Author Archives: Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor

Ron Chase resides in Topsham. His latest book, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Finest Outdoor Adventures in Maine” is now available at northcountrypress.com/maine-al-fresco.html. His previous books are “The Great Mars Hill Bank Robbery” and “Mountains for Mortals – New England.” Visit his website at ronchaseoutdoors.com or reach Ron at ronchaseoutdoors@comcast.net.

I went Nordic skiing on the most unique trail in Maine

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor January 30, 2023January 30, 2023

The Narrow Gauge Pathway follows the former Kingfield and Dead River Railroad bed along the boulder-strewn Carrabassett River.

The Rangeley Lakes Trails Center may havewthe best Nordic skiing you'll find this side of the Rockies this winter.

I found the best Nordic skiing in Maine this winter

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor January 23, 2023January 23, 2023

Scenic ledges near the summits of Doublehead Mountain provide panoramic views of the taller surrounding mountains and the valleys below.

This NH mountain offers delightful views of western Maine

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor January 16, 2023January 16, 2023

Another benefit of Rumford Whitecap Mountain is the relative ease of obtaining the visual rewards.

This mountain’s panoramic views are unmatched in western Maine

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor January 9, 2023January 9, 2023

The hike up Spruce Mountain is relatively short and offers exceptional views of Mirror Lake and Penobscot Bay.

This short hike offers phenomenal views of Penobscot Bay

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor January 3, 2023January 3, 2023

Mount Blue proved a more difficult hike for Ron and Nancy Chase, who encountered ice up and down the trail.

These hikers encountered an icy surprise summiting this Maine mountain

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor December 28, 2022December 28, 2022

This 7-mile trail along the Seboeis River is Maine’s latest outdoors triumph

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor December 19, 2022December 19, 2022

Tidal river near Popham Beach’s turbulent seas proves paddling challenge

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor December 12, 2022December 12, 2022

These 2 western Maine peaks are the next best hike after Katahdin

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor December 5, 2022December 5, 2022

Fall whitewater paddling is a stimulating but rare endeavor.

Heavy rains turn a western Maine paddling trip into an exhilarating whitewater adventure

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor November 14, 2022November 14, 2022

Ron Chase and the Chowderheads were kayaking on the Little Suncook River when they suddenly found themselves rescuing another paddler.

We rescued a kayaker thrown into the rapids by feisty waves

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor November 7, 2022November 7, 2022

Moosehead Lake and Mount Kineo provide an ideal opportunity for a "surf and turf" if you can brave the lake's treacherous winds.

Moosehead Lake is an exquisite kayaking and hiking destination

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor October 31, 2022October 31, 2022

Ron Chase thoroughly enjoyed riding Acadia National Park's extensive 45-mile network, and its abundance of glorious vistas.

Acadia National Park’s carriage roads are a biking paradise

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor October 24, 2022October 24, 2022

There are lots of nooks and crannies to explore and an abundance of wildlife to see at Runaround Pond in Durham.

This pond offers one of Maine’s most serene paddling experiences

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor October 17, 2022October 17, 2022

Cyclists ride down the Dansereau Trail in Quebec.

My 1st trip to Quebec since the pandemic included biking the historic city’s scenic trails

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor October 11, 2022October 11, 2022

Paddling the Scarborough Marsh is a birdwatcher’s dream

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor October 4, 2022October 4, 2022

This western Maine river features complex rapids and excellent surfing

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor September 27, 2022September 27, 2022

A 2-day adventure of kayaking rapids on the Penobscot and biking thrilling hills

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor September 19, 2022September 19, 2022

What it’s like kayaking the most unique body of water in Maine

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor September 12, 2022September 12, 2022

We nearly ended up in Canada kayaking in the fog along the Bold Coast

by Ron Chase, Outdoors Contributor September 7, 2022September 7, 2022