Old Orchard Beach Live Cam

Throughout the months of October and November, Maine offers hunters more top quality sporting opportunities than there is time to pursue them. In September, black bear, crows, woodchucks and rails are the most popular species, but when October 1 arrives, there is a potpourri of possibilities awaiting the Maine hunter. Options include upland game, waterfowl, deer, bear and moose (for those with the proper tags and permits). The majority of hunters coming to and living in Maine each year are interested in hunting that state's premier big-game animal, the white-tailed deer. Known for their comparatively large size and for the awsthetically pleasing remoteness of their wilderness habitat, Maine's big bucks continually draw over 200,000 hunters annually to the rugged back country, often to areas that other visitors to the Pine Tree State never visit.

In the age of radar and GPS, lighthouses no longer have the life and death significance they once did, yet these distinctive structures still carry the romance and drama of their past. The Portland Head Light and Pemaquid Lighthouse Park provide picturesque picnic and photo opportunities. And if you care to spend the night in a lighthouse, head for the one on Isle au Haut. These more notable landmark lighthouses are easily accessible by car or ferry.

Maine's many mountains provide downhill skiers with challenging trails and some of the best conditions in the Northeast. The secret may be getting out, but if you join the savvy skiers who've discovered Maine, you'll find there is still plenty of room in the lodge and on the slopes. That's one key reason smart skiers are choosing to vacation in Maine. Elbow room! Trails are long; lift lines are short. You get more runs in a day and more value for your ski dollar. Our twenty-one downhill ski areas offer a variety of terrains from gentle groomed slopes to rocking and rolling intermediate terrain. But what's terrain without snow? Well, Maine's got that too. Plenty of it. More than 200 natural inches in some areas last year. Let's see, plenty of snow, uncrowded slopes, great terrain, affordable packages, what else could you possibly need?

Acadia National Park - At Mt Desert Island, this 34,000acre holding is the only federally controlled park is the state. The park includes Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the Maine coast. The 200 miles of hiking trails and carriage roads provide endless. possibilities for day trips. Most of the peaks in the park provide easy access to hikers.

Baxter State Park - This 201,000 acre wilderness area has over 50 inter-connecting trails to ponds, peaks, and the top of Katahdin. Many of the geological formations are unique in the state and the wildlife is abundant. Moose bear, deer, raccoon, beaver, and the transplanted caribou from the Maine Caribou Project are only a few of the species represented here. In addition the birds and plants within the confines of the area are numerous and would provide years of study materials to botanists and ornithologists.

Campgrounds are spread around the park, with tenting sites and leanto; available. Two of the camping areas Russell and Chimney Pond, are accessible only on foot.

Detailed maps, specific information concerning hikes, and further hiking trails available across the state can be found in several Maine publications available in book stores and at L. L. Bean in Freeport.

Appalachian Trail - This trail run from Georgia to Maine with 276 miles of it between the New Hampshire border and the top of Katahdin in Baxter State Park. It crosses or traverses major mountain ranges in the state and follow some of its most beautiful waterways There are many portions of the trail which can be hiked in one, two o~ threeday segments. Campgrounds ant leantos are available, most often about one day's hike apart.

Moxie Falls - Off Route 201, about three miles from The Forks, this is one of the highest waterfalls in Maine. Signs from The Forks or asking directions will get you there directly and there is a marked parking area. The hike into the falls is through the woods and is easily accomplished over marked trails. There are observation platforms. For the more adventuresome, a very steep descend down the side of the gorge will bring you to a popular swimming hole near the base of the falls. Neither the hike down nor swimming is advised for children o adults who are not in good physical con. The water currents are strong but the swim is fun and very refreshing on a summer afternoon. The hike out it partially uphill, so allow enough time. Before twilight sets in.

Snow Falls Gorge - Off Route 26 in West Paris. A wonderful, relaxing area where older children can hike but parents don't have to. A scenic site which provides a waterfall cascading to the gorge. A bridge across the gorge provides good vantage points. Stop here for a rest after a morning of hunting the West Paris and Mount Mica areas for gems and minerals like garnet, quartz and tourmaline The area has many abandoned aboveground mines where children can fill their packs in a short time. Perham's Gem Store in West Paris can provide information to locate these mines. Some are privately owned and collect a small entrance fee.

Streaked Mountain - Southeast about onehalf mile on a blacktopped road off Route 117, about five miles southwest of Buckfield and five miles east of South Paris. Exact directions for this mountain should be sought from residents, as the place can be a bit difficult to find. This is a onemile round trip hike which offers panoramic views of the White Mountains, as well as the Rumford and Weld areas.