Kittery, Maine, offers a straightforward entrance into New England’s rugged outdoor charm, with Plates For Change as your gateway to an adventure that’s refreshingly real. This initiative combines sustainable dining with outdoor engagement, making it more than just a trail or a meal—it's a compelling way to immerse yourself in active living and local culture.

Start by exploring the nearby hiking routes that stretch across Kittery’s varied landscape. The trails range from a moderate 3-mile loop featuring a cumulative elevation gain of 400 feet to easy riverside walks that let the water’s current dare you to keep pace. The terrain switches between firm dirt paths lined with towering pines and rocky outcrops that demand steady footing. These hikes don’t aim to overwhelm but engage—the forest leans in as you move, the Atlantic wind pushes at your back.

Plates For Change is more than a name. It’s a call to action that fuels your outdoor adventures with thoughtfully sourced meals from local farms and fisheries. Plan your visit around the seasons—spring through early fall being ideal for balancing comfortable weather and active trail conditions. Expect vibrant bird calls in spring, ocean breezes in summer, crisp air in fall, and a quieter, snow-blanketed landscape in winter when most trails shift to snowshoe-friendly paths.

Planning practicalities matter here. Bring layered clothing to adjust as the temperature shifts, sturdy waterproof boots for mixed terrain, and hydration packs to meet your fluid needs without interrupting the momentum. Early morning or late afternoon hikes reward you with softer light and quieter paths, perfect for both reflection and photos.

Engage with the experience actively: watch for the lesser-known Lookout Rock, where the forest opens to a sweeping view of the Piscataqua River daring you to pause. Wildlife, from white-tailed deer to the scattered calls of red foxes, moves like shadows around you, giving the forest a pulse.

The hikes typically take 1.5 to 3 hours, offering enough challenge to feel earned but accessible to most fitness levels. The forest is fiercely itself—respect the seasons, tread lightly, and savor the balance between effort and reward. When you return, Plates For Change’s sustainable menu ties the day together with local ingredients that sustain both you and the community.

Whether you’re winding through the trails or savoring a well-earned meal, this is outdoor adventure with a clear purpose. Kittery’s trails and tastes hold steady without pretense, welcoming anyone ready to step into the wild Maine outdoors with practical enthusiasm and an appetite for change.