Very underrated from the information we found online but we were in the area so decided to go. I'm so 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. read more

Giant's Stairs Trail - Flowers along the way. - Beaches Near Me - Harpswell, Maine

See all

If you are on Bailey Island I recommend a stop at Giant's Stairs Trail. There are directional signs 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. read more

See all

We stopped here on our way to Arcadia park as it was heavily suggested by everyone. For me, it was a letdown! Don't get me wrong! The drive to this location is amazing but the actual place is nothing amazing. There are many such places in Maine an on your way to Arcadia National park. The giant stairs board was so small that we almost missed it. Worthy of a detour only if you have time else Arcadia park is much better with much better view points read more

See all

A great underrated/hidden gem of the coastal area in Maine. Not as popular as some of the more visited coastal spots but I think this place is a must visit. Nice trail that anyone could handle walking along with plenty of rocks to climb and explore with breathtaking ocean views. You'll be wanting to sit down and just take it all in! Park in the designated areas and stay on the malted trails while avoiding going on private property. A must visit for those that love nature, especialy coastal/rocky spots! read more

See all

This is one of the hidden gems of the midcoast area! It's free and it's 5 mins from Land's End, Mackerel cove, and the Cobblestone bridge. This is all in Harpswell, if your local you should check this out. If your visiting this is a great place to see the ocean, and the coastline. If you have children or pets you will want to keep and eye on them, since it can be dangerous If you get too close to edge . read more

Giant's Stairs Trail - Beaches Near Me - Harpswell, Maine

This is one of my favorite places in Maine. I happened upon here randomly and was so delighted to have found my way to these islands. I think the word is "quaint", which best describes this whole area. It's not as popular as other places on the coast and even though it's not a secret, I haven't ever seen it get "busy". There's so much about the area that's beautiful but this is the place I take everyone who comes to visit me. It's the same kind of geological formations as you see in the two light area of Cape Elizabeth, but way less people and the rocks are all on their side instead of laying flat. The Giant Stairs are beautiful regardless of the weather, but coming here on a nice day when the sea sparkles is really nothing short of magical. I love the way it's "set up" because you keep the mystery hidden behind the cottages/houses and you park where the designated spots are, you walk backwards towards the main road, turn down to the entrance of the trail, and the whole thing is this dramatic appearance of a beautiful Maine coastline. It's not a crazy hike so you don't need to worry about people's skill, and everyone loves the view. I love the little shop right there as well. It's got all these cute kitschy Maine things and it's not overpriced for a "touristy" place. I hope this review doesn't end up ruining a perfectly wonderful thing, so try not to put this on your "top 10 things to do in Maine" listicles. But do go, the drive alone is worth it. read more

Giant's Stairs Trail - Foggy - Beaches Near Me - Harpswell, Maine

In 1910 Captain Henry and Joanna Sinnett donated land adjacent to the ocean for public use. To this day, folks walk the trail for the spectacular views of the Atlantic, the crashing waves against the jagged coast, and the incredibly unique rock formation known as Giant's Stairs - or Giant's Steps - which were formed by a "differential erosion of an intrusive volcanic dike" (I read that somewhere). I have sat in a boat on the ocean looking out at Giant's Stairs. I have sat on Giant's Stairs looking out at the boats in the ocean. Both presented breathtaking views. I believe this area of our great state is one of the easiest ways to fall in love with Maine (if you haven't already). It's the very definition of awesome ("inspiring an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, or fear; causing or inducing awe"). The deep, dark blue of the mysterious Atlantic, the fearsome looking craggy rocks that break to look like some sort of natural art instillation of, yes, stairs for giants. Take your time exploring the area (but be respectful and stay on the trail or the rocks themselves as much of what's nearby is private property); the flora and fauna are beautiful, the trail is easy enough that anyone can walk it/the more adventurous souls can wander down the rocks, and breathe in the salty air. And maybe you'll see a seal, or the way the ocean mist turns into rainbows... this is truly a magical spot. read more

See all

I found the triail fairly easy to walk, there were some rocks to climb on and over, small ones, but this was near the "far" parking lot. The one near the church is the place to park, church on your left and keep going straight to the parking lot. Trail on your right. The VIEWS ARE AMAZING! Takes about 30 minutes from Brunswick, but rural and pretty. Summer time Cooks Seafood will be open next to the bridge that goes from Orrs Island to Bailey's Island where Giant's Stairs Trail is located. Go...so pretty. read more

This is a beautiful drive to and just watch for parking. Signage is fairly good. Not far from the road on a narrow path. Wear sturdy shoes and explore. The sound of the ocean and smell of salt & blooming flowers is so serene. read more

See all

Giant's Stairs 4 During our 9-day trip through all 16 counties of Maine, we saw a lot! Preparation for the vacation included significant online research, scouring every top 10 points of interest list within the state, as well as top 10 lists of the greatest hidden gems Maine has to offer. We compiled quite the itinerary. Interestingly, Giant's Stairs appeared on exactly NONE of these lists. This is an opportunity for you to escape the crowds and leave the tourists behind if you choose to go. It was actually while looking at Google Maps, combing through the tips of each peninsula on Maine's wildly jagged coastline, that I came across a label on noting "Giant's Stairs." What could this be? So we drove 30 minutes south of the adorable town of Bath, all the way down to picturesque Bailey Island, crossing the world's only cribstone bridge, slithering on windy roads to the edge of the continent, only to pass right by the destination without noticing! After hitting the southern terminus of Washington Avenue and backtracking a few feet, we noticed a small sign shrouded in shrubbery at GPS coordinates 43.723504 N, 69.995267 W, pointing the way to Giant's Stairs. We took one of the limited parking spots along the road and began our short walk. Following the narrow path, you'll weave your way through dense flora toward the sound of crashing waves before emerging atop a substantial outcropping of basalt and quartz rock. Here, you'll find the ocean powerfully battering the shore at high tide, with skinny dirt paths meandering through the dense undergrowth perched along the seaside cliffs. This is a hidden gem worth the effort, but check the Internet for high tide before you arrive to maximize your wonderment! read more

I really wouldn't call this a hiking trail. Just a gorgeous walk along the beach. A very rocky walk. Wear supportive shoes with good grip. The views are stunning. Parking is limited. Bring your camera. Even though the trail is maybe 1/4 mile - you will easily spend 1/2 hour here. read more

See all

Beautiful place in Maine . I could just sit and watch the bay for hours from here . A hidden neighborhood with incredible views read more

Giant's Stairs Trail - Beaches Near Me - Harpswell, Maine

See all

It's a bit confusing for parking, (choose the small church lot or turn right at the church to find some more parking at the McIntosh Lot end) but once you've gotten that figured out and head down the steep hill you're in for a treat. There's a gravel cliff walk with breathtaking views and crashing surf, especially at high tide. Several places to step out and clamber over the rocks and take even more photos. Depending on tide level, other people and tolerance for adventure, you can make your way down very close to the waters edge. As always when exploring the rocky coast, watch for rogue waves that can sweep you off as well as slippery wet areas. read more

See all

I live near the coast of Maine yet the closest coastal areas to me are a rather muddy clam flat or a tidal inlet. Do not get me wrong, they are beautiful areas in their own right, but occasionally I need my fix of open ocean. The Giant Stairs in Harpswell are a close and beautiful way to scratch that itch. Parking can be difficult and I beg you to please respect the private properties extremely close to public right of way (if we don't we will lose access to these gems!!) read more

Giant's Stairs Trail - Beaches Near Me - Harpswell, Maine

See all

This is one of my favorite coastal spots in Maine. They have a few parking spots by the Episcopal church as well as just down the street. I'd definitely recommend going there for a sunrise during non-tourist season if you can. Quiet, calm, no traffic.. Just you, waves, and a gull or two. Definitely Google Harpswell Heritage Land Trust for their other properties. They're sprinkled all around the islands and all have a unique thing to offer! read more

Giant's Stairs Trail - Sunrise! - Beaches Near Me - Harpswell, Maine

Fun trail. Crashy waves! Not for the mobility challenged, however. No places to sit for those that cannot make it

There are two parking areas, I only found one at the Episcopal church (1-99 ocean street) but you can only park when there isn't a service so avoid Sunday church hours. We came for sunrise and the views were beautiful. Loved climbing over all the rocks and some of the stone is actually quartz. Overall, this place is really not that big and very similar to the rocks at Portland headlight if you hop over the fence. Although, it's small I didn't mind since I was going to sunrise too read more

Giant's Stairs Trail - Beaches Near Me - Harpswell, Maine

See all

Breathtaking! Go at high tide. The hike is not challenging but wear shows with a good tread.

I Love this Place. It is a perfect mix of tranquillity, ruggedness and shelter. This is the Best of the quick taste of Maine that I have been able to find here in my neck of the woods! It is a good place for sitting, a quick walk in with plenty of spots to pull off the trail and enjoy the seascape. The parking is up the hill at the All Saints By The Sea Episcopal chapel. Please pick up a handful of litter while here. read more

See all

A beautiful manageable walk along a nice short trail! The actual stairs are nice to look at but slightly underwhelming. The amazing view of the ocean makes up for it though, in addition to the foliage and flowers. The actual rocks are quite uneven-- so would recommend shoes with some traction on the soles. read more

See all

Amazing views! Great for taking photos. Sneakers are a must. We enjoyed climbing down the rocks down to the water. It was chilly out but worth the views. read more

See all

Just another gorgeous natural Maine coastal attraction . Path is pretty icy in winter and j hope to return in warmer weather to fully experience this. Baileys Island is beautiful and this spot is no exception. Parking for 10-12 cars along road clearly marked. Two entrances though the brush, one with a "boarded" path. read more

This is a must stop for any site seer in Maine. It's an easy 15 minute walk but the views will keep you there longer. Worth the drive. We'll definitely be back on our next trip to Maine. read more

This is a must see. My husband and I had no idea about this place. We were planning on going to Damariscotta yesterday and then we said let's try Brunswick. We stopped at the Visitors Center and this very kind woman helped us and told us that we needed to see it. We are so glad that we did. It is so beautiful. We could have sat there for hours. We were so glad that we decided to change our plans. We are still planning on going to Damariscotta. read more

Rocks are absolutely breathtaking, HOWEVER!!... THERE IS A MISERABLE, MEAN, WOMAN who lives in the house right at the end of the street. Instead of being thankful that she gets to live in such a beautiful place, likely a result of inheritance or divorce settlement, she has decided to spend her time screaming at and belittling people who decide to spend one of their few vacation days driving far to see said breathtaking views. I am a doc who works insane hours in an environment that would stress out most normal people in less than an hour. Finally get a vacation, decide to drive up to Maine (about 7 hours from me) and one of the days decided to go check out Harpswell. This was about 2 hour drive from where we're staying in Maine. Finally get there to discover there's no parking lot aside from a small place to pull over with a sign that WAS CLEARLY NOT PUT UP BY THE STATE OF MAINE, WHICH IS ILLEGAL, that said "No parking, loading and unloading only, violators will be towed." I live in a city, I know people will make their own signs because they don't want people parking in front of their house. It's tempting until you find out it's illegal and can get fined for it. Also, in the city, "loading" means 10-15 min, so after driving all that way I said to my husband well just go quickly take a few pics and go. We were there maybe 10 min because my husband is so paranoid about car getting towed because in the city they'll tow you in a blink of an eye. Rocks were beautiful. Get in car, go to pull out and this preppy older woman comes to our car with her dog and gestures for me to put my window down. She starts with this attitude (were not afraid of you lady, we live in the hood), "well obviously you can read." Yes, B, that is a requirement in becoming a doctor. Then proceeds to tell at us all upset that we parked there and she had to see our car for a whole 2 min. She then admitted to putting that sign up herself and points to the house across the street, up a little bit, and says that's HER house. So basically that spot is NOT her property and even if it was HER property it's illegal to put up fraudulent street signs. SO, feel free to park there all you want! Or, someone should report this elitist wannabe monarch to the police. I don't like to talk about what I do for a living but for her to think that only people who can afford a beach front home deserves to view this beautiful public area is beyond insulting, especially since I doubt she has ever worked as hard as I do. (Not because she's a woman but she clearly has a lot of spare time and voids she needs to fill to keep life interesting). And to that homeowner, if you're reading this right now, we'll be sure to be just as welcoming to you if you ever grace us with your presence in Philly. (JK, we don't allow people who think they're better than others because they have a beach house chill w us). Also we feel really bad for your dog, who deserves a happier owner. read more

We did not come prepared to hike, but were able to easily navigate the trail with sandals and flip flops. I would recommend coming prepared with shoes for safer exploration of the rocks and shore. We spent over an hour exploring with our seven year old and everyone enjoyed the visit. read more

A beautiful and breathtaking nature wonder! There is a small path that was level and not difficult. The views of the cliffs and ocean waves were so beautiful. read more

There could be more parking, however the waves here are fantastic. It is perfect 'Maine' ocean with massive waves crashing, just sitting on a rock and enjoying life. read more

I was so pleasantly surprised by the Giants Stairs. I could picture myself renting one if the many vacation rentals overlooking the Stairs for the week and just sitting in the yard reading a good book and listening to the waves crash on the rocks. We saw a fox trotting through the area and lots of birds. read more

The most spectacular and popular trail in Harpswell, and accessible to all thanks to trail widening and upgrades. Fascinating rock formations reveal the geologic history of the area or you can just enjoy the wonderful scenery, looking out to Casco Bay and a number of islands. Most days you will see sea birds and waterfowl around and if you are lucky you might see harbor seals or porpoises. Yesterday the ocean was rolling thanks to the heavy south winds on Christmas Day. With the perfect sky it made for great scenery. read more

Short Hike (or climb) on Large basalt cliffs. Great views of the sea and stones. Easy trail. read more

This is one of the most beautiful spots in Maine. There are only about a dozen parking spots so don't go in the height of the summer. Wear flat shoes. This is not a place for the elderly as the trail down to the ocean is tricky. The trail is very short; but it is awkward to walk on for it seems the trail was carved out of tree limbs, so it is hard to get a good footing. But if you are sure footed, you will be rewarded with amazing views. It is the Marginal Way times ten! read more

Great place to spend a few hours - explore the rocks, watch the tide turn or simply sit and listen to the amazing ocean.

Beautiful! A must-see if you're around Bailey Island. If you don't want to do a ton of climbing, that's possible- there is a dirt/gravel trail that you can follow (watch out for poison ivy, though!!) that will give you a wonderful view of the waves crashing onto the rocks. Otherwise, wear sneakers (not flip-flops or you will break one or both ankles) and be prepared to do a bit of climbing and you will be able to spend a good bit of time exploring the rocks and watching the waves. read more

Heather and her Staff made our long weekend on Bailey Island extra special! We ate there 3 times and ordered out 1 time. Great chowder! My son loved the lobsters! My husband loved the lobster rolls. And, I loved the Blueberry Muffin French Toast! Onion rings are delicious. All of the fried seafood selections have a light breading that isn't too heavy or greasy. Thank you for making our visit delicious! read more