As fall gradually approaches, many of us are getting a few last-minute hikes in at Baxter State Park or Acadia National Park on the coast with all of their wonderful trails there. The most important part of these hikes are the snacks you bring with you to keep you well-nourished on your hike.
Water/Sports Drinks
The most important thing to bring with you on your hike is water. DRINK. MORE. WATER (shout out Mick Jenkins). Be sure to plan ahead to make sure you’ll have enough for your hike and even bring more than you’d expect, as a trek up Katahdin is more difficult than you’d think. I also recommend a sports drink, either Gatorade or something of the like. This sports drink will come in handy either smack dab in the middle of the hike or in the end to help replenish the glucose stores your body has.
Trail Mix
The most classic hiking snack is trail mix. Whether you buy a bag from a store or make your own, trail mix is important. I’m personally a big fan of making my own and throwing peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds and some dark chocolate in there to provide various forms of nutrients to the body. Other alternatives to add include raisins, berries, or other types of tree nuts like walnuts or cashews.
Fruit
Fruit is great on hikes because it will provide your body with simple carbohydrates that’ll keep your energy up on the long hike. My personal favorite fruit to bring on a hike is an apple, as it’s easy to eat while hiking and won’t leave to much of a mess in my garbage bag (keep Maine beautiful people). Other fruits can include bananas, grapes, pears, peaches, kiwis, or literally anything you can think of.
Lunch
For lunch it’s a good idea to bring something with a little protein in it, which for me is typically sandwich meat. I usually make my own wrap on some collard greens that includes turkey, spinach, carrots, and a little bit of dressing, either some ranch or olive oil. If time is a constraint before your hike, convenience stores in the area will typically have pre-made sandwiches you can purchase that are typically pretty good (if you go to Baxter State Park stop by Lennie’s Superette in Medway-best sandwich you’ll ever have). It’s usually a good idea to have a snack on the side for lunch too. I usually eat broccoli but I’ve also taken chips or something similar that’s easy to snack on.
Candy
I know this article is about “healthy” snacks but I couldn’t resist. At the end of every hike I’ve been on I’ve eaten a candy bar to celebrate. It’s always been a king-sized Reese’s cup if you were wondering.