The Maine Island Trail is recognized as one of the 50 Best American Adventures in the April/May issue of National Geographic Adventure Magazine. The honor places Maine’s wild coastal islands in the company of the Colorado River/Grand Canyon, Hawaii’s Na Pali Coast, the Florida Everglades, and other iconic boating destinations that are also included on the “50 Best” list.

The award has a special resonance at a time when many Mainers are struggling with difficult economic circumstances, said Doug Welch, Executive Director of the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA), a non-profit organization that manages access to the 182 coastal sites that comprise the Trail.

“This recognition from National Geographic reminds us that we don’t have to travel far or spend a lot of money to find world class recreational opportunities,” said Welch. “In fact, you can have an amazing camping experience on Maine’s islands for a fraction of what it would cost you to travel elsewhere.”

The Trail is the only destination in Maine, and only one of three in New England nominated to the 50-Best list (the others being skiing Tuckerman Ravine and the Presidential Range Traverse, both in New Hampshire’s White Mountains). The National Geographic editors called the Trail “The East’s top kayaking destination,” and recommended a paddle in the Stonington/Deer Isle area as one of the highlights of a Trail excursion. Welch notes that the Trail is known to sail and motor boaters as some of America’s best cruising. “We have people who use the Trail in everything from old aluminum skiffs to kayaks to Hinkleys,” he notes.

Membership in the Maine Island Trail Association is an inexpensive and environmentally responsible way to experience the Trail. With family dues of only $45, members gain an annual access pass to all island and mainland sites along the 375-mile waterway. Dues also support the many stewardship, education, and conservation efforts that MITA sponsors on behalf of the Trail islands.

The list of 50 Best American Adventures from National Geographic Adventure is now available on newsstands, and web version of the article can be accessed at http://adventure.nationalgeographic.com/2009/04/50-best-american-adventu....