Dodge Point has 6.1 miles of trails and they're all lovely. (But come on, that Shore Trail, with its pine needle floor and that view of the Damariscotta River, is just perfect.)
Starting and ending at the historic Sky Lodge in Moose River, Maine, the Summer Solstice SwimRun is an event for seasoned endurance athletes and SwimRun newbies. You’ll swim in rivers and freshwater lakes and run on paved roads, packed dirt, and grassy runways.
The 1-mile trail begins in the woods before the boardwalk begins, winding its way through the trees until the views open up in the bog and the boardwalk can shoot out straight ahead. It's mostly flat the whole way, making this trek an easy walk/hike for folks who want to take in the Maine outdoors in leisurely fashion.
The newly opened Starting Line Run Studio is Maine's first run studio, featuring a range of treadmill classes that suit all levels and help you fulfill you running dreams - even if that dream is just to stay on the treadmill for a whole class.
Whether you run just for fun or you're training for a particular race, running with other people can make those miles even better. There are a number of running groups around the state - most are year-round, some end at a local pub for beers and socializing!
This family-focused park off Cotton Road has seven miles of easy-going trails, as well as two regulation softball diamonds, picnic areas, and swimming ponds. But the neatest thing at Beaver Park, in my pull-up-fantasizing opinion, is the one-mile fitness trail, complete with 70s-era workout stations.
For runners who also like to mix in a little something extra into an otherwise uncomplicated run, here's a host of Maine fun runs, mud runs, costumed runs, and obstacle races.
Trail Runners of Midcoast Maine (TRoMM) meet Monday nights at Camden Snow Bowl for trail camaraderie during Monday Night Dirt.
The MissFits of Maine meet Fridays for a walk/run in Kennebunk. And they also hike mountains and go ziplining. They paddleboard and kayak, ride bikes, ice skate - and there's likely to be wine afterward.
Getting outside onto the road, trail, or water is a life-enhancing experience on its own. But it's also way more fun when you're with other people who also love to hike, paddle, run, and ride. Check out these Facebook groups and Meetups to meet people who like doing what you like doing!