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.

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.

Wanting to enjoy some outdoor time in the beautiful weather a) right in Portland, b) that wasn't…read moretoo crowded, and c) without the commitment of walking anything too long, I found that Martin's Point has a short path behind their facilities. I found a few parking spaces labeled "Nautical Mile Parking", so - assuming that was for this path - I grabbed a spot and headed past some garden plots, down around a parking garage, to find a beautiful paved trail. The path features several picnic tables and benches. There's a World War II memorial to the Portland-based destroyer USS Reuben James (the first warship lost in that war). And there are incredible views of Casco Bay. We're talking STUNNING. You can see most of the coast of Portland Harbor from the Eastern Prom all the way to the Portland Head Light. There are views of Mackworth Island, Fort Gorges, sail boats, etc. And the best part? It's incredibly peaceful. We found a tiny manmade (moderately steep) short footpath off the paved trail down to the rocks and sat under the shade of the trees with the water lapping just a foot nearby. The breeze, lack of people, and quietness made it the perfect spot for an afternoon break. Truly a hidden gem. The only thing is... it's not a mile. Or, if it is, part of the path is invisible (...okay, maybe not invisible, but definitely confusing as to where it begins/continues/ends). We followed the trail past the trees and ocean line, and eventually were dumped into another parking lot with no sight of any continued path. So, really, we did more like .25 miles. Something to note.

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.

An early morning walk proved to be quite peaceful as I meandered along the wooded trails in this 71…read moreacre park. Early on I did encounter a dog that raced by followed a 1/2 hour later by its owner calling out its name. The set of interlocking trails offers the opportunity to customize the length of each individual's walk with much of it appearing to be handicap accessible.

I love these trails for peaceful walks, jogging, Geocaching (there's a bunch), and hopefully this…read morewinter I will remember to hit this place up for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. There are plenty of trails to pick from to help make your adventure different from your prior adventure here. The main trails are well packed for safe running while the narrow side trails have some rocks, roots, and stumps to navigate. Most of the trails are well marked with blazes while some of the side trails need a keen eye to keep on track. Be aware that some of these trails hug residental areas, so please be respectful of boundary lines. There are a few picnic tables that located near the main entrance. Some of these are nestled in wooded areas by themselves to offer a more secluded feel to your picnic lunch. Come and enjoy nature! Taken from www.brunswickme.org By their vote of May 8, 1719, the Pejepscot Proprietors "Granted one thousand acres of land to lay in general commonage." Unlike the village green or town common found in the center of many New England towns, the Brunswick Town Commons was a specific grant from the private lands of the Pejepscot Co., and not from town-owned common and undivided land. Located near the geographic center of town, the Commons has influenced the growth of the Brunswick region. Upon the promise of two hundred acres of land from the Commons, Bowdoin College was established in Brunswick. In the late 1800's the Town appropriated money to plant and cultivate blueberries on the Commons. Granite monuments placed in 1891 by D. E. Campbell, Civil Engineer, marked all angle changes of the boundaries. Monument E marks the south western corner and is located in the Peat Heath. Five more of the historic granite markers are located within the boundaries of the Naval Air Station. In 1905 the Town began a planting and management program for White Pines and Red Oaks. In 1930 Brunswick voted to establish an airport on the Commons and the first aircraft landed in June, 1934. Later known as the Brunswick Municipal Airport, this land was the nucleus of what is now the Brunswick Naval Air Station. Today the Commons provides year-round recreational opportunities for Brunswick citizens and serves as a living laboratory for local elementary school children. The Town Commons Planning Committee oversees the general management of the Commons, but policy decisions are by vote of the Town Council as "successors in office" of Nathaniel Larrabee, Andrew Dunning, and William Stanwood, Selectmen at the time of the Pejepscot Proprietors' grant. The Town recognized the unique status of the Commons in the Town Commons Resolution adopted February 1968, which states, "We, the Selectmen of the Town of Brunswick, being mindful of the history and heritage of our Town; respectful of the inspiring wisdom of the first Planners of our community; and proud of the part they have played in preserving to our use a portion of the lands with which they were so richly endowed knowing full well our later needs in that respect; do declare that the Commons (thousand acres) is an HISTORIC LANDMARK."

I feel the need to preface all of my nature reviews with this: being 90% forested and having around…read more3500 miles of coastline, Maine has a tremendous amount of spaces, walkways, paths, and trails of all kinds and of all levels. There's something for everyone. What I'm reviewing is how a spot compares to similar outdoor spots in my personal opinion. Being in nature - and remembering to carry in, carry out - is always five stars! :) Parking? Kind of. Loop trail? No. Well marked signs? Yes. Element of surprise? Yes. The most challenging part about Wilbur's Preserve at Cox Head is the drive! It feels like you're going upta camp on some back roads that have hairpin turns, rollercoastery up and downs, and is barely wide enough for one car to drive on. I did a whole lot of honking (sorry to the neighbors who live in this area) to alert any oncoming vehicles that I was there! When you arrive there's a pull-off on the left for maybe two to four cars; this road (Green Point) also ends abruptly (as in, if you kept driving you'd be in the sea). Maybe a couple more cars could park at the end, but I don't know if it's allowed. The trail is about a half mile, and it's of those low risk, extremely high reward kind of hikes. The walk up is a bit uphill and steep-ish in some parts; the path can be quite shallow with somewhat of a drop-off to one side, but you get to the summit of Cox's Head sooooooooo quickly. And from these ledges are just absolutely spectacular, sweeping views overlooking Atkin's Bay, Popham Beach, Fort Popham, a couple lighthouses (bring your binoculars!!!), and open ocean. It was just such a breathtaking sight for minimal effort. (SIDE NOTE: there's two trails - the one up to the scenic overlook and a side one off of this main one called "Old Tree Loop". That tree trail is overgrown, and despite it being autumn, I still had thorns tugging at my clothing as I tried to squeeze through it. Personally, I'd skip it [especially during tick season]; there's nothing to look at on it anyway!)

Short hike to an amazing view of the river, bay and ocean . The trail is well marked and not…read moredifficult to climb to the top .

One of the newest trail systems in Harpswell boosts wide trails, marsh views, and sections of pines…read morethat will make your nose believe it's Christmas time. The main trail branches off into two loops in case you want to do a short adventure. Parts of the trails are rooty, but easy to navigate. There is no climbing or unstable rocks to hunker over. Be sure to wear bug spray and or tick spray as the sign suggested there is a population of ticks here. The parking lot is a well maintained flat lit that can accommodate up to about 10 cars, as long as people park appropriately. Check this and many of the well maintained and scenic Harpwell trails soon!

This quiet tract of land is in the heart of a major conservation focus area for the town of…read moreHarpswell. The habitat is quite varied with a mix of wetlands, stream and pond along wide mixed upland forest. You can find all kinds of wildlife here since it is both an important migration corridor running all the way to Brunswick to the north and to the ocean to the south. Wild turkeys and white-tailed deer, fox and coyotes, waterfowl, amphibians, migrating song birds including many species of warblers, this lovely preserve has much to offer those of us who enjoy the peaceful natural world. Highly recommended for a visit when you have an hour or two to relax.

This was my "go-to" park for jogging in the morning during a July 2026 stay in South Portland. It…read morehas so many pluses. First, parking is free and generally available in the morning. Second, it has a lovely, open view of Casco Bay with several islands in the distance. Third, you can jog along the park and around the marina - or connect to the Greenway trail for a longer run. Fourth, it has a cool display on WW2 history and Portland's vital role in navy shipbuilding (more than 25,000 workers added to the population).

This is a nice place for a quick stop! Theres a nice walking path. If it was a warm day i would…read morehave taken a walk since it has beautiful views. The lighthouse itself was small but well kept. Overall a nice picturesque park.

Great Saturday market. I'm not local, wish I were. Nice fresh fruit and veggies, local honey and…read moremany handmade items. Great food options around, too. Nice grassy area for kids to play. Not sure if they do other days?

The Town Mall (a lovely elongated green space with an abundance of trees, flora, and the Maine…read moreStreet Gazebo in what's known as the Federal Street Historic District) is a great area that divides Maine Street (Brunswick's amazing strip of locally owned businesses) and Park Row (where those beautiful homes built in the 1700 and 1800's are). I like this centralized park - despite the constant flow of traffic and the bustling business happening around it, it stands still and peaceful right in the middle of everything. I also really appreciate the way the city uses the space: I've been here for festivals, food trucks, family-friendly BBQ's, kid-centric events, concerts, farmers' markets, and more. It really does feel like the perfect meeting place for the community. (Side note: I'm pretty sure if Stars Hollow - y'know, where Gilmore Girls takes place - was an actual city... it might be Brunswick. Stars Hollow has a lovely town square in the center of it [check!] where there's a picturesque gazebo [check!] where awesome, seasonal events take place throughout the year [check!]. I might be identifying a lot of New England towns, I guess, but to me, Brunswick Hollow or Starswick are very nearly identical.) Anyway - come! Enjoy something going on by the city, or a picnic in the park, or some sunshine on a park bench in the middle of a day of shopping... just enjoy the space!