This is one of my favorite places in Maine. I happened upon here randomly and was so delighted to…read morehave found my way to these islands. I think the word is "quaint", which best describes this whole area. It's not as popular as other places on the coast and even though it's not a secret, I haven't ever seen it get "busy". There's so much about the area that's beautiful but this is the place I take everyone who comes to visit me. It's the same kind of geological formations as you see in the two light area of Cape Elizabeth, but way less people and the rocks are all on their side instead of laying flat. The Giant Stairs are beautiful regardless of the weather, but coming here on a nice day when the sea sparkles is really nothing short of magical. I love the way it's "set up" because you keep the mystery hidden behind the cottages/houses and you park where the designated spots are, you walk backwards towards the main road, turn down to the entrance of the trail, and the whole thing is this dramatic appearance of a beautiful Maine coastline. It's not a crazy hike so you don't need to worry about people's skill, and everyone loves the view. I love the little shop right there as well. It's got all these cute kitschy Maine things and it's not overpriced for a "touristy" place. I hope this review doesn't end up ruining a perfectly wonderful thing, so try not to put this on your "top 10 things to do in Maine" listicles. But do go, the drive alone is worth it.

Very underrated from the information we found online but we were in the area so decided to go. I'm…read moreso glad we did !! Beautiful walkway along the ocean, cliff top area. It's not a very long walk but we had kids with us and very easy for little legs.

I don't know what it's like to be a fairy or a gnome, and I'm often jealous of their woodland based…read morelifestyles (houses made in and of trees, drinking water out of flowers, riding on the back of squirrels... you know what I'm talking about). Widegon Cove Trail, however, has given me a sneak peek into that world. This unexpectedly beautiful path is a wonderfully maintained loop that cuts through thick, tall forest and circles past a cove with lovely pine tree and water views regardless of tide (although low tide offers more bird watching). It's well marked, and the trail itself is charming...at some points the ground is lined on either side with fallen trees to keep you on the path, parallel planks, and stone walkways too. Want to stop and take it all in? There are many wooden benches to stop and take it all in from. Does this sound like every other trail? Maybe. But there's really something charming and whimsical about this particular one. I don't know if it's the variety of trees, the ravine like parts, the moss and mushrooms, the abundance of wildlife, but I felt like I spent my entire walk (which was admittedly short; the whole loop is maybe half a mile?) smiling... and expecting Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather to come out of nowhere and begin singing to me.

Follow this well maintained trail through woodlands to a beautiful view of Widgeon Cove…read more The parking lot is on the left heading when heading out of Brunswick and has enough space for four cars. The dirt was still loose near the road and I needed a slight angle to get out of the parking lot. There is the another one of the HHLT trails just before you get to this trail. If you are looking to lengthen your hike, you can walk or drive up to the other parking lot to check out the other trail. The following is taken from: www.hhltmaine.org/conserved-land/public-access/widgeon-cove-trail/ Ownership: Harpswell Heritage Land Trust trail on privately owned land Features: hiking, scenic view, benches, dogs allowed Length: .6 mile loop with cutoff trail Difficulty: moderate Hiking Time: 30 minutes Click here to download a trail map and brochure. Description: This half-mile loop trail is the perfect way to take in beautiful Widgeon Cove on Harpswell Sound. The path winds through woodlands, across ravines and along the shoreline where there is a dramatic view of the cove. At this scenic viewpoint, visitors can enjoy a picnic with family and friends, take pictures or just sit quietly to observe waterfowl, wading birds and other wildlife that frequent the cove. The Widgeon Cove Trail is part of the 88-acre Dunning Farm Conservation Easement. This privately owned property will remain forest and working farmland forever. Directions: From the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south for 7.4 miles. Immediately after the Wilson's Cove Trail parking lot on the right, look for the Widgeon Cove Trail parking lot on the left. Visitor Guidelines: Carry in, carry out. Pedestrian use only. No overnight parking. No open fires. No camping. Dogs must be on a leash. Carry out all dog waste. Please respect wildlife, neighbors and other users. This trail is on private property. Please respect the owner's privacy. Power driven mobility devices are not allowed.

We wanted to get one last hike in before heading back to Florida. Wolf's Neck was just a few…read moreminutes from our hotel in south Portland and it was awesome. We wanted to get great views of Casco Bay and were so happy we could go right down to the beach area. Beautiful! The trails throughout the park were outstanding and we walked them all. Great ending to an amazing Maine trip.

This is one of my favorite spots in southern maine and along the coast. I have come two to three…read moretimes a week this entire season. I bring my dogs on leash and we enjoy the trails and swimming in the water. It is nice during low tide when you can access the beach, and during high tide when you can't. The trails are extensive and range in their difficulty. There is a fair bit of elevation. They have a picnic area as well a large covered gazebo you can rent. They also have restrooms. There is an osprey nest for viewing. This is such a great spot, just be mindful of when they close the gate at night. Also, there is a per person fee to enter, and it is more for people from out of state. My only issue is that they don't offer a season pass.

I am in love with this trail because they have a mobility accessible portion for those us with…read morelimited mobility to do disabilities or other health issues. I work with adults with disabilities, out in the community. So this is a very special spot to come for some fresh air and exercise! To make it even more special; every April they do a painted rock Easter Egg Hunt. You follow the trail, and find the eggs hidden in nature. Don't take them! Leave for others to see. Just take photos!

Genuinely hated this. 90% of the time. There was some cute little story posted along the easiest…read morepart of the trail. There was a place to build fairy houses. There was a good amount of signage. BUT My biggest issue was they split the difficulty into only 2 levels. Absolutely bullcrap. That was by far the most difficult trail I've ever done. There should've been at least 3-4 levels of difficulty. If I had know it was that intense, I never would've gone. While the amount of signage was good, it was too vague. I read that it's 2.2 miles, but based on the signage I believe it's about 2.5 miles. The wood plank bridges were unsettling as heck to cross. The tree roots are sticking out of the ground and they grew out weird directions so lots of places to trip. Lots of areas where I had to jump down and strategically plan my descent otherwise I would've broken an ankle for sure. This is NOT for beginners. Maybe not even intermediate I'd say. I'm not in the best shape, but I've always been able to do intermediate level trails. The scenery at the very top was absolutely not worth the hassle. Definitely have to be careful at the top because it's absolutely a hard drop off cliff with lots of pointy trees and rocks. I'm giving a 3 because even though I hated it, it's probably a good trail for advanced to expert hikers. I need you to tell me if it's going to be that intense BEFOREHAND

These trails are only a short distance from Brunswick and are worth a visit. Parking is…read moreconveniently located off of Rte 24 and the trails are located on both sides of the road. We enjoyed the trails on the east side more. The hikes are relatively easy and provide decent views however the proximity to the road provides a constant noise from nearby cars. Overall a pleasant experience, though.

Holy Batman this was a fun, invigorating, sweat inducing trail! At only a little over 2 miles one…read morewould think it wouldn't be too much, but the amount of up and down rocks, rollercoaster hills , and scaling a few spots it becomes a great workout. The trail is on both sides of the Harpswell Island Road so you can do just one if you chose and no matter what side you will be rewarded with amazing views! On the parking lot side you will see views of Casco Bay and the other side of the road there are plenty of spots to view Harpswell Sound. Both equally gorgeous!

This review is for the trail that creates a loop with the Royal River Park…read more Access is along Melissa Drive and there is no street parking. The other end of the trail is in the business park off Forest Drive where Pet Scripts, Forest Falls Cafe and many other businesses are. This is business park is also parking during the Yarmouth Clam Festival each year. We came across this lovely little section of trail while walking around Royal River Park and wanted to make a loop instead of turning back and the way we had come. There are lovely views of the falls and you can look across the water to the Park. The houses along this section are amazing and they certainly struck it rich with the view! The path is short and is dirt but mostly even. There is a section of wall built to give the homeowners some privacy. Please stay on the trail and dogs are to be leashed and picked up after. Be aware that this land is almost all privately owned and there is a just a path that is a public way. You must carry in and carry out.

Maine is full of secret nooks and crannies. Glorious, magnificent, breathtaking places untouched by…read moreman or time. It's getting increasingly difficult to find these places, but they exist and Pott's Point Preserve is proof of that. Driving to and around Harpswell in and of itself is stunning. But coming specifically here is otherworldly as far as nature scenes go. Park to the side of the road (carefully and at your discretion) at a seemingly dead-end near a bunch of lobster traps and a wharf. Walk up the private Pott's Point Road and walk for nearly a half mile through a picturesque, straight-out-of-a-movie-set seaside neighborhood. It may seem awkward to walk through (metaphorically) people's backyards, but eventually you'll reach "the end" of the road where there's a tiny, sandy path through thick greenery. Through it? The literal end of the land. A beautiful acre of rocks and rosa rugosa bushes and gravel beaches and tide pools full of marine life. You can loop around and explore (especially at low tide; you'll have to carefully navigate the rugged coastal landscape otherwise), and see a plethora of islands in the distance. It's unspoiled Maine beauty at it's finest.

"The way life should be" - Maine's famous saying and logo - this place depicts just that. We went…read moreexploring and found this wonderful place. You're lost in time filled with algae, rocks, shells and grassland. We love this beautiful and breathtaking place. Perfect for puppies, children and couples. There is nothing quite like it and it's a short hike to the most gorgeous point. This place is perfect for this time of year- autumn with the leaves changing. Please come visit and find yourself at peace.

Walking along the Cathance River reminded me a lot of Swift River in the Kancamagus - a stunning…read morehike through the forest alongside a rushing body of water (stretches of which include Class IV rapids). So much of it felt so organic too - rocks and tree roots making paths and stairs through the gently winding quiet woods. It's well marked, the directional signs are in the perfect places, and the trails are all extremely well maintained. What a fantastic way to spend an autumnal morning - had a picnic on some of the rocks that were jutting out into the river with the sun pouring down around me. For sure the way to go for maximum water views, with the most privacy, is: park at the Ecology Center, walk down to it and hook a left on Highland Trail (blue), which connects to Cathance River Trail (white), take Cathance River Trail to Rapids Trail (yellow), Rapids Trail back to Highland Trail and the Ecology Center. I say this because... You should know that this hiking area is basically within a housing development on a golf course and is currently undergoing a lot of construction on the eastern side of the trail system (anything around and beyond the actual Hiker Parking area - didn't see the wooden bridge near Old Quarry Road or the Clay Brook bridge to Head of Tide Park because I wasn't allowed to access them when I came). Also, you can hear the traffic from 295 pretty clearly throughout most of the trail system. I didn't know either of these things, so both were a bit off-putting. As an aside, I was yelled at twice: once by a golfer and once by some lady in her backyard who could see me through the trees. Both wanted to know what I was doing, why I was doing it, and where my destination was (not even kidding). It seems to me there needs to be bit more communication with these folks about the trail system here - that people actually come to hike them. Until that happens, my advice is to avoid anything and everything to do with the heath (all trails to it and around it since this is where golfing and people's backyards seem to be). I'm looking forward to coming back when construction is done and the area is a less confusing and awkward place to navigate as a hiker. But I will stick to the trails near the water!

This was a beautiful snowshoe hike. It's a great way to clear your mind on a Sunday afternoon…read more Maybe 4 miles of trails if you want to do it all in one day. Well marked and they have maps.

From my original review: "'You know what I love about this place? It's low risk, high reward.'" We…read moreoverheard an older woman tell her husband this as they approached the summit. And as we stretched out on the rocks enjoying our picnic in the the warm sun, taking in the view of what seemed to be endless forests, bodies of water, and islands, we couldn't have agreed more." A decade later this is still true. If you're looking for an easygoing, very accessible way to go hiking and get some fresh air while wandering Maine's woods, take in the changing leaves of autumn or the abundance of blossoms and wildflowers in the spring, Bradbury - located just thirty minutes from Portland - is hard to beat. According to their website, Bradbury Mountain State Park was one of the original five state parks in the state of Maine, acquired by the Federal government in 1939. The mountain is open year round from 9am until sunset and offers a variety of hiking trails that range from very, very easy ("wide gradual ascents", "well packed and fairly flat") to slightly more challenging ("steepest ascent, but not difficult to hike", "areas with sharp turns"), from .2 miles to 1.5 miles (or more if you want to build your own adventure here - which is very easy to do because this state park's trails are now abundantly well marked; expect lots of maps throughout to let you know where you are AND lots of wooden signs pointing you in the right direction). You could easily do it all in one half day or break up your walk and come back another time, especially considering it's an easy, convenient mountain with an elevation of just 485 feet. Dogs are allowed on leashes, horses are allowed on certain trails. There are bathrooms. You can check out an old cattle pound. Explore for geocaches. It's a cute little mountain, and I'm so happy it's right in (proverbial) our backyard.

I remember going here as a kid and I took my youngest son almost a decade ago. We wanted to do the…read moresummit trail and climb Bradbury Mountain. Definitely not a big challenge but it was fun. I grew up in Lewiston so this park is close by. I will have to take John next time we're in Maine. Lots of other trails to explore.