Is trail mix the perfect food? Also known by the whimsical name of "gorp," trail mix is nutritious, portable, and easy to make yourself. Join our real estate agents in celebrating National Trail Mix Day on Wednesday, August 31 by whipping up a batch of one (or more!) of these great trail mix recipes.

• Sweet and Spicy Sriracha
  Can't decide between sweet and savory? Pairing the two flavor profiles has become a popular food trend, such as with this Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Trail Mix that offers the best of both worlds. The sweetness of honey and the heat of sriracha enhance the multiple textures of this mix, which includes traditional Chex cereal along with pretzels, peanuts, and cashews. 
  
  
• Crunchy Thai-Inspired Trail Mix
  Global cuisine influences have become deeply ingrained in all aspects of dining, from four-star restaurants to homemade snacks. This Crunchy Thai-Inspired Trail Mix gets some zip from a peanut sauce made with red curry paste. Raisins and coconut chips add sweetness to the salty pretzels, peanuts, cashews, and pumpkin seeds.
  
  
• Maple-Glazed Nut-Free Trail Mix
  Don't let a tree nut allergy keep you from savoring the many delights of trail mix. In fact, Maple-Glazed Nut-Free Trail Mix can be made without the top eight food allergens. Pumpkin and sunflower seeds provide the crunch that usually comes from nuts. Dried cranberries and apricots, golden raisins, and chocolate chips give added texture and sweetness. Enjoy as is, or glaze the seeds with maple syrup for another dimension of flavor.
  
  
• Fall Trail Mix
  Fall Trail Mix is a rather generic name, but it probably sounds healthier than Reese's Pieces Trail Mix, which highlights the star of this show. Other ingredients include Spanish nuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, and raisins. If you're feeling a twinge of guilt, tell yourself that the peanut butter in Reese's Pieces is a good source of protein.
  
  
• Chocolate and Banana Trail Mix
  Bananas and chocolate is a classic combo that tastes great. Both foods also offer a number of nutritional benefits, which is why Chocolate and Banana Trail Mix is a good choice for a workout snack. Chocolate has antioxidants that promote cardiovascular health, while bananas are loaded with potassium and fiber, which slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Simply combine dried banana chips and chocolate chunks with walnuts, pecans, cashews, raisins, and coconut flakes.
  
  
• Keto Trail Mix
  Do you keto? Over the past few years, millions of people have adopted the ketogenic way of eating. The high-fat, low-carb diet triggers your body to burn fat for fuel, a state known as ketosis. The Keto Trail Mix consists of coconut chips, almonds, cashews, and pecans. For best results, choose raw organic nuts and roast them yourself to bring out a more intense flavor. 
  
  
• 5-Minute Trail Mix
  It's hard to beat the satisfying taste of 5-Minute Trail Mix. This old-school version features traditional M&M's along with peanuts, raisins, almonds, and sunflower seeds. The mix is versatile enough to accommodate dried cranberries, granola, and other add-ins of your choice.

Now that the snack situation is settled pack up your favorite trail mix and head to one of these beautiful hiking spots in Northern New England.

• Mount Washington State Park - 1598 Mt. Washington Auto Rd., Sargent's Purchase, NH 03589
  Located on the summit of Northern New England's highest peak, Mount Washington State Park provides incredible views everywhere you go. The pet-friendly trails traverse the mountain itself, as well as the 750,000-acre White Mountain National Forest. Entrance fees for Mt. Washington Auto Road are $39 for car and driver, $14 for adult passengers, and $9 for ages 5-12 (all fees are slightly higher for peak times). Park hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Baxter State Park - Millinocket, ME 04462
  The centerpiece of Baxter State Park is Mount Katahdin, the highest point in Maine. But less experienced hikers can still find plenty to see along the 220+ miles of trails throughout the park. Cranberry Pond, Horse Mountain, and Katahdin Stream Falls are just a few of the more accessible hikes. Entrance to Baxter State Park is free for Maine residents, while non-residents pay a $16 fee per car. Hours are 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Camel's Hump State Park - 3429 Camel's Hump Rd., Duxbury, VT 05676
  The descriptive name of Camel's Hump State Park refers to its primary natural feature, which is the third-highest mountain in Vermont. At 21,224 acres, Camel's Hump is Vermont's largest state park. There is no phone service or visitor center, allowing the grounds to retain their primitive, unspoiled qualities in accordance with the wishes of Colonel Joseph Battell, who gifted the land to the state. Leashed dogs are welcome. Park entrance is free for all visitors.

Homes in Northern New England are only minutes away from the most spectacular scenery in the country. Contact us at The Masiello Group for experienced help with all your real estate needs.