MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • April 26, 2020
Trail managers in greater Portland have grappled with overcrowding on hiking trails in April during the stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Janet Mills. The governor’s executive order counts outdoor recreation and exercise as “essential activities” but asks people stay close to home and to practice social distancing. Yet managers of conserved land have are having to remind people to leave a wide berth when passing others – and to leave a trail if it looks too busy. In some cases, trails and parks have closed due to overcrowding. In addition, 10 coastal state parks closed completely – and Baxter State Park outside Millinocket closed to traffic and hiking above the tree line.