There are a lot of challenging hikes in Evans Notch in the White Mountains National Forest, but there are two hikes in this area that are great for families or those looking for a less challenging trek with great mountain views.

The kids and I were planning a trip to visit friends north of Lewiston and wanted to find a hiking trail in that area. That’s how I ran across a listing for Androscoggin Riverlands State Park. It’s only been an official state park since 2009, but the kids and I wished we had found it sooner. Well-marked trails, beautiful river vistas and some nice picnic table amenities had us giving the park a thumbs-up.

My family’s first-aid kit has seen plenty of action over the years. The tweezers have regularly removed ticks and the baby wipes have saved us from poison ivy outbreaks. The plastic card has earned a permanent place in our kit since we discovered its leech removal abilities, and we always carry small bottles of meat tenderizer and Benadryl after our run-in with yellow jackets.

Mother Nature hasn’t felt like offering up much white stuff (until recently) for my family to enjoy our usual outdoor winter fun on skis and sleds. So, we’re adapting. The cold spell has offered conditions to get outdoor community ice skating rinks around southern Maine up and running.