When the turkey’s eaten and the pies gobbled, it’s almost inevitable: lethargy and sleepiness typically follows. But instead of lying on the couch for a nap, why not walk it off?
Over the years, several studies have shown that when people take a short walk after a large meal it can aid in digestion. In fact, a 2013 study published by the American Diabetes Association found that walking for just 15 minutes after a meal can lower blood sugar levels.
The following are a few Maine spots ideal for a post-meal stroll:
— Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Alton: This 2,400-acre preserve includes a network of trails that lead through mixed hardwood and evergreen forests at the edge of Pushaw and Dead streams. If you’d like to learn something new, travel the refuge’s three interpretive trails with self-guided brochures. And make sure to check out the man-made Lac D’Or, a favorite spot for ducks and frogs. Pets are not allowed. The refuge has several entrances located on Route 43 (Hudson Road) in Alton, about 5 miles west of Exit 197. For information, visit www.hirundomaine.org or call 394-2171.
— Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden: Take a few hours to explore the many short trails winding through fields and woods beside Fields Pond, or simply walk around the Nature Center, where bird feeders attract a variety of feathered friends. You can also take a short stroll down to the shore of Fields Pond, which is another great place to look for wildlife. Pets are not allowed. The center is located at 216 Fields Pond Road. For information, visit www.maineaudubon.com or call 989-2591.
— Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson: This 1,000-acre parcel of conserved land contains more than 30 miles of trails and over a mile of shoreline on Little Dyer Pond. And if that sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t worry. There are a few wide, easy, kid-friendly trails right near the parking area. And as you walk, you can engage in a fun scavenger hunt. The directions are at the center’s main kiosk. During cold days, the center opens a warming hut. Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control. HVNC is located at 131 Egypt Road in Jefferson. For information, visit hvnc.org or call 200-840.
— Pigeon Hill in Steuben: This little mountain provides stunning views of the coast, but it isn’t a tough climb. The trail network on the mountain totals just 1.2 miles, and Pigeon Hill is just 317 feet above sea level. Trails are marked with signs and blazes of blue and yellow paint. Dogs are permitted if on leash or under voice control at all times. The trailhead is located on Pigeon Hill Road, 4.5 miles from where it intersects with Route 1 in Steuben. For information about Pigeon Hill Preserve, visit www.downeastcoastalconservancy.org or call 255-4500.
— Old Pond Railway Trail in Hancock: This wide, flat trail follows an old railway bed to a scenic spot at a bridge that spans Old Pond. Old Pond is a body of saltwater near the Carrying Place Inlet, which links Youngs Bay to Taunton Bay on the coast of Hancock. It’s a great place for bird watching and is also frequented by seals, according to the Maine Coast Heritage Trust. The trail is 3 miles long, but the bridge over Old Pond is less than 1 mile from the east trailhead. To get there from the intersection of Route 1 and Route 182 in Hancock, drive 3.2 miles east on Route 1 and turn right onto Point Road. Drive less than 0.1 mile to the parking area on the right. Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control. For information, visit crabtreenecklandtrust.org or call 781-3085.
— Moose Point State Park in Searsport: A popular place for those traveling along coastal Route 1. In addition to three fairly easy hiking trails that travel through a forest filled with tall white pines, the park includes a playground, gazebo, group shelter, picnic tables and grills. Stairs lead down to the rocky beach, and benches are located near the water for people who just want to sit and enjoy the view. Dogs are permitted if on leash. Park gates are closed Oct. 1-Memorial Day, but visitors can park on the drive outside the gate and walk into the park. The park’s address is 310 West Main Street in Searsport. For information, visit www.maine.gov/moosepoint.
— Beech Hill in Rockport: This 295-acre preserve includes blueberry fields and forests and is one of the official stops on the Maine Birding Trail. The preserve has two easy-moderate hiking trails that lead to the top of Beech Hill, which is the only bald hilltop in the area and offers views of Penobscot Bay, Camden Hills and Saint George Peninsula. Atop the grassy Beech Hill is Beech Nut, a historic sod-roofed stone building. The Summit Road Trail is 0.75 mile from the Beech Hill Trailhead to the hut atop the hill. The Beech Hill Trailhead is on Beech Hill Road, 1 mile from where it intersects with Route 1. Dogs are permitted if on leash. For information, visit www.coastalmountains.org or call 236-7091.
— Torsey Pond Nature Preserve in Readfield: Maintained by the Kennebec Land Trust, this 92-acre preserve is permanently protected for wildlife and recreation. About 2 miles of walking trails have been constructed on the land, and they’re marked with different colors to make navigation easy. Dogs are permitted if on leash. The trailhead parking area is located off Route 41 (Chimney Road), about 1 mile north of the intersection of Route 17 and Route 41. For information, visit tklt.org or call 377-2848.
— Debsconeag Ice Caves near Millinocket: Just south of Baxter State Park, the Nature Conservancy’s Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area is a huge swath of preserved land that contains a number of hiking trails, including a 1-mile trail that travels through a mossy forest to caves filled with sparkling ice. Metal rungs lead down into the cave, which usually contains ice year round. Be sure to bring ice cleats and headlamps. If not interested in entering tight spaces, this beautiful trail is still worth the visit. Near the caves, you can take a side trail to the pristine First Debsconeag Lake. To get there, take the Golden Road in Millinocket to Abol Bridge (about 18 miles). After crossing the bridge, turn onto the dirt road on the left and follow the road for a little less than 3 miles. Bear left when the road splits and drive about a mile to the parking area on the right. The trail starts a short distance from the parking area, on the other side of a rock barrier. Pets are not permitted. For information, visit www.nature.org.
— Aroostook National Wildlife Refuge in Limestone: This refuge is broken up into two parts: the East Loring Division and the Greenlaw Brook Division. Both feature family-friendly trails and a variety of habitat for northern Maine wildlife. The East Loring Division, which includes the park office and nature store, is on Loring Commerce Road, about 2 miles from where it intersects with Route 89 (Access Road). Greenlaw Brook Division has an entrance on West Gate Road, about 1 mile from where it intersects with Route 89. Dogs are permitted if on leash not exceeding 10 feet. For information, visit www.fws.gov/northeast/aroostook/ or call 454-7161.