Our History
Is there anything better than hiking? Just hiking with a stop to enjoy a great cup of coffee with unforgettable views. The Acadia region has the best of both.
Denise Chandler founded First Light Hikes to share Acadia’s beauty and great coffee choices with anyone who values the same passions. Denise has lived and worked in the area since 1990. She is an experienced hiker, having hiked most of the trails in Acadia National Park and many of Maine’s other trails, including all of the trails up Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak.
In addition to trailblazing her way around the State of Maine, Denise has also been lucky enough to hike trails in Arizona and Utah, as well as the absolute trip of a lifetime – the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu.
Denise is a registered emergency room nurse and local guide in the area; thus, safety is a priority for First Light Hikes. A local guide as a companion hiker decreases the risks of accidents and greatly increases the likelihood of a unique and memorable experience.
