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.

What an unexpectedly wonderful little walk!…read more The Intervale Preserve is a little more than a half mile loop in New Gloucester near the Royal River. It's almost entirely flat, easily accessible, and easy to navigate as well (it's really well marked trail). When you arrive, you'll walk along a couple parallel plank bridges before seeing a small sign attached to a tree pointing at both directions of the loop; doesn't matter which direction you go, you'll end up back where you started (the best kind of trails in my opinion!). It's mostly forested, but there are two viewing areas out into the marsh which are great for bird watchers. It's important to note that you're not actually near the river, so don't expect to see any water. Regardless, it's a gentle, beautiful, quick walk: like a fast acting dose of Maine right into your soul (be sure to breathe in deep, the smells of these New England woods are unlike anything you can get elsewhere). Also: this is an EXCELLENT trail for mushroomers. In late September/early October I found an abundance of birch bracket fungi... I think I also spotted reishi, but I'm not entirely sure!

A Maine State Park beach representative of the wild Maine mid-coast area. This beach isn't on the…read moreway to anything, it is a destination in itself. Bring a picnic, a chair and a book - oh, and layers as it can get chilly even in summer - and plan to spend the day admiring the beauty that is Maine. And if you're a Mainah, I highly recommend the State Park Pass so you can enjoy even more of Maine's beauty.

What an amazing state park. It's super large with lots of beach front and a lagoon. Lots of parking…read moreand bathrooms in both areas. Just a small view to get in. The views were fantastic, if I lived closer I would frequent this place!

Great afternoon with no crowds, the lake was calm. I was impressed with the new bathroom…read morefacilities. Parking was close to the beach area.

My experience with Range Pond State Park, only a few miles from our house, is mixed. Come here on a…read morehot summer weekend day and it is crowded, loud, and the water doesn't seem particularly clean due to the crowds. Come here in the Fall on a weekday, even on a warm day, and it's peaceful and clean. My most recent visit was thankfully the latter. So glad I gave this place a chance in the off-season. Really enjoyed walking on the trails and having the beach to ourselves in 71 degree sunny weather. Also was impressed with the new bathroom facilities, though they were closed during our visit. (There are, however, outhouses scattered around.)

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!!)

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 city of Brunswick parking the Androscoggin river right past the dam and bridge. You can walk…read moredown to the river from the road. Great fishing and lots of green space and shade, perfect for a picnic or 5 minute hike. Great little park in the city across the river from Sea Dog Brewery. There is no parking at the park, but you can park in downtown Brunswick and walk over.

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.

If you don't live in the immediate area you're probably not coming out of your way to come to this…read morelittle park, but if you happen to be passing through, or doing your groceries, and want to stretch your legs - this is a charming spot to do so! Basically, the trailhead is at the Hannaford parking lot - there's three or four dedicated spots for the Jones-Bonney Turnery Village Park. The small preserve (I think the sign said 20 or 22 acres) has a half mile loop that's mostly trees, but has a bit of a lookout over the Nezinscot River. It's an easy walking trail, dogs are allowed on a leash, and of course - be sure to always carry in, carry out!