Family Outings

Enjoy this moderate, adventurous hike into the "Grand Canyon of Maine". 

The hike we embark on is about 6.2 miles, round-trip. It has rough footing with some rolling elevation gain and loss, but not much. The stream we ford at the beginning of our hike has a rocky bottom and is about knee-deep during normal water levels. It is strongly recommended to bring hiking sandals and trekking poles for balance. This is a great training hike for anyone aspiring to climb mountains or test the water with the Appalachian Trail - plus it offers "gorge"-ous views! 

Along the trail, your guide will point out local flora, fauna, and fungi. You'll have lots of opportunities to gaze down at the massive gorge and witness the sheer beauty of the cascading falls!

For the group trips, bring your own lunch and we will stop to eat lunch overlooking the falls. Before we leave the trail, we'll be sure to stop by Screw Auger Falls to take part in an optional polar plunge! 

Be sure to contact The Wilderness Guru prior to booking so we can plan the perfect day for you and your family!

Things You'll Need:   

• Comfortable Hiking Attire + Swimsuit
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes 
• Hiking Sandals (not flip flops)   
• Trekking Poles/ Walking Stick
• Day Pack

 In Your Pack: 

• A Towel
• Headlamp/ Flashlight
• At Least 2 Liters of Water  
• Lunch from Home 
• Personal Medications   
• Baseball Cap
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen  
• Camera
• Bug Spray 

*This is a private dirt logging road. A small 4-door sedan can travel well, so long as the pace is slow. A map to the parking area will be provided shortly after booking is confirmed.

Enjoy this moderate, gently inclined hike to Blueberry Ledges - a picturesque swimming spot featuring an expansive rock shoreline and natural water slides!   

The hike we embark on is about 3.2 miles, round-trip. It has relatively even-footing with the exception of a couple of gravelly spots. There are a few sections of steeper incline and there is the possibility of walking on wet rock, especially after rain. Please wear proper footwear.   

Once we arrive, we will stretch in the sunshine, play in natural water slides, and indulge in a yummy picnic lunch! Did I mention that in late summer there are Maine Wild Blueberries EVERYWHERE?? 

After we've basked in the sun and gorged ourselves on blueberries, we will hike back through the stands of birches, wave goodbye to Katahdin, get into our vehicles, and whisper to ourselves "until next time".    

Be sure to contact The Wilderness Guru prior to booking so we can plan the perfect day for you and your family!

Things You'll Need:   

• Comfortable Hiking Attire + Swimsuit
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes (hiking sandals are okay, flip-flops are not)   
• Day Pack

 In Your Pack: 

• A Towel
• Headlamp/ Flashlight
• At Least 2 Liters of Water  
• Extra Snacks  
• Personal Medications   
• Baseball Cap
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen  
• Camera
• Bug Spray 

*Parking for this trip is off of the Golden Road. This is a private logging road in rough condition. A small 4-door sedan can travel well, so long as the pace is slow. A map to the parking area will be provided shortly after booking is confirmed.

The Kidney Pond area offers a plethora of choices for an easy, family-fun day! Explore the mossy fairy forests, embark on your family's first paddling experience, and munch on a yummy picnic lunch! Be sure to contact The Wilderness Guru prior to booking so we can plan the perfect day for you and your family!

Bonus: Kidney Pond boasts a large field that's perfect for lawn games! Feel free to bring your own lawn games to play while your guide sets up lunch! 

Things You'll Need:   

• Comfortable Hiking Attire (stay away from cotton materials)  
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes (no crocs, flip flops, or brand new boots!) 
• Day Pack 

In Your Pack:  

• Headlamp/ Flashlight 
• At Least 2 Liters of Water 
• High-Energy Snacks 
• Personal Medications  
• Lighter/ Matches 
• Baseball Cap 
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen 
• Notebook & Pencil
• Camera

Enjoy a peaceful morning walk down to Big and Little Niagra Falls, two of Baxter State Park's most beautiful sights. We'll take some time to dip our feet in the water and bask in the sunlight before heading back towards Daicey Pond Campground for our picnic lunch. While your guide sets up lunch, you and your family are welcome to explore the famous Daicey Pond Library, soak in those beautiful Katahdin views, or see the Ranger about becoming a Junior Ranger!

After we've finished our picnic lunch, we will set out for a group paddle on Daicey Pond. We'll have the opportunity to see the full mountain range from the water, look for wildlife, and admire the peacefulness of the day! Be sure to contact The Wilderness Guru prior to booking so we can plan the perfect day for you and your family!

Things You'll Need:   

• Comfortable Hiking Attire (stay away from cotton materials)  
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes (no crocs, flip flops, or brand new boots!) 
• Day Pack 

In Your Pack:  

• Headlamp/ Flashlight 
• At Least 2 Liters of Water 
• High-Energy Snacks 
• Personal Medications  
• Baseball Cap
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen 
• Notebook & Pencil
• Swimsuit
• Camera

At 1,842 feet tall, Sentinel Mountain makes for a perfect starter mountain climb for any age. The mileage totals to be about 5.6 miles roundtrip, with the majority of that being lowland hiking. Once we reach the summit, you'll be able to take in 360-degree views and, if it's the right time of year, enjoy truly wild Maine blueberries!

This trip also includes a light trail lunch for a picnic at the summit. Be sure to contact The Wilderness Guru prior to booking so we can plan the perfect day for you and your family!

Things You'll Need:   

• Comfortable Hiking Attire (stay away from cotton materials)  
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes (no crocs, flip flops, or brand new boots!) 
• Day Pack 

In Your Pack:  

• Headlamp/ Flashlight 
• Map & Compass 
• At Least 2 Liters of Water 
• High-Energy Snacks 
• Personal Medications  
• Lighter/ Matches 
• Extra Layers of Clothing 
• Baseball Cap and/or Beanie 
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen 
• Rain Jacket 
• Notebook & Pencil
• Camera

We are well-versed in everything there is to know about Baxter State Park and the Katahdin region. We have all the inside scoops and ranger tips, plus the personal experience to back it! If you are looking for a truly one-of-a-kind Baxter State Park day trip for your family, please reach out to customize your trip today!

What We Offer: 

• Hiking 
• Swimming 
• Paddling 
• Yoga/ Stretch 
• BSP Facts & History 
• Flora & Fauna Identification 
• Birding  
• Pond Ecology 
• Foraging  
• Natural Crafts & Jewelry
• Leave No Trace Education