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Topsham, ME

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Cathance River Nature Reserve Trails

4.8 (4 reviews)

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Cliff Trail - Fairy houses

Cliff Trail

4.5(10 reviews)
9.5 mi

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

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Cliff Trail - Found one!

Found one!

Cliff Trail - Look around!

Look around!

Cliff Trail - Fairy houses

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Fairy houses

Skolfield Shores Preserve

Skolfield Shores Preserve

4.8(6 reviews)
6.8 mi

For me, this is a destination walking trail and one I'm excited to check out again and again…read morethroughout the seasons. So if you're in the Brunswick area, be sure to make your way to Skolfield Shores Preserve - it's got a little bit of everything that makes Maine's notable natural world so great: thick forest, salt marshes, fields, ocean views, wildlife, Parking is in front of the Merruconnegan Farm (when you see the large Harpswell Heritage Land Trust kiosk, you're in the right place!) - note that this is a working farm, so be thoughtful of their privacy and stick to the trail (which is extremely well marked). The trail itself is super accessible and sort of shaped like a big figure eight (Hemlock Loop with a wooden bridge that connects to Merrucoonegan Loop) with a spur trail beforehand that leads down to a beautiful meadow, the shore, and a historic boathouse... which is a dramatic, sweeping, stunning site straight off a postcard for the state of Maine. It overlooks Middle Bay Cove and couldn't be more peaceful or lovely. Sit and stay a while; enjoy the incredible birds here (osprey, meadowlarks, eagles), the hermit crabs that apparently come out in spring, the remoteness, and the very cool broken shell "beach" area. Afterwards, continue your walk, keep an eye out for hen of the woods mushrooms, and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Please, please, please practice "carry in, carry out", be careful of tickets, and remember to wear blaze orange during hunting seasons.

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.

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Skolfield Shores Preserve
Skolfield Shores Preserve
Skolfield Shores Preserve - Trail bridge

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Trail bridge

Androscoggin Riverwalk - About 1.2 both ways of walking paths.

Androscoggin Riverwalk

4.5(4 reviews)
2.3 mi

Maine, especially in the Fall season, has some beautiful scenery that can be viewed if you take the…read moretime to park and walk to some of these areas. The Androscoggin Riverwalk is a good size walk and is well lit for those who prefer to walk late at night, especially if you work all day. You can access it from several points including adjacent to TD Bank, at Great Falls Plaza area, across the street by Grittys and down by the two parks along Main Street. The start of the Riverwalk is within easy walking distance of the Hilton Garden and on the other side of the river is the Hampton Inn. If you feel adventurous you can head towards the falls and there is a trailer that leads to an observation deck that overlooks the falls themselves. On a day where the locks are open, you may get some over-spray, but the observation deck is where they launch the fireworks from every 4th of July. The path does connect with the railroad bridge bringing you back to the Lewiston side at Rail Road park where they have concerts once in a while as well as the yearly Great Falls Balloon Festival. The next time I get down the Riverwalk, I will be sure to get some photos and post them of some of the views you will experience.

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.

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Androscoggin Riverwalk
Androscoggin Riverwalk
Androscoggin Riverwalk

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Widgeon Cove Trail - Parallel plank path.

Widgeon Cove Trail

5.0(2 reviews)
7.3 mi

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.

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Widgeon Cove Trail - Widgeon Cove itself!

Widgeon Cove itself!

Widgeon Cove Trail - Widget Cove Trail!

Widget Cove Trail!

Widgeon Cove Trail

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Johnson Field Preserve and Mackerel Cove - Distance, elevation, and approximate moving time.

Johnson Field Preserve and Mackerel Cove

3.7(3 reviews)
9.3 mi

This is a great natural place if you have a chance to visit. I was hear for a wedding and it made a…read moremagnificent backdrop. The couple loves nature and are often out rowing and hiking. This place made their special day even more special. This is also a great backround for pictures that are picturesque and won't be soon forgotten. Getting here is no treat, though. There is not much parking and walking can be challenging with a huge hill to walk down to get here.

I know that Mackeral Cove is stunning and a picturesque spot (driving by, you can't help but have…read moreyour breath taken away at the perfect scene: blue waters, lobster boats, it's charming!), but every time I came this past winter the beach was absolutely covered in trash. Shattered glass, crushed cans, piles of takeout containers/wrappers, plastic chunks broken off of who knows what, lobster bands everywhere, cigarette butts, you name it. I completely understand and respect that this is a working waterfront, but I've never actually seen anything quite this disgusting on the Maine coast before (I've lived here all my life). Yes, we did our part to pick as much up as we could; and, who knows, maybe folks go out of their way to keep it much cleaner in the nicer weather. But as a local who frequents this area? I'm all set right now. If you're out this way, visit Land's End and Giant's Stairs Trail, but let the visual you get simply from passing by Mackerel Cove be enough.

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Johnson Field Preserve and Mackerel Cove
Johnson Field Preserve and Mackerel Cove
Johnson Field Preserve and Mackerel Cove - View from the preserve.

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View from the preserve.

Cathance River Nature Reserve Trails - hiking - Updated November 2026

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