The great outdoors is one of the best things about spending a significant amount of time in Maine. No matter the season, getting outside and appreciating the nature, trees and air around you can cause a huge shift in your mental state and overall well being. And, with numerous trails and woods in which to get lost, getting close to nature isn’t difficult here. In fact, most of you probably already have experience hiking with friends, hiking with family and hiking with just your own thoughts and the air around you. But, what about hiking with goats? If you haven’t tried that, read on for an experience that’s sure to change the way you experience the outdoors in Maine!
Ten Apple Farm, in Gray, is located on ten acres of beautiful Maine land.
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The farm has a small herd of Alpine dairy goats, as well as poultry, and a kitchen garden that provides fresh food for meals.
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook Things here began when Margaret Hathaway and her husband, Karl Schatz moved from NYC to Maine in 2005 before the birth of their first child.
The farm operates as a homestead now and together they raise their animals, tend to the garden and small orchard. They also make cheese and provide an opportunity for others to learn their lifestyle through workshops on homesteading skills.
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
While the 1901 farmhouse and accompanying buildings are a wonderful place to take a workshop and learn about permaculture, what most people know this farm for is the monthly goat hikes that take place for visitors.
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
Each hike will take visitors through the Ten Apple Farm woods with their herd of Alpine dairy goats leading the way.
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
The looped route is about 2 miles and the trails is fairly well maintained, making it a good hike for those who aren’t looking for a tromp through the wilderness.
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
There are a few steep bits, which is part of the fun! You havne’t appreciated a goat until you’ve seen them navigate a seemingly precarious hill will ease.
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
In addition to the exerice that comes with this fun activity, visitors also get an education in goats as pack animals, as well as what goes into raising and caring for a pack of goats.
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
After returning from the trail, folks have a chance to try goat milking while enjoying fresh goat’s milk and cookies.
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
Everyone is welcome on this hike, but kids under 4 years old must be carried.
Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
Ten Apple Farm is located at 241 Yarmouth Rd., Gray, Maine. The next goat hike is scheduled for Veterans’ Day weekend on November 11th from 2 to 4 p.m. Veterans hike free, though they’re currently sold out. We recommend giving them a call on (207) 657-7880 for any potential cancellations. There are two more hikes schedule for the rest of 2018 – one on Sunday, December 2nd and another on Sunday, December 16th. Both hikes take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Get more information and reserve your space on their website here. Or, check them out on Facebook. Hikes cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Each hike has a maximum of 20 people.
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Ten Apple Farm / Facebook
Things here began when Margaret Hathaway and her husband, Karl Schatz moved from NYC to Maine in 2005 before the birth of their first child.
The farm operates as a homestead now and together they raise their animals, tend to the garden and small orchard. They also make cheese and provide an opportunity for others to learn their lifestyle through workshops on homesteading skills.
One of our favorite things about Maine are the many state parks that exist within its borders. This (nearly) 8,000 acre state park is one of the best and it only gets more fun in the winter!
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