This was such a cool park to explore. Gorgeous trail along the water and we saw a pair of bald eagles! The pet cemetery was really sweet and such a fun surprise towards the end. read more

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I can practically see Mackworth Island from my livingroom window, and it's a quick drive--and also one of my favorite walks in Portland. It's no secret, of course, and as other reviewers have noted there isn't much parking. For some reason I've always been lucky that way and have always found a spot (to be sure, sometimes the only open one). What I recommend--giving away secrets here!--is to aim for just before or after prime times like first thing in the morning or lunchtime. Once you're there, this wonderful little island right smack in a city makes you feel like you're miles away. The trail is less than a mile and a half but you can easily linger in the many path detours to lookout points, several of which have benches with the most marvelous views out into the Casco Bay that you can find anywhere. I have a favorite spot to take a breather with a book and a good coffee, but I'm not letting on exactly where that is : ) I also highly recommend the side paths to the pet cemetery (not Pet Sematary!) where the original owner of the island, Governor Baxter, buried his many Irish Setters and one very special horse. Check out the tombstones; it's quite moving. Also be on the lookout for the famous fairy houses (hint: there's one main area and you'll likely find random little setups hidden throughout). I don't want to ruin the sense of discovery on Mackworth--that's part of the fun! read more

If you are planning to go to Mackworth Island, definitely have a backup plan because getting a parking spot in the summer is like winning the lottery. Yes, it is a dog friendly, family friendly 1.5 mile loop with beaches and beautiful ocean views--*if* you are lucky enough to get a spot. Today I wasn't. Like the other reviews state--if you don't get one of the coveted spots, you will be directed by the park ranger to leave immediately. Noteworthy, during the summer months I've been turned away at all times of day: in the morning, midday, afternoon, evening. Recommended backup plans could include the Eastern Prom Trail or Baxter Boulevard--there is plenty of parking at both and both are dog/family friendly and offer smooth trails with salt water views. Three stars--a solid five if you can get a spot but set your expectations low. read more

Mackworth Island Trail - Mackworth Island gate - Hiking Near Me - Falmouth, Maine

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Nice place to go for a morning stroll with good views. The history of the school is interesting also read more

This is such a hidden gem located right outside of downtown Portland. I'm so glad that our our air bnb host recommended checking it out. It took us about 30/45 minutes to walk the entire perimeter of the island and it was so beautiful. Dogs are allowed but have to be leashes. Highly recommend if you're looking for an active and peaceful outting. read more

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Lovely trail along the edges of the island but often in the shad. Look for Pet cemetery, fairy houses, and ocean views.

I'm only giving it a 3 today, simply because of parking issues. I'm going back when the weather is nice....and when I hike the trail, I'll likely bring it to a 5 star rating! So newbies, like I was today, be AWARE of a very tiny parking lot. Approach slowly and look down into the lot BEFORE pulling in (ignore the rude honkers behind you) if you pull in when there isn't a spot to park...you're stuck, there's nowhere to turn around. Simply be patient and wait for a car to come out and then pull down into the lot. I have a tiny Prius, and it was even hard to pull out when we left. I suggest backing into your spot if at all possible. Now we didn't walk the island trail yesterday but we walked the beach, found lots of seaglass. It was a beautiful afternoon. My daughter loved the views of Eastern Prom, and the lighthouses and fort off in the distance. I'm excited to go back again. read more

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My wife and I were on a road trip along the coast of Maine from Portland to Bar Harbor and back. We were heading out of Portland and someone at our hotel recommended this island trail. You cross a bridge and it is a couple of miles around and really pretty, with a great view of the water and nearby islands. The coolest thing is that there is a pet cemetery on the island. It was donated by the original owner to the state of Maine. This was totally worth a stop. Great recommendation! read more

I hesitate to write this review, because I don't want it to be so crowded that I won't be able to enjoy the beauty and peace of Mackworth, because it's crowded or noisy with chatty hikers/walkers. But I also want people to know the beauty of it as well. We decided to stop one afternoon when I finished at the Doctor's earlier than expected. There were tourists (out of state plates) but luckily we were able to find parking. Thankfully the chatty loud people were in the parking lot and not on the path. The path is well maintained and not overgrown - not too much of risk of brushing up against branches with ticks on them, although you should still be careful and dress appropriately. There are signs to keep you on the path, please be respectful as this path is adjacent to the school for the deaf. While you may want to reenact the Sound of Music on the lawn, please don't - you may ruin the fun for everyone if you do. halfway out on the path there is a fun dock that you can walk out to and breathe in the saltwater area and take pictures of the beautiful blue water with the green trees as the frame. Absolutely Maine at it's best. There is a cute section on the inner part of the path, half way through that is a bunch of little scenes (I can't remember what they are called) people have built with sticks and rocks. They are all cool and have different personalities. Be sure to walk with your ears open...don't block out sounds, because there may be a runner passing you and they usually say, "on the right" you don't want to collide. Also, why would you want to block out the sounds of silence or nature with music. I hesitantly :) highly recommend this for an EASY walk to clear your mind or just to love Maine and all it has to offer. read more

I have lived in Maine for 20 years and have never been here before. I am not sure why it slipped under my radar for so long but I am happy I found it today. My wife and I took advantage of a beautiful late summer day to hike the easy and scenic 1.5 mile trail around the perimeter of the island. The trail is lined with majestic trees, short paths down to the beach, clever little fairy houses and Governor Baxter's pet cemetery. The parking is limited but I also appreciate that it restricts the island from being overrun with crowds. It is a State Park so there are all the applicable rules and a $3 admission for adults. read more

Mackworth Island Trail - Hiking Near Me - Falmouth, Maine

Beautiful scenery; fall foliage was a bonus! A great way to spend some quiet, contemplative time. read more

Mackworth Island Trail - Fall foliage was lovely! - Hiking Near Me - Falmouth, Maine

Mackworth Island is a 100-acre state park connected to the city of Falmouth by a causeway. On the 1.5 mile walking trail you'll find: - scenic views of Portland, Fort Gorges, Bug Light, Portland Head Light, and Peaks Island - two wooden swinging benches - multiple access points to the shore with beaches that feel hidden from the rest of the world - a stone wall that juts out into the ocean to fish from (and great skipping rocks on the beach next to it) - a very unique pet cemetery (yes, where all fourteen of former Governor Baxter's dogs [all but two have names] - and his horse, Jerry Roan - are buried) - fairy villages scattered throughout (concentrated in two specific areas - don't worry, you can't miss them! Go ahead and build one; doesn't matter how old you are, there's magic to be found and felt adding to this tiny community!) - currently five geocaches As others have mentioned, parking can be terrible here. There really are only twenty spaces, and if you can't grab one there's a sign that essentially says, "sorry, if you can't find parking you'll need to leave immediately and come back another time". I don't know why this entertained me the way it did, but we were lucky enough to nab a spot! There are three spots across the bridge in Falmouth that are labeled "For Falmouth Residents Only" so you take your life into your hands parking there! As a total outsider to the sordid history of the school on the island, I found the picturesque space to be a place of beauty and peace. Families with smiling little ones, elderly couples still madly in love swinging on benches, twenty-something joggers with happy looking pups, teenagers having picnics on the beach and splashing in the water innocently... these are the people my days are filled with when I visit here. Looping around twice takes no time at all, and allows you the opportunity to take in the natural exquisiteness absolutely everywhere! read more

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Quick, easy, scenic loop. Great for small kids, especially if they would love the adventure of looking for hidden (and not so hidden) faerie homes. Plan ahead and stop at the first beach for shells and such to build your own after getting inspired by others. Rules apply! read more

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I can't give this trail enough credit!! It's so beautiful! It's about a mike and a half around the whole island, and relatively flat, unless you hike down to the shoreline. There are multiple swings and benches along the trail to sit and enjoy the views. Lots of amazing vantage points for taking photos too! If you have children or even 'young at heart' adults, they have a fairy forest where you can build little homes for them! Super cute feature, never seen anything like it. My biggest qualm is there's not enough parking at the state park. Sure this probably makes it seem more secluded and better for the locals to enjoy but share the love. Lol Since I didn't feel comfortable parking in the neighborhoods near by(lots of no parking signs along main drag but not on other side streets.) I opted to park at Martin Point across the Hwy 1 bridge. It's an extra mile and a half one way, but better safe than sorry on getting towed or a ticket. read more

Love. A great escape to nature very close to Portland. I'm guessing the trail is about 1.5 miles around? Beautiful views - you can climb down to the shore and relax at any point in the loop. I bring my pup here and he loves to run in the water. Parking can be a little bit of a hassle at peak hours. (3-5 pm) read more

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Mackworth Island is my favorite place on Earth. I haven't been to Ireland yet... but as of now, it really is my favorite. Not sure what else to say that hasn't already been said. But here goes. - The trail. Beautiful, clean, perfect for walking, running, exploring. Beautiful in the summer or winter. Can get super icy in the winter though - bring your crampons! - The views. Holy smokes. You can see the Eastern Prom, the other little islands of Casco Bay, and Falmouth. It is unreal. The benches along the path are great to soak in the views. - The ocean. There are several spots where you can walk down to the beach - sandy, pretty beaches - or to rockier, less explored spots. I've found some exceptional seaglass at Mackworth. (I shouldn't tell!) - The fairy houses. They're so unexpected. They're magical and make the trail unlike most places you'll visit. - The pet cemetery. It is so surreal. You feel transported to another era. It's special. - The dogs! You'll almost always see at least five dogs on this trail. It is lovely they are allowed here. - The sunsets. Get over here for one. - The offtimes when you are completely alone on the island. It's a state park, there's very limited parking, and it's a little off the beaten path. Enjoy this GEM of Maine. It's the best place in the world. read more

Mackworth Island Trail - Benches along the trail allow you to take in the amazing views. - Hiking Near Me - Falmouth, Maine

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If you can find parking in the small lot, you will be rewarded with a sweet little beach and an amazing walk around the perimeter of this cute island. The path around the island isn't paved but it's well maintained and nice and flat. There are nice benches along the way to stop and watch for birds or enjoy views of the oceanZ. Most importantly, you'll be able to visit the fairy village on the island and build a house for a fairy from naturally occurring items. My young children love this island as much as I do and it's perfect for a short jaunt into nature. read more

I found so many seashells here. I was stoked! Tons and tons of blue mussel shells are to be had here. Oh yeah, I didn't come across any fairy houses which I was disappointed about, but the beach itself made up for that loss. The beach itself is gorgeous and seemingly untouched despite being right next to the deaf school. I did see a couple of students out there soaking up the sun which was great! The trail itself is only about a mile long around the island, but well worth the walk if you want something quick and easy. I didn't walk the trail completely since I really was on a mission to find the shells. Remember this -- this is primarily bay and not ocean proper, so don't go here if you're expecting a full beach with access. read more

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My secret to place. Been there a thousand times. Been there with all my lovers. Napped. Picnicked. Walk and took it all in. Jumped off the granite thingy and froze to death on the hottest day in August. Sunbathed nudie. Found an old lobster crate I have my father. Wonderful place and one of the best local secrets in Portland area. Incredible views. Plenty of parks and I'd say it is a mile and half walk. Dog friendly. A great place to reflect, reminisce, and cry. read more

Conveniently located just 15 minutes away from Portland, the Mackworth Island walking trail has so much to offer. The trail loops around the island with great views in every direction. There are multiple access points to the shore and I highly recommend walking along it. Plus, the rocks are flat and easy to skip!! Do take a break on the various swinging benches and soak up the view. My personal favorite is the fairy villages. What a fun and unique thing to see! As other reviewers have mentioned, parking is very limited so be prepared to wait. Also, the trail follows the carry in-carry out rule, so don't leave trash behind! Looking forward to coming back in the fall for the foliage! read more

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Stunning, beautiful and nicely kept trail. Easy to walk and maneuver, great benches for great views and loved the fairy houses along the path. read more

Mackworth Island Trail - A swing with a view - Hiking Near Me - Falmouth, Maine

This is one of my favorite walking trails in the Portland area. The trail is wide and well maintained and just loops around the outer edge of the island. The views are scenic an wonderful from any direction. I would imagine that walking earlier in the fall when the leaves are at peak color would be breathtaking. There are a bunch of access points to the beaches including one with stairs that comes out right on the rocks. The trail isn't long, probably a little over a mile all the way around. Don't miss out on the fairy houses and the view of Portland Head Light off in the distance. As the other reviewers have noted, parking is a challenge. The lot is very small and there is a polite, but firm sign saying that if the lot is full come back later. read more

Mackworth Island Trail - One of the fairy houses - Hiking Near Me - Falmouth, Maine

I have been walking Mackworth Island ever since I was a young child. In fact, when I worked as the athletic director of the Portland Boys and Girls Cub in the early 1990s, I partnered with the Baxter School for the Deaf bringing groups of Club members to the island to work with the school playing basketball, new games and participating in the ropes course. Another profound connection I have with the island was in the mid 1990s when just before I interviewed for a teaching job on Munjoy Hill in Portland, I visited Mackworth an hour before I met with that panel of principals, parents and teachers. As I walked around that morning, I thought about all the times I had visited the island and how I could use this magical place if I was hired as an elementary teacher. Well, I got the job and have never forgotten the island. The Island now is a State of Maine Park and has an easy trail that circles all around the Island and offers great views of Casco Bay. The trail is great for all ages and gives the feel of being in the country. There are also small trails that you can take to the shore if you would like to visit the beach. Another great feature is a rather large fairy village along the route that with a bit of "story telling" will add some magic to the little ones who wish to enter and build their houses. So, if you ever are moving "city fast" and just want to take a quick break from the bustle, then for sure make Mackworth your go to retreat! read more

Located only a few miles north of downtown Portland, the trail circumventing this tiny island offers excellent views of the islands in Casco Bay. The wooded trail is flat, well maintained and handicapped accessible. We encountered a variety of locals either walking their dogs or pushing baby carriages. One local took the time to point out several of the islands in the bay as well as a short history of each. read more

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I got lost in the woods and almost starved to death I came back for seconds after Loved it read more

Perfect walk for a hot day - the sea breeze keeps it cooler than inland parks. The only downside is limited parking spots - if it gets busy, parking spots are gone and you may be asked to turn around and return later in the day. read more

ExceptionAl views - Terrific place to walk especially those hot days since better than half the loop gets cool ocean breeze. Parking is very limited so can be hit or miss, often in for a 10-15 minute wait for a spot to open up. read more

Mackworth is a circular island in Casco Bay equidistant from Martin's Point in Portland and Mackworth Point in Falmouth; it is connected to mainland Falmouth by a half mile causeway. The island itself hosts a 1.5 mile walking trail around its circumference. At 20 min/mile, it could take a half hour to walk the full loop, but spend a full hour and explore. There are several beach access points, sturdy wooden bench swings with views, the fairy village, the school grounds, a pier... And be sure to check out Governor Percival Baxter's pet cemetery, where buried are his 13 Irish setters and his horse Jerry Roan (yes, his dogs are also individually mentioned, but i couldn't find all 13 names...) The cemetery is a lovely circular plot encased by an old rock wall with only one access point, much like the greater island around it (except rock wall::Casco Bay). Three grown conifers reside in the cemetery's confines, which are located a quarter way around the island, clockwise. Trailhead parking is limited to a small dirt lot for cars, and there are bike racks, but no biking, horses, or (skiing?) on the perimeter loop path. Just walking. Have fun! read more

A precious resource! We are so lucky to have access to such a walkable, friendly place to walk with friends, jog, throw skipping rocks, or ponder life's mysteries. read more

The outhouse.. if only all outhouses were this clean and spacious.. just saying. ANYWAYS, the trail is not that hard at all, but so beautiful. I love the hidden bench swing. It is hidden in the trees and has a beautiful ocean view. Parking isn't great.. but just be patient and someone will eventually leave and you will quickly make it your parking spot. And then soon you will be on your walk, taking in all the beautiful trees, dirt trails, and ocean view. read more

Details: I think it is free to drive into the island and there is a free public parking lot, but the lot is VERY small (approx. 20 cars) so sometimes I think they just ask you to turn around - and there is no parking allowed on the causeway, so I guess you could park on the street on the mainland and walk over? My experience: I'm not from Portland/Maine, so I loved the walk around the island. There is a regular dirt path that is up on the main part of the island, but there are also stairs in a few places to go down to the rocky beach. According to the website I found the official dirt trail, that circles the entire island, is only 1.25 miles long, so pretty easy. It is okay for dogs and there is a pier that some people were fishing on. There are also a ton of fairy houses in this one area, which is clearly marked by a sign (in case you were wanting to visit and afraid you'd miss it). read more

Nice walk. The tide was out and views of Portland were lovely on this gray day. The leaves were sparkling, they looked like topazes shimmering in the sky and on the ground. Typical for a Maine November day!! read more

Mackworth Island Trail - View of Portland - Hiking Near Me - Falmouth, Maine

Lovely quiet little trail to walk around, with plenty of vistas to stop and admire lighthouses from a different, faraway view. You can take a longer or shorter route depending on time. There is a fairy town here (that one of my friends thought was garbage, and another - destroyed nature). It can be a little creepy in a Blair Witch Project kind of way if you were alone, but some of the fairy homes built are rather neat. People use tree barks and branches, stones, shells, seaweed, berries, and all kinds of things to build them. Find the code for the little green metal box before you enter the park, and find a stamp inside for your hand or scrapbook. This place is self-contained magic. read more

Good for an easy walk, or brisk run. The entire length of the actual trail loop is about 1 mile. This is convenient enough to take a stroller on, or just walk in sandals on. No real elevation changes. Some decent spots to stop and take in the views of Casco bay. There are benches every so often along the path as well. The fairy houses aren't really my thing, but children might enjoy their novelty, if only temporarily. My favorite time to go is during low tide. You can walk along the beach which is very, very shallow where the ocean meets land. It almost feels as if you're walking on water. The path can get slightly bottle necked with plenty of people occupying it. The biggest bummer is the parking situation. Limited spots in the lot, of course zero off street. On the Falmouth side you can only park, at most, 2 or 3 cars at the entrance to the bridge, however, that is restricted to Falmouth residents only says the sign. My suggestion, go at an off-peak hour. or walk, ride bikes to this place, otherwise you will have to disappointedly curse, then pull a U-turn at the gate.... and then continue north on the main road just a little bit until you reach the Audubon on your left where parking won't let you down, and there more paths, trees, and wide open spaces to tickle your nature bone. read more

If you are looking for a nature walk, a place to unwind, or even a short trail run this is your place. The trail goes around the perimeter of the island. There are a few areas with beach access. A few benches to relax or just enjoy the ocean view. This is a great place for kids...as this is the spot for fairy houses! read more

Been on so many walks hear i Cant belief it took me u til now to write a review i have been walking there for years it is a beautiful walk and the sights are just transcendant there are lots of wildlife nice benches and swings be carful of ticks and sometimes you have 2 pay someyimes you dont so please me prepared with cash and last time i was there i saw a snake it went right acrossed the trail!!!! as a snake enthusiast i was extatic this was a great walk and always has been!!!! great views!!!! read more

Great easy trail that's is very well maintained. Great views of the bay and portland. The shore line is very relaxing and plentiful. There are fishing docks and a great way to spend a morning. Small parking lot which keeps it from getting crowded which is nice but it gets full so there's no guarantee of getting on the island. read more

Mackworth Island Trail - Two of the millions of snails along the cost - Hiking Near Me - Falmouth, Maine

One of my favorite places to visit in Maine, and it's just a 5- or 10-minute drive from Portland. The only bad part is the lack of parking--if you can't find a spot, you have to leave the island and wait for a car to leave before you go back over the causeway. But if you can get a parking spot, it's a beautiful one- or two-hour walk that you have to see if you're in the area. Coastal views all around and thick woods to wander through. Keep an eye out for the fairy village. read more

I love this trail. Parking limited, plan your trip early in the morning or on a random business day. Bring dog bags; you will need to bring the poop off the island with you as well as any of your trash! There are more coves and beaches to explore if you come during low tide so check a tide chart before you arrive. read more

Lovely dog friendly coastal woodsy trail, lots of cheerful people along the route and happy doggies. We three loved it, all except for the tick found behind my ear the next day. DON'T FORGET TO DO TICK CHECK after walk!!! read more