel of land is home to remote ponds linked by a network of portage trails winding through mature forest. After years of dreaming about paddling here—inspired by theContinue reading “The Carrying Place: Debsconeag Lakes Paddling Loop”

Ocean Meets Mountains

It’s a rare and memorable experience to hike above treeline on a windless, blue-bird day and look down on a bank of clouds. But the show we had on Sunday was beyond compare. Soon after reaching Thunderstorm Junction, as we started to ascend Mount Adams on Lowe’s Path, the undercast transformed into ocean. Crashing wavesContinue reading “Ocean Meets Mountains”

Embracing Slow-Motion Travel

//a paddling journey with friends on the US-Canadian Border// “Will the campsites be obvious?” The question comes from one of the canoes at the back of our little flotilla and has been directed at me—I planned this trip. I assumed they would be, but I admit, after paddling for several hours and not seeing any, I’m not entirelyContinue reading “Embracing Slow-Motion Travel”

Winter in 10 Photos

January 2: Short days, long shadows January 7: A splash of color on the pond January 21: Early morning ski in Maine’s 100-mile wilderness January 28: Skiing through snowflakes in the County February 5: High noon in Tuckerman’s Ravine February 11: Blue bird day on Isolation February 20: Skiing in Baxter State Park February 22:Continue reading “Winter in 10 Photos”

7 Reasons Why Your Next Backpacking Trip Should be a Paddling Trip

This article was originally published on goeast.com. There’s no question that hiking and backpacking offer rich rewards, but they come at a cost. Sore feet, muddy trails, and long days wearing backpacks. Why not switch it up? A paddling trip offers a lot of the same benefits as backpacking (nights in beautifully wild places, movingContinue reading “7 Reasons Why Your Next Backpacking Trip Should be a Paddling Trip”

Backpackers Trade Trekking Poles for Paddles

This story was originally published on goeast.com. “Are you planning to hit that rock for a reason?”“Tell me where to go; don’t tell me where not to go!”“You have to speak louder!”“The glare! I can’t see!” Dodging rocks on a river takes practice, and learning is a trial-by-fire situation. My friends and I are allContinue reading “Backpackers Trade Trekking Poles for Paddles”

Fruita Mountain Bike Trip

Ever since our Canyonlands National Park White Rim Trail bikepacking adventure in 2019, we’ve longed for another bike trip to the desert. We finally returned in April 2022—this time to western Colorado. This trip was different. We didn’t sleep under the stars, carry all our water, or push fully-loaded bikes up steep hills. Instead, weContinue reading “Fruita Mountain Bike Trip”

#45, 46, 47, 48 – Winter Hiking Goals

For my 40th birthday, I treated myself to the Appalachian Mountain Club New Hampshire Chapter’s Winter Hiking Series. I had felt a pull towards snow-covered peaks for years, and I wondered—could I do it? Did I have what it takes to hike high peaks in the winter? Was I brave enough to stretch my comfortContinue reading “#45, 46, 47, 48 – Winter Hiking Goals”

8 Steps to Planning a Family Bike Trip

This article was originally published on goeast.com. Family bike trips can be a terrific way to reconnect with the people you love most. They nurture a healthy sense of adventure, build grit, and often provide plenty of opportunities to problem solve together. They require some flexibility and a willingness to embrace the vulnerability that comesContinue reading “8 Steps to Planning a Family Bike Trip”

White Rim Trail

3-day self-supported tour on Canyonland’s 100-mile White Rim Trail This story was originally published on goeast.com. As I struggled to the top of a gentle, rolling hill on Mineral Bottom Road, I was sure we had made it.  It’s only 12 miles of riding from the top of the canyon to the parking area and surelyContinue reading “White Rim Trail”

Green Mountain Stage Race

There’s a unique sound that vibrates from a peloton. It’s something like a purr or a hum or a whir, but it’s not quite any of those. As I was thinking about this while concentrating on and adjusting to the subtle, nearly imperceptible movements of the cyclists around me, it dawned on me from myContinue reading “Green Mountain Stage Race”