This is one of my favorite places in Maine. I happened upon here randomly and was so delighted to…read morehave 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.

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

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

It's been a very long time since I've been here and I'll be coming here more frequently…read more The beach is amazing, very sandy, clean, and lots of space. We went on a hot day and I was worried it would be packed. We were still able to get parking and there was TONS of space free on the beach. When it is low tide you can walk out to Fox island as well. I would say it's like OOB without the massive crowds, traffic and overpriced food. There are bathrooms here which are very clean. And unlike at OOB you don't have to pay to use some of them or go into a nasty port-a-poty. Since it is a state park you have to pay to get in but children are free and Maine residents are $3 an adult. Not too bad really.

Huge parking lot and free during the off season. Looked beautiful even on a crappy day! Ventured…read more here because I was staying close by in Phippsburg. Wish I had better weather but will definitely come back when I return in October!

This trail is very beautiful and I would recommend to anyone who likes to hike. The trail goes off…read morein many directions and winds around the island. It is one of the prettiest trails I've been on, and it's filled with fantastic views of the water. Despite the name, it's not as horribly hard as it sounds, the harder part is getting down and up from the road. There is some parking, but not a huge lot. It is peaceful and quiet here.

These trails are only a short distance from Brunswick and are worth a visit. Parking is…read moreconveniently located off of Rte 24 and the trails are located on both sides of the road. We enjoyed the trails on the east side more. The hikes are relatively easy and provide decent views however the proximity to the road provides a constant noise from nearby cars. Overall a pleasant experience, though.

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.

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.

Great 2 mile hike to the beach (4mi total). Easy, free parking at the trailhead. This is an easy…read morehike that even little ones can do. Mostly shaded. But y'all, DO NOT FORGET THE BUG SPRAY. Let's say you arrive, start walking, and remember shoot! We left the bug spray in the car! TURN AROUND AND GET THE BUG SPRAY. Let's say you arrive, start walking, and remember shoot! We left the bug spray in the hotel! TURN AROUND, DRIVE HOME AND GET THE BUG SPRAY. I'm not exaggerating here - the bugs are a HUGE issue. We *gasp!* FORGOT THE BUG SPRAY, and suffered the consequences for the next 3 days of our trip. Literally hundreds of bites on every person. DO NOT NEGLECT TO BUG SPRAY. That aside, this was AWESOME!!! Such a gorgeous hike and then the beach!! THE BEACH!! Amazing. We visited Popham State Park later in the week and it could not compare to the beauty of this secluded beach. We were almost the only ones there! I wish I had understood how lovely it would be in advance... I would have packed a backpack lunch and spent the day there. As it was, we were all fully clothed but that didn't stop most of us from getting in the water. Do plan to spend some time here!

Such a lovely 4 mile hike. This place has everything. Marshes, forests , mountain, and a beach…read more The day was sunny and 38 and oh breathtaking. I have hiked here a lot. In July and August there are a lot of insects that bite so I would avoid it then. Otherwise this place is a gem. The ocean water at the beach was super sparkly. Gorgeous. Maine is nice ...worth a memory worth a lifetime!! Enjoy

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.

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? Yes. Loop trail? Yes. Well marked signs? Yes. Element of surprise? Yes. This is one of my favorite little hikes in Maine. I fell in love with it immediately (even if I can't remember the name and keep calling it the Bijou Flower Forest). It has my favorite four things: parking, a loop trail, extremely well marked signs, and constant elements of surprise that even if you know about because you read about them online are *STILL* amazing when you see them in real life. The trails are extremely well maintained and easy to navigate. You first come into a meadow; and then, there's another meadow to your right, but to the left is the forest itself. The ever present sign of what is located where allows you to lose yourself in the beauty of this natural space because you know you can't lose your way. Waterfall this way. Hundred foot rock this way. Laurel this way. And what a lovely waterfall it is. You can hear it rushing before you approach it. There's a little bench placed literally directly in front of it so you can just sit and be. The brook it creates winds along much of the rest of the trail you'll take so expect to crisscross it a few times via bridge or plank or even a big ol' hop. (NOTE: I can't speak to what this place looks like in a summer drought, but I came in autumn after some rain and it was a spectacular sight, and loud too! I bet it's just as stunning in spring.) The hundred foot rock is unexpected even though there are signs for it. Because, you look up and suddenly it isn't just trees around you but a literal massive boulder. Regarding the laurel, alas I didn't see it when I came because it's in bloom in June and July, I think. Apparently it's one of the northernmost stands of mountain laurels in New England, so you know I'll be back next summer. While I didn't see any flowers, I did see an abundance of rock tripe, which honestly looked like giant scales of some mythical creature (it's really just lichen). Magical? This place is absolutely that.

This is a lovely loop trail. We visited in the fall so there was no waterfall but even without it…read moreis a nice hike. The big rocks are definitely worth seeing. Our hike took about an hour. The trail is well-marked with painted blue dots on the trees. The hardest part is finding the trail. These directions are copied from the Phippsburg land trust website: Follow Route 209 into Phippsburg, if coming from out of town. At the Stony Brook Road, turn right (the Stony Brook Road is about 3.5 miles from the causeway at the Phippsburg/Bath town line). Devil's Highway is a left hand turn about .6 miles from the start of the Stony Brook Road. It is not always well signed (kids tend to run off with the road sign), but it is a dirt road with a fairly wide opening onto the Stony Brook Road with mailboxes. The left turn comes just as the Stony Brook Road is making a noticable turn.. If you've come to the Fuller Mountain Road, a similar left hand turn, you've gone too far. The parking area is on the left as you travel Devil's Highway; I believe it is about .4 miles onto Devil's Highway. It is just past the third house on the right, I believe. You can't see it on the Google Earth map, because it is a small wooded parking area (perhaps 4 cars can park there). If you come to the the area where there is a side road off to the left with houses, you've gone too far. There is a small PLT sign in the parking area.

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.