I wasn't really sure what to expect with Cousins River Trail, but it was one of our favorite nature…read morepaths we've explored recently. It's easy to access: tucked directly behind the YMCA off Old South Freeport Rd, there's plenty of parking. And the trail itself is EXTREMELY well marked (as you'll see in my photos). We were so impressed with how many signs there were and how well maintained the paths were -- nothing confusing here! When we came we were treated to lots of fiddleheads and birds and squirrels; and nobody else despite it being a beautiful spring afternoon. There's something kind of magical about walking through the woods without another soul in sight -- seven billion of us on the planet, and for a brief moment you have a piece of nature all to yourself? Maine, am I right? Also, the trees here felt MUCH BIGGER than I've experienced elsewhere nearby. I don't know if it's because much of the trail sits low in what feels like a bit of a valley, but it was just SUCH a lovely walk (a bit hilly in areas so heads-up there). We went all the way down to the marshy shoreline of Cousins River (where wa watched someone in the distance digging for clams) and were just really pleased with this new-to-us discovery!

I saw some reviews of this and decided to check it out . Great parking and really nice trails. I…read moredid get a little confused and took the trail to the left which was really short and lead to a street . Once we got going we wandered to the river and it was great . This time of year remember your bug spray, they were a little too happy to greet us when we got too close to the river. I would definitely go back. Maybe a little challenging for really little kids and definitely not a stroller trail. A real escape from everything.

What a wonderful spot to talk a walk. Couple different trails or one loop that is super quick. They…read morehave garbages along the way. Lots of dogs and so many beautiful views!

It was beautiful but not well marked. We got lost and ended up on private property (oops!). It was…read morenice once we got back on track. Thank you!

We were passing through and needed a bathroom. And this parks bathrooms were very nice and CLEAN!!…read moreI would recommend!!

Update: I love this…read morepark and I love that people bring there well behaved dogs here so they can walk and have fun. Just an FYI there is an overweight boomer woman who has a small white dog who was at the park yesterday giving people hell for having their dog off leash. She picked up her dog and as her dog was wagging its tail and clearly wanted to get down and play began, she began a slue of micro aggressions about how her dog was "reacting" and she was having "panic attack" lady, don't bring your dog here if you can't be around other dogs. Also, this park is only "on leash" for the first 100 feet and then dogs are allowed off leash. She is a miserable, mean and nasty boomer who needs to chill and stay away from Clifford park with that attitude. Her dog was cute though but I feel bad for it.

This is a lovely state park with stunning views of the coastline and opportunity to scramble along…read morerocks at the water's edge. Although it does not have a beach, Two Lights State Park was a fun place to explore for our family. It has clean restroom facilities and picnic tables if you want to enjoy lunch. Away from the coastline, the park also has a wooded trail that provides respite from the sun. The only downside is that NO lighthouses are visible within the park. Instead, you'll have to turn right just outside the park and drive about a half-mile toward a seafood restaurant and tiny beach. However, the view of the lighthouse is partially obstructed by a mega-mansion under construction. That said, we managed to capture a photo of the famous lighthouse (from the Edward Hopper painting) by going up a private street (Two Lights Terrace) for a quick photo. It's unfortunate the state park did not acquire the land where the restaurant is located and block the construction of private housing.

The parks in the Cape Elizabeth area are all amazing and the Two Lights State Park is no…read moreexception. This particular park is a bit deceiving in that the name two lights might make you think you are going to see 2 lights, there is only one on the mainland, and the other is 17 miles out to sea. But who really cares when the park gives you the amazing views that it does! The trails wind on the upper cliffs of the shoreline and provide an awesome view of Casco Bay and the ocean. Along the walking trails are benches and picnic tables where you can take pause and be at one with the ocean. The views of the crashing waves and the rocky shoreline are amazing!

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.

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

I always like finding trails that surprise me, and Mill Brook Preserve did just that. I can't…read morebelieve the number of times I've driven by the corner of Bridgton Rd (Route 302) and Methodist Rd and never realized there was a little pull-off for a few cars. This is where the northern trailhead is, and apparently there are three other trailheads: across the street from Willow Drive, down further Methodist, and on Perry Court! I feel like no matter which way you enter this 5ish mile trail system in Westbrook, you're going to experience and see something different. Which leads me to what I love and what I loathe about this trail: I love that it feels like it's hidden in plain sight, I loathe that it's not a loop (I'm not a fan of in-and-out trails, I just want one continuous walking path, y'know?). I'm not sure how deep I made it before turning around, but I know there are fish viewing ponds to the north and to the south... because, fun fact, Mill Brook Preserve is also the home to the largest annual migration of alewife fish from Casco Bay to Highland Lake (best viewing time is mid May to early June)! I appreciated how well marked the trail was (and how it followed/hugged the brook the whole time; who doesn't love being surrounded by water sounds and enormous trees?! yes, you can hear the traffic at times, but I found the running water and birdsong to be much louder), and how there were some more challenging spots. I'd like to come back and enter from the south next time!

Northern Trailhead - this is my first time hiking this preserve and while the hiking was really…read morenice the lack of trail markings once you get onto the trail was a bit concerning as at beginning of the trail there were white signs and soon turned to blue markings on the trees but for some time there was no markings at all and as there are multiple looking trails, I got a bit turned around but was lucky enough to meet some locals that assured me I was on the actual trail ....... I would have hiked meeting up with the other sections of the preserve I just was not feeling secure in the marking to be able to find my way back. I will probably try some of the other sections but start at the other trailheads and hope the trail markings are better.

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

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!

I've never come to Winslow to camp but I've been here a few times to walk. It's a pretty area of…read moreFreeport that has a playground and lots of little paths and places to explore. People love dogs. I know that, I understand that, but I am not one of those people. The amount of people who take their dogs off the leash and let them run wild is just crazy. Every few feet when I'm just trying to enjoy a leisurely walk, a dog comes running up out of nowhere and I've even had a few try to jump on me. The owners never apologize and just laugh it off. Not only am I allergic to dogs, but they make me very uncomfortable. I wish people would respect that just because "he's a good boy, don't worry" doesn't mean that everyone sees it that way! I'm sure people will say that it's my own fault for going back, I just feel that people should keep their dog on a leash if they can't control them.

Great location, strong amenities for outings, including outbuilding structures likethe pavilion…read morethat our church outing group used, The playground for the kids was robust. After eating, we wandered down to the beach with our chairs and the tide was out. A few people wandered past us towards the water before we had the opportunity and it was mud and muck all the way out. If the tide was in up to the edge of the sand. It might be different, but I'm not sure how much because sand is sand at the end of the day. I had been here once before dropping my son off 10+ years ago for Cub Scout camp and thought Jesus this is a nice place to return to but coming back as a patron it would not be a place I would revisit because the water access was blocked by 100 yards of mud flats with the tide out. Yes there was water or rinsing stations to clean yourself up, but I would have to pass. Not worth going in.