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.

Harpswell trails are beautifully maintained! We went for a winter hike with our two very small…read moregrandchildren! The fresh air, the sunshine and the view is spectacular! Would give it a high five for any age.

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.

This is a pretty easy trail to walk if you aren't so spry these days and it is worth the effort…read more Nice of the landowner's to allow public use of these quiet spots. The highlight for me is in April and May when a large vernal pool comes alive with the sounds of spring peepers and a wide variety of bird life. There is a nice mix of habitat including a pretty meadow at the north end of the trail so you might see wild turkeys, deer, or even a fox sneaking through the woods if you are quiet.

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 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

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful state park with great views on many trails. The trails are pretty flat and not difficult,…read moreand they are very shaded, so it's a very relaxing set of hikes. Looks like a great spot for a picnic as well.

This is a great little state park close to Portland and Freeport with trails that go along the…read moreocean, through the woods and along the Harraseeket River. Nice picnic spots and places to sit and admire the view. This is a popular park in Summer, especially in nice weather, so parking could be a challenge. If you're in the area, definitely worth a visit. Don't forget to leave your money in the box at the entrance of you don't have a Maine State Park pass so we can keep state parks like this open and maintained.

One of the newest trail systems in Harpswell boosts wide trails, marsh views, and sections of pines…read morethat will make your nose believe it's Christmas time. The main trail branches off into two loops in case you want to do a short adventure. Parts of the trails are rooty, but easy to navigate. There is no climbing or unstable rocks to hunker over. Be sure to wear bug spray and or tick spray as the sign suggested there is a population of ticks here. The parking lot is a well maintained flat lit that can accommodate up to about 10 cars, as long as people park appropriately. Check this and many of the well maintained and scenic Harpwell trails soon!

This quiet tract of land is in the heart of a major conservation focus area for the town of…read moreHarpswell. The habitat is quite varied with a mix of wetlands, stream and pond along wide mixed upland forest. You can find all kinds of wildlife here since it is both an important migration corridor running all the way to Brunswick to the north and to the ocean to the south. Wild turkeys and white-tailed deer, fox and coyotes, waterfowl, amphibians, migrating song birds including many species of warblers, this lovely preserve has much to offer those of us who enjoy the peaceful natural world. Highly recommended for a visit when you have an hour or two to relax.