Ten Things To Do In the New Year!

Ten Things To Do In the New Year!

As we ring in 2026, here at Maine Sport, we want you to get the most out of the new year. Our staff has compiled a list of ten things to do in the new year that will get you out there! 

 

1. Summit a mountain.

Maine is a gorgeous state from the edges of the coast to the peaks of its many mountains. Maine is home to fourteen four thousand footers — the tallest being the iconic Baxter Peak on Mount Katahdin at 5,269 feet. Other iconic peaks in the state are Sugarloaf Mountain (4,240 feet), Old Speck Mountain (4,180 feet), Avery Peak (4,088 feet), and Mount Abraham (4,049 feet).

Looking for something a little closer to home? The Midcoast area has plenty of hiking opportunities as well! Camden Hills State Park is home to Mount Megunticook (1,385 feet) and Mount Battie (787 feet). Ragged Mountain (1,300 feet) is just off Route 17. There is also Haystack Mountain (830 feet) in Liberty and Frye Mountain (1,122 feet) in Montville.

Whether you are challenging yourself or just doing it for the memories, these mountains are surely a great way to spend time this new year!

 

2. Go camping.


Whether it is rain or shine, winter or summer, a long expedition or just a short weekend getaway, camping is a fantastic hobby to have! There are so many different styles to try and so many places to see. A pro at car camping? Try a tent or a hammock, or even cowboy-style — just you, your sleeping bag, and the stars!

Maine is a state full of natural wonders and there are no shortage of camping locations to visit. Camp on the coast near Acadia National Park or Cobscook Bay State Park. Live lakeside at Rangeley Lake, Lake Saint George, or Moosehead Lake. Experience the remote wilderness of the North Maine Woods and their many campsites.

Camping is something that the whole family can enjoy and create memories that last a lifetime.




3. Start a new hobby!


New year, new you! Or at least, new hobbies! Try your hand at the numerous sporting good options we offer at Maine Sport. We have everything from yoga equipment to help find your inner zen to pickleball outfits to help you get started on the court. We also have plenty of soccer, baseball, and basketball accessories to help kids get a head start in sports. 


Want to get better at a current hobby? Come in to upgrade your gear with quality brands at an affordable price. 


 

4. Learn how to tie flies.


Tying flies is an art and a skill, and it is a great way to foster a deeper connection to fishing. Picking up this hobby is a great winter activity while you wait for the waters to thaw. Here at Maine Sport, we have plenty of fly fishing accessories, including materials to create your very own flies! Our fishing department is stocked with fly tying materials, stands, and tools that will get you well on your way to being a master at tying your own flies!



5. Book a trip!


Want to try something new but don't even know where to start? Maine Sport Outfitters offers a wide variety of trips throughout the year which are a perfect way to ease yourself into something new! Never been in a kayak? We have plenty of trips ranging from a quick jaunt around Camden Harbor to traveling along the coast from Camden to Rockport. Want to try an e-bike? There are day trips to some of Maine's coastal islands where you can cruise around to your heart's content. Need something to do in the winter? Our Intro to Cross-Country Ski trip teaches you the basics. All of these trips are led by registered Maine Guides with equipment provided for you! 




6. Explore new trails.

Maine has thousands of miles of trails and the new year is the perfect time to explore them! Within the Midcoast, there are three land conservancies that protect and preserve Maine's natural beauty.


The Coastal Mountains Land Trust has over fifty miles of trails across thirty preserves ranging in a variety of ecosystems. Ragged Mountain, Ducktrap River Preserve, and Bald Mountain Preserve are all a part of the Coastal Mountains Land Trust. Midcoast Conservancy boasts over 16,000 acres of preserve with over 100 miles of trail that can be hiked, biked, paddled, and skied. They have preserves around Darmiscotta Lake, Medomak Valley, and the Sheepscot Valley. Georges River Land Trust focuses on preserving land throughout the St. George River watershed and has twenty-three preserves with over eighty miles of trail! They have trails all over Thomaston, Rockland, Montville, Union, Appleton, and St. George.




7. Hit the water!

Maine has over 6,000 lakes and ponds, over 3,000 miles of coastline, and thousands of miles of rivers! All this water means so many adventures to be had. Whether you are island hopping in the Atlantic, cruising down the Allagash, or spending some vacation time on Flagstaff lake, Maine Sport can hook you up with the boat and accessories you need! We carry canoes and kayaks from all the top brands, such as Old Town, North Star, Eddyline, and Wilderness Systems. We have countless accessories such as dry bags, compasses, boat racks, and so much more.


We know summer seems so far away, but there's no time like the present to get started on your next adventure!

 

8. Cruise on the Snow!

'Tis the season for all things snow! And with snow, comes winter sports! Maine Sport Outfitters' bottom floor turns into a winter wonderland that is packed full of all types of skis, snowboards, ice skates, and any cold weather accessories you might need! Come skate on our pond in Rockport! Or get fitted for a ski or snowboard lease that you can use all season long. Need hockey sticks and pucks? We have those too! Whatever you are looking for this winter, Maine Sport's expert technicians and sales associates can help you find what you need!

 

9. Start ice fishing.

 


As lakes and ponds begin to freeze, ice fishing shelters pop up all across the state. This is a great way to spend time with the more angler-inclined friends and family during the winter months. At Maine Sport, we have a fresh array of ice fishing equipment from top brands such as Eagle Claw and Eskimo! We have everything from shelters to tip ups and everything in between.


Come swing on by and tell us your fishing stories or submit photos of your biggest catch to store@mainesport.com to be featured in our fishing department!

 

 

10. Go on a shopping spree!

 

Saving the best for last, this new year, you should treat yourself to a shopping spree at one of our three locations! While winter is here to stay for awhile, spring is just around the corner. With spring comes new warm weather styles from all your favorite brands like Patagonia, L.L. Bean, Kuhl and so much more! There won't just be new apparel but also stylish new footwear, drinkware, and backpacks. We'll have new styles of boats and bikes galore! 

This new year we hope to see you at Maine Sport Outfitters for our 50th year in business. We've spent the last fifty years getting you to your next adventure, and we hope to do so for the next fifty! 

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