From rugged coastlines in Maine to historic paths of the Appalachian Trail, America’s hiking trails have an adventure and views waiting to astound. Each trail in its own right speaks of a different tale.
Ram Head Trail St. John: A Cautionary Tale
The Ram Head Trail is hard and only for genuine hiking enthusiasts. One great word of advice for those venturing on this quest: “About halfway down Blue Cobblestone Beach, you will come across a well-marked spur trail. My husband and I thought this was where we were supposed to continue the hike. THIS IS NOT PART OF THE RAM HEAD TRAIL.” This led to that costly detour, an add-on of 50 minutes to the trek, sore muscles, and an unhappy husband. The clear lesson learned from the story is to always follow the path set by life and avoid struggles that are not necessary.
Boot Head Preserve: A Quiet Gem in Maine
The Boot Head Preserve lies nestled in the town of Lubec, Maine, and includes 700 acres of very fine rugged coastline, upland forests, bogs, and coastal wetlands. Acquired by the Maine Coast Heritage Trust in 1988, this preserve was kept from a planned 30-40 lot subdivision to maintain dramatic scenic beauty and overall diversified ecological value.
Visitors will want to hike two miles of moderate, mossy hiking trails that drop to cobblestone beaches and rise to rocky promontories. The view encompasses Grand Manan to the Bold Coast of Maine. It also hosts Boot Cove Heath, one of the 115 raised peatlands that exist in the state. Wildlife enthusiasts may observe nesting bald eagles, spruce grouse, songbirds, and small mammals.
Appalachian Trail: Harper’s Ferry Heading South
The Appalachian Trail, maybe the ultimate test of endurance and discovery. A southbounder story out of Harper’s Ferry and how it was for him on this legendary trail physically and mentally. After resting for over a week and a half, a hiker left the relative comfort of Harper’s Ferry on an 80-degree day and passed through the ruins of a “power center” of the Scarlett, Confederate James River Basin, Madison. It wasn’t so simple, having started with a painful blister from new shoes and the notorious “Roller Coaster,” a famously relentless ups-and-downs section.
Limping on rocks, he decided he’d had enough and cut his day short at Bear’s Den Hostel. More recovery was needed, and he needed to return to more familiar footwear.
Whether you’re struggling through the torturous trails of the Ram Head Trail, touring the tranquil beauty of Boot Head Preserve, or working your way through the sometimes challenging Appalachian Trail, hiking trails throughout America offer something for everyone. Such experiences offer lessons in being prepared, respect for nature, and human resilience against the great outdoors.