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.

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.

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.

Well this was not what I expected. I thought I was going on a leisurely walk with water views …read more The good things are lots of parking , beautiful views , cool breeze on a very hot day and luckily a VERY well marked trail. Good thing it was marked so well as I would surely have been lost . It was a great hike around the loop but only for the sure footed, lots of exposed roots , rocks and tons of pine needles. You really needed to be paying attention to the trail markings and your footing . That being said it was a lovely hike and I would go again. Side note one of the cleanest port a potty's I have ever seen

You know those movies where you see people running hard and fast like they're trying to escape…read moresomeone or something, and then out of nowhere they stop abruptly, tripping over themselves because they're at the edge of a visually stunning cliff scene they apparently knew nothing about? That's Wilson Cove Trail. ... Except now you know about it, so... The somewhat winding walk through the beautiful and peaceful woods (which are just as charming and whimsical as Widgeon Cove Trail located almost directly across the street) is only about a half mile long roundtrip, and yes - it ends quite suddenly at a cliff overgrown with trees looking out at Wilson's Cove and Middle Bay. You can't really go too far left or right off the path here because either side of this conservation area is private property (you'll see the enormous signs, don't worry), but you can - very carefully- take a seat on roots near the edge of the trail and take in the dramatic views of sparkling ocean water, golden seaweed, lobster boats, and spectacular horizon line of woodland in the distance (especially breathtaking in the fall). I would encourage you to bring a picnic lunch and take some time to slooooow doooowwwwn (and remember: always practice "carry in, carry out" please!). It's a pretty manageable walk for all levels (kids, dogs, you name it), just mind the steep drop-off at the end (and maybe don't recreate any scenes from things you saw on TV, okay?).

This short trail is an easy hike for those who don't want to tackle more demanding slopes, but the…read morewalk to Middle Bay is well worth your time (1 mile in and out, I think). The forest on your way is mostly conifers with an open pipeline area that should feature a few birds if you wait patiently. My pleasure on this trail is reaching the water, since you can enjoy views to neighboring islands and the far shore. Plenty of sea ducks around, sometimes shore birds, and you have a good chance of seeing bald eagles or ospreys that nest along the shorelines here. Sit on the edge of the drop off with a lunch, a book or your binocular and you will be glad you took the walk.

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.

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.

A wonderful little out and back hike with a beautiful outlook over Winnegance Bay. This trail…read moreallows leashed dogs, hiking, and bikers. The length is 1.6 miles which includes the shore line piece that is off to your left at the waterfront. Some of the waterfront trail is tricky if it's icy or if you have littles so use caution.