Author Archives: sarahtrailhunter

Bikepacking Baxter SP and Katahdin Woods & Waters NM

“The Katahdin 360 is a 100+mile bikepacking route through the heart of Maine’s Katahdin region that includes something for everyone: incredible views, remote forests, dreamy gravel, decrepit logging roads, discouraging blowdowns, and some bushwhacking to boot!”… That’s the description of this route on Bikepacking.com and it’s all true. This is a trip I’ve wanted toContinue reading “Bikepacking Baxter SP and Katahdin Woods & Waters NM”

Full Moon Presi Traverse

This summer I set out with my friends Denise and Molly to hike the Presidential Range under the Buck Moon. Our plan was to begin at 4 o’clock in the afternoon so that we could make it up to Madison or Adams for sunset, hike through the night under the moon and stars, and watchContinue reading “Full Moon Presi Traverse”

Northern Maine Singletrack

When when my husband and son started gravitating towards singletrack last year, I reluctantly joined them. I’m so glad I did. We’re fortunate to have many miles of trails near our home and over the past year each outing has been slightly less terrifying – and more fun – than the last. My son’s appetiteContinue reading “Northern Maine Singletrack”

Whiteface Uphill Bike Race

My older son built this bike. He researched and purchased each part separately over the winter, and had them shipped to the house. When he returned home in May, he found his room filled with boxes of various sizes, each holding a small treasure. He spent the next few weeks assembling it and getting theContinue reading “Whiteface Uphill Bike Race”

Northern White Mountains Bikepacking Loop

The Northern White Mountains Bikepacking Loop is a terrific 60-mile weekend trip along the (flat) Presidential Rail Trail, a bit of pavement with wide shoulders, and two (hilly) seasonal gravel roads. I explored the route with a group of friends in mid-May. With free, first-come-first-serve campsites in the White Mountain National Forest at the mid-wayContinue reading “Northern White Mountains Bikepacking Loop”

My 16-year-old and His Friend Hiked Vermont’s Long Trail…By Themselves

This story was originally published on goeast.com. As I watched my 16-year-old son and his friend walk into the woods at the Massachusetts/Vermont border to begin their northbound thru-hike to Canada—alone—I fought the urge to run up the trail with them. Despite my beaming smile and outward excitement, I was still conflicted about whether orContinue reading “My 16-year-old and His Friend Hiked Vermont’s Long Trail…By Themselves”

New England 67

New England is home to 67 high peaks (mountains that top off at 4,000 feet or more). For the past several years I’ve been backpacking and day hiking to the top of each one. Along the way, I’ve encountered soft forest paths that spring underfoot and unforgiving granite; views for miles and socked-in peaks; swelteringContinue reading “New England 67”

Cycling the Whites

A 130-mile Hostel-to-Hostel Adventure Challenging climbs, thrilling descents, and stunning scenery framed our White Mountains cycling adventure this fall, while comfortable lodging, good company and camaraderie made this trip truly great.  It was late October when I joined a group of intrepid cyclists on the brand new 130-mile, hostel-to-hostel cycling tour through the White Mountains,Continue reading “Cycling the Whites”

Downeast Maine to Grand Manan Island

4 Bikes, 3 Ferries, 2 Countries, 1 Lobster Boat to the Rescue “How old are your children?” “14 and 15.”“Okay, they’ll be fine. We don’t allow little ones at the cliff edge sites.  Are you light sleepers?”“Not particularly, why do you ask?”“Some folks find they’re kept awake at night by the whales.” This is howContinue reading “Downeast Maine to Grand Manan Island”

Biking Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument

This article was originally published in the Summer 2018 edition of the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Wilderness Matters. In mid-May, a group of Appalachian Mountain Club trip leaders visited the KWWNM, some for the first time, to explore and learn about the recreational opportunities it holds. When I pulled into the parking lot at the Matagamon Gate with my twoContinue reading “Biking Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument”