Meet the Guide
Aislinn Sarnacki is a registered Maine Guide, outdoor TV show host, and author of hiking guidebooks.
Her Story
Aislinn is a licensed professional Maine Guide in recreation, which means she underwent training and a rigorous testing process to prove her outdoor skills and knowledge to a board of state-licensed Maine Guides. She’s also certified in Wilderness First Aid by Wilderness Medical Associates International.
If you’re looking to experience Maine with a lifelong Mainer, Aislinn is your guide. Her family has lived in this state for generations, and she has aunts, uncles and cousins scattered up and down the Maine coast. She loves the Pine Tree State and is happy to share what she knows about it with visitors and residents alike.
Aislinn has authored three hiking guidebooks, which include personal essays, maps and her own photography. Published by Down East Books, they are “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine” (2017), “Maine Hikes Off the Beaten Path” (2018) and “Dog Friendly Hikes in Maine” (2019).
Aislinn is also an outdoor journalist.
Originally from Winterport, Maine, Aislinn earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Maine, where she also achieved highest honors for her thesis on the health benefits of spending time outdoors. Straight out of college, she was hired by the Bangor Daily News, Maine’s second largest daily newspaper. As a reporter, she primarily wrote stories about outdoor recreation, wildlife and conservation for over a decade. During that time, she created the popular “1-minute hike” series, documenting over 300 Maine hiking trails through columns, videos and photos.
Now a freelance writer, she continues to write a column for the Bangor Daily News about recreation and nature. She also writes for the Bangor Metro magazine, Maine Alumni magazine and other location publications, and is working on her next book. She’s also the host and a co-producer of the outdoor show “Borealis” on Maine Public Television, which is currently filming its third season. Check out “Borealis” here.
All of the knowledge that Aislinn gains as an outdoor journalist comes in handy when she guides wilderness adventures. She specializes in nature interpretation, sharing information and stories about wildlife, plants, mushrooms and more. Prior to your adventure with her, she’ll ask you what topics you’re most interested in learning about.
