Goose Rocks Beach is beautiful. This is the second time that we have stayed in this area…read more My family and I rented a home for a few days within walking distance of the beach. The beach was immaculately clean, and I was happy that in early June, we were allowed to bring the dogs on the beach all day (as long as they were leashed).

This is one of the spectacular beaches in Maine, so clean and just absolutely stunning…read more My favorite time to visit the beach is in wintertime when only a few brave souls venture out to take in the beauty and drink in the solitude. Houses line the street across from the beach and I can imagine the flurry of beach lovers and sun worshippers who will be enjoying surf and sand in the summertime. On street parking.

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? Kind of. Well marked signs? Kind of. Element of surprise? Eh, kind of? "Welcome to the Hilton-Winn Preserve... this 48,000 acre area is the largest, intact (minimally fragmented by roads coastal forest from Acadia National Park to the New Jersey Pine Barrens. A unique confluence of northern and southern species of plants and animals lie here, making it the most biologically diverse region in Maine." That's what the sign says when you arrive. How cool sounding!!! All of that may be true, but I have to admit that I actually have no idea what's going on here; because whatever you see online or at the information kiosk (under "Trails & Rules") regarding the trail map is not totally the truth. Yes, there's *a lot* of signs, but there's *a lot* of signs for trails that don't exist on the map. Does that make sense? Like, I started on Boardwalk Trail (very clearly labeled both on the map and on the trail itself) through forested wetland, went to Hilton Lane (very clearly labeled both on the map and on the trail itself), went to Loop Trail (which was actually pretty cool because it crosses the Ogunquit River twice -- there's a sturdy cable connecting trees on the opposing banks of the river to help you navigate your way across; when I came, however, this was unnecessary because there was no water in the river at all [August in Maine; everything's dried up due to the drought]) and then this is where things got weird. Because Loop Trail should have "looped" back to Hilton, but it didn't. So I backtracked all the way to the original part of Hilton I deviated from and this time walked up to River Trail (clearly labeled both on the map and on the trail itself), which seemed misnamed: does it follow the Tatnic Brook? Maybe, but again - no signs of water whatsoever. This then brought me to Breen-Norris Farm Trail... and then to Grandma's Wishing Bridge (which was collapsed), Imagination Pond (which was definitely not real no matter how hard I tried to believe), Stone Wall Way (there were no stone walls), Holding Pen (a collapsed wooden "pen"), an enormous field, and Green Horse Trail (there were no green horses; I'm guessing they escaped the pen, kicked the stone walls down, drank the water from the pond, destroyed Nana's bridge, and are living their life somewhere in that giant field). I took pictures for proof, and also: none of that was on any map. Was it an adventure? Sure. Did I sweat? A whole lot. Would I come back here? Nope. Too scared about where the horses may or may not be.

This picturesque park is the perfect place for a walk. The mostly flat, 1 mile loop is not…read moreparticularly buggy and there are lookout points with benches if you need a rest or just want to sit and enjoy the view. It also creates the perfect place for reflection, perhaps to meditate or journal. Pro Tip - Grab a flyer from the Visitor Center or look up the website on your phone before you start the trail so you know what each marker on the trail means. The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is also dog friendly. Although, there really isn't a trashcan to throw away potty bags. It's usually not too busy when I've been there, but I'm usually there in the morning. When you start the trail, there is info on Rachel Carson's environmental contributions and life along with what wildlife you might see during your walk. There is a small parking lot. I haven't had trouble finding parking before; although, I'm not sure if it's the timing of when I've been there or if it just seems to be a locals place that the tourists haven't discovered yet.

I once again visited this NWR shortly after sunrise and once again had the trail to almost to…read moremyself. The other visitors, though a few may have been residents, were a multitude of gulls, a pair of chipmunks, one great blue heron and a kingfisher. 3 Claps.

The beach itself is beautiful and the staff is friendly and helpful. The restrooms are fine…read more However, please beware of the parking stations that have difficulty with credit cards, fail to provide receipts, and require the estimated hours you think you will spend.

Beautiful beach. The water is quite cold, but it's in Maine, so no surprise. Love all the rocks and…read morepuddles around too!!!!

Driving through Berwick and needed to stretch my legs quick from long days drive. This is a cute…read morelittle spot just off of the main road with bench seating and small parking area to do just that while listening to the waters roll over the dam. No restrooms here but there is a gas station just up the street to grab a snack and take care of business if needed. Quick drop in launch location perfect for kayak or paddle board with slow moving waters after the dam. Pack in and pack out as there is no trash can here either. Perfect stop for a quick break before continuing the journey!

This quarter-mile long crescent-shaped beach is not far from the Nubble Lighthouse though you can't…read moresee it from here. The park has public restrooms (closed because of the pandemic), seasonal lifeguards, metered parking, a playground, basketball courts and a gazebo. A walkway follows the beach and includes several benches if you'd like to have a seat and look at the water. [Review 14906 overall, 408 of 2021, number 88 in Maine.]

I absolutely looooooove this park! Having formerly lived a stone's throw from here on Mechanic…read moreStreet, I would frequent this park on the daily back in the day. It is a staple in Strawbery Banke and Portsmouth. It is always so super clean, there are bathrooms available, there is street parking nearby, and it is actually quite large and has a lot to offer. In the summertime they offer plays on their stage that are free to the public, as well as other shows for a small fee. Several musicians play here too (Ani DiFranco, anyone?!), and people usually bring their chairs or blankets and camp out on the grass to watch the entertainment. There is plenty of green space, but there are also walkways, and benches scattered throughout. Toward the front end of the park, there is a wildflower garden with a fountain that operates during the summer months. There is a vegetable and herb garden that is within the center of the park as well that members of the park can pay into if they wish to do so. There is also a composting station toward the back end of the park too. This park is very green friendly, no pun intended! My favorite part of the park though are the docks that jut out into the Piscataqua River. There are three if I'm not mistaken, and there are benches on each for your sitting and viewing pleasure. It is a very tranquil, relaxing, and quiet park off the beaten path right on the outskirts of the downtown area heading into Strawbery Banke. River boats also depart from here, and you can buy your tickets on the Prescott Park website. Overall, this is one of my favorite parks, not only for what it offers, but for what it symbolizes for me, which is pure happiness and nostalgia. I come here every time I'm down town, and it really never gets old. Keep up the good work, Portsmouth :)

It's romantic. Lots to see and happy kids. It's got a great view and I always find it enjoyable to…read moretake a stroll on through and people-watch.

This is just a patch of woods behind the John F Hill Grange Hall. Just a patch of woods that…read moresomehow feels like the ever so charming, whimsical, and enchanting Hundred Acre Wood AND a creepy horror film set where some ominous presence looms just beyond (beyond what? you're imagination? an actual tree? you'll never know until it's too late) at the same time! In all seriousness this is a fantastic quick walk (less than a mile and almost entirely flat) in a patch of forest and wetland that has very, very, very tall trees (when its overcast, it feels like they're looming; but when sun streams through them it feels almost fairytale like). In sections, the trees are also PERFECTLY in a row with each other. Was this extreme linear placement intentional? I don't know but it's fascinating. The trail features a variety of habitats, streams, and wooden planks/bog bridges. If you're passing through the area, and wanna stretch your legs and get some fresh air I'd highly encourage you check this spot out. I know it sounds like just another stroll through the woods, but honestly there's just something different happening here. Something palpable in the atmosphere, some secret the trees themselves only know, but I'll be making this a regular haunt during late October.