WELD — State parks in Weld, Turner and Pownal are hosting guided foliage hikes and a guided paddle starting next weekend, according to a Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry news release.
At 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, there will be a short and easy 60-minute, half-mile hike along the Center Hill nature trail from the Center Hill parking lot at 299 Center Hill Road at Mount Blue State Park in Weld.
The trail is easily accessible and for all ages. The event will be held rain or shine. There is a park admission fee. For more information, call 585-2261.
At 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, the Androscoggin Riverlands State Park on Center Bridge Road in Turner will offer a four-hour, 8-mile round-trip river paddle for experienced paddlers.
The trip will showcase the Turner section of the park with lunch on an island near Bradford Brook. The event will be held rain or shine unless conditions are treacherous.
Paddlers are to bring their own boats, life vests, gear, water, and lunch and snacks. The event is co-sponsored by the Androscoggin Land Trust. For more information, contact the trust at 782-2302.
At 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, Bradbury Mountain State Park on Route 9 at 528 Hallowell Road in Pownal will offer a moderate, 60-minute, 1.3-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Bradbury Mountain.
There is a park admission fee. For more information, call 688-4712.
Each activity will be led by a Maine Division of Parks and Public Lands forester or a park ranger who will provide talks about the trees, foliage and other natural-history observations, the report states.
“What better way to create memories and enjoy our beautiful state than to hike or paddle on our woods and waters,” Will Harris, director of the Maine Division of Parks and Public Lands, said in the report.
“I hope many families and visitors join us for these popular events.”
Hike and paddle participants are advised to bring cameras, binoculars, snacks and water, and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the conditions.
For more information about Maine state parks and the fall foliage activities, visit www.parksandlands.com.
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