FARMINGTON — Scenic hikes, called One Day Wanders, for active seniors are offered by Farmington Parks and Recreation.

“We’re organizing a few hikes at different locations,” Seth Noonkester, assistant director of the department, said. “We have a good youth program but we wanted to reach out to other ages.”

Seniors are loosely defined as 55 years and older, ” but we’re not too strict about it,” he said. “We just hope to get a good group of people.”

The first hike is 1.5 miles along Mountain Trail in Vienna and is the shortest and most leisurely one, he said.

“The hiking trails are ranked as intermediate hikes, offering moderate terrain and some breathtaking views,” he said in a news release. “On each peak we will stop and enjoy a cup of tea at the top.”

Hike locations offered are for all experience levels. Noonkester and Director Matt Foster encourage each one to hike at their own pace.

Other hikes include Bald Mountain in Weld on Aug. 14 for 2 miles; Mt. Blue in Weld on Aug. 28 for 2.8 miles; Bald Mountain in Rangeley on Oct. 2 for 2 miles.

On Sept. 18, a 3.7-mile hike along Maine Huts and Trails to Newton’s Revenge starts in Carrabassett Valley. Lunch will be served at noon at the hut, Noonkester said.

Each hike starts at the trailhead at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid, Noonkester will be available to help. 

The hikes are free but the department asks participants to register so they’ll have necessary information to contact people in case of inclement weather, he said.

For more information, call Farmington Parks and Recreation at 778-3464 or drop by the office in the Community Center on Middle Street.

abryant@sunmediagroup.net

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