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

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!

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.

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.

If you are on Bailey Island I recommend a stop at Giant's Stairs Trail. There are directional…read moresigns to get you there once you are fairly close. I parked by the McIntosh Lot Preserve where there is a small parking area on the side of the road. Stay on the path and be respectful most of the area is private property. The rock formations are magnificent, i was in awe of what I saw. Pictures cannot do it justice.

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.

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.

Explored Skolfield Shores Preserve in January and it was absolutely breathtaking. I drove up from…read morethe Mississippi Gulf Coast (about 24 hours) just adventuring - as soon as I laid eyes on the end of the trail I was walking, I thought, "Now this... is what I came all this way for!" (even though this stop was a random passing selection off the map of my route). If my phone was not shutting down due to the below freezing temperatures, and if I'd been able to feel my toes, nose, and fingers longer, I could have wandered the area all day. So happy to see such a well-kept, beautiful piece of nature.

Located right over the border of Harpswell this trail system boosts not only gradual loop trails…read morethat are about two miles worth, but also a view of pure beauty down the Shore Trail. The short trail to the shore has a large field area before it for people that want to picnic, sunbathe, or maybe even play a game of soccer. Beyond the field is the path to the shore with wide stairs and a path next to it for easy access. With a view of an old boat house and islands in the distance this view can take your breath away. Put it over the top with a quick hike down here at sunset and you are golden!

This cute little walking path meanders next to the Androscoggin river and over the Swinging bridge…read more I love walking this when looking for a short peaceful walk. I can go down to the mini beach to see the ducks, walk over the swinging bridge, grab a coffee from one of the local cafes on Maine street or Union street, and even lengthen my walk onto the Androscoggin Pedestrian and Bike Path to make for a 9 mile plus walk round trip if I want. Be aware though,there are three roads to cross to get to the other pathway, all have crosswalks, one which has a flashing light for pedestrians. Taken from their website: When completed, the Androscoggin Brunswick-Topsham Riverwalk will be a year-round, in-town walking loop, 1.25 miles long. Fully-accessible paths, including sidewalks in the more urban portions of the route, will link the Frank J. Wood ("Green") Bridge to the historic Androscoggin Swinging Bridge along the Androscoggin River in both Brunswick and Topsham. Benches will be installed along the route, particularly at sites that provide spectacular views of the Androscoggin River and the neighborhoods adjacent to the river. There will be directional signage along the route and informational signage at points of natural, historic or other significance. As necessary, existing sidewalks will be extended or improved. New safety buffers will protect pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles in the more high-traffic sections of the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is being implemented in phases. Initial components included the restoration of the Swinging Bridge and creating of a new pedestrian walkway on the Frank J. Wood Bridge as well as an extension to the Summer Street sidewalk in Topsham. In October 2012, the Mill Road section through the woods in Topsham was completed, linking the Swinging Bridge to the Summer Street sidewalk. Future phases include improvements along the busy Mill Street Route One connector in Brunswick and the Fort Andross area in Brunswick as well as a riverfront park at the Priority Business Center in Topsham.

The bridge slightly sways more then swings. It is a pretty sight to see. The walking trail however…read morewasn't as impressive as I thought it would be. I probably won't come back again even though it was nice to see the location for a short time.

There's quite a few spots similar to Maquoit Bay Conservation Land in the Brunswick/Harpswell area…read more-- small areas where you can park, then walk a straight path into the beautiful Maine woods before suddenly the trail abruptly ends at a cliff or crag overlooking the ocean. Always impressive and always offering stunning views of our unique coastline, but *because* there are similar spots that I discovered before coming to this one, I'm just not as impressed. Yes, the woods are beautiful in all seasons - so many shades of green in spring, and I imagine in the fall it's equally as breathtaking. It also offers a scenic vista of Maquoit Bay (with its salt marshes and clam flats) from the Rocky Point promontory. However, I personally like Wilson's Cove Trail (https://www.yelp.com/biz/wilsons-cove-trail-harpswell-2) more; and, similarly, Widgeon Cove Trail (https://www.yelp.com/biz/widgeon-cove-trail-harpswell) which are both just up the coast a bit and offer comparable experiences.

Great spot near downtown Brunswick for an easy 1.5 mile round trip hike through a forest and…read moreculminating in a beautiful view of Maquoit Bay. Great for kids and walking your dog (on a leash!!)

Beautiful walk this morning. Fresh snow meant I had the trail all to myself. Peaceful. Gorgeous…read more The only tracks were those I made. I need to come back in the summer and fall but I appreciated the winter solitude!

The Captain Alfred Skolfield Nature Preserve is an unassuming little spot that's nearly impossible…read moreto find (I think I would have had more luck accidentally stumbling upon it than actively seeking it out). Basically, if you're looking to come here, find Sea Grass Farm Road in Brunswick. The preserve is diagonally across the street (look for old school wooden sign). Although it's overgrown, there's a small area immediately off the road for a few cars. What I liked the most about this particular trail is that it feels a little forgotten about, like nature is taking it back slowly but surely (there's even a sign near the property line that reads "human presence is a disruption and destructive to the wildlife here") - and that's what makes it so charming. The Brunswick Topsham Land Trust has done an exceptional job at conservation here (while it's taken care of, it still has an air of genuine wilderness): it's an easily accessible, easily traversable mile (with a smaller loop to the left that connects to a larger loop on the right) through forest adjacent to the salt marshes of Middle Bay Cove and Harpswell Cove. There's a wooden bridge to cross and curved wooden seats near the water, but be sure to stay on the trails - poison ivy grows rampant here.

A tucked away little trail with a tiny grassy parking lot that is easy to miss. The sign is nestled…read moreinto the entrance so even that can go unnoticed. A good marker is that Sea Glass Farm road is directly across from the parking. This trail is two little loops that equal to a total of .7 miles but boasts scenic views of Middle Bay half way around each. With little benches to sit and relax how could you not want to stop and take in the marsh air.