MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • June 5, 2022
Paige Emerson is like a lot of native Mainers. She’s proud of where she grew up, and she loves the outdoors. But two years ago when Emerson started an Instagram account to inspire plus-sized hikers like her to get outside, she never expected to attract so many fans. Today her account, @chubbyhikerreviews, has more than 6,600 followers and her posts regularly get 300 to 700 likes as she offers photos, information and insight aimed at a more honest review of hikes for larger hikers. Now the Old Town resident is working on getting her license as a Registered Maine Guide so she can lead other plus-sized hikers, and possibly clients she helps as a clinical social worker.