Stroll, Stride and Saunter – Easy Walks in the MidCoast
Sometimes, the fastest way to unwind is to go slow. Taking an easy walk lets us enjoy more of our surroundings and clear our thoughts. Good walks with friends and kids allow us to appreciate the moment more than any text message ever could. Choose nearly any point in Maine and you’re likely close to beautiful places to walk. In Maine’s MidCoast region, these are a few of the exceptional easy walks waiting for you. Each of them is accessible to people of all ages.
Belfast Rail Trail and Harbor Walk
(shown at the top of the page)
A walk along this former railroad along the banks of a tidal river is delightful. Just saying the river’s name, “Passagassawaukeag,” will slow you down. A good place to start is the adjacent to the City Point Railroad Museum where you’ll see vintage trains. As you follow the river, watch for seals, osprey and eagles. The 2.3 mile trail eventually connects to the Harbor Walk at the footbridge and leads to the restaurants, docks and shops in Belfast. Both walks are wheelchair accessible.
Hidden Valley Nature Center – Jefferson
(shown above)
Hidden Valley is 1,000 acres of protected land in Jefferson, including over a mile of shorefront on Little Dyer Pond. An extensive network of trails, managed by the MidCoast Conservancy, offers access to quiet bogs, ponds, mixed forests, and unique habitats. Over 18 miles of different trails include several easy trails with gravel and crushed stone. Other moderate to advanced trails are on dirt and forest floors. Learn more at midcoastconservancy.org.
Moose Point State Park – Searsport
Moose Point is a scenic spot that offers a nice escape from more crowded areas. Relax in an evergreen grove, explore tidal pools, take a walk on the park’s trails, or just enjoy the Penobscot Bay panorama. Ocean side picnic tables, grills, a playground and a gazebo make the park a great place for lunch. This quaint, little trail network has three very easy trails. There is a chance to view a variety of marine life including seals, porpoises, and birds such as double-crested cormorants, loons, sea ducks, bald eagles, and ospreys. Tidal pools, formed by retreating water at low tide, hold diverse marine organisms, and exploring them is a great learning activity for children and adults alike.
Penny Lake Preserve – Boothbay
(shown above)
Penny Lake Preserve is a freshwater wetland with adjoining woodlands and open fields. At the neck of the lake, you’ll find a half-mile ADA-compliant trail appropriate for wheelchairs and strollers. It crosses a wooden bridge, then leads to another half-mile of trails on the property with easy hiking. An abundant variety of wildlife can be seen, including migratory and nesting birds, turtles, beaver, deer, and if you’re lucky, even a very occasional moose. In addition, numerous plants thrive in this varied natural habitat, from wildflowers to cattails and from hardwood trees to evergreens.
Thomaston Village Trail
This is a pleasant 3-mile “urban” sidewalk excursion in Thomaston Village and the busy working waterfront. It provides sweeping views of the Georges River from high above the shoreline. The Georges River clamflats, hailed as the most productive in the state, are visible at several points along this stretch of the trail. You can see world-famous Lyman Morse Boatbuilding and the town landing. After making a stop at the water’s edge where the Mill Rivers flows into the St. George, the trail leads up past some of the majestic village homes.
Rockland Harbor Trail
(shown above)
This meandering 3.5 mile path along Rockland’s waterfront links the historic downtown with the working waterfront. It offers a peaceful walk with scenic views and an opportunity to enjoy the arts and culture of the city. The trail takes the form of a wide wooden boardwalk directly across from the shore just south of the YMCA. Accessible for wheelchairs, the trail includes sections of pavers and crushed stone. Pets are welcome to join your leisurely stroll.
Round the Mountain Trail – Ragged Mountain, Camden
(shown above)
When driving up the New England coast, Ragged Mountain in MidCoast Maine is the first mountain people see. At 1,300-ft, it’s the 4th highest mountain on the US eastern seaboard and offers stunning forest scenery and views nearby ponds. Round the Mountain Trail is a recently opened trail that leads around part of Ragged Mountain with a six-foot wide, multi-use trail. The trail is an ongoing project led by numerous conservation and public groups. It starts at the Camden Snowbowl with a somewhat steep zigzag ascent then becomes more level. A more gradual and accessible approach can be found at the Thorndike Brook Trailhead in the town of Hope.
Whaleback Shell Midden State Historic Site – Damariscotta
Just a mile from the town of Damariscotta on the east bank of the Damariscotta River is one of the oldest historic sites in Maine. Here, enormous oyster shell heaps, called middens, were created over 1,000 years ago during ancient migrations by Native Americans. The trail is a half mile loop that passes an historic apple orchard that was once part of Round Top Farm. From the parking lot, the trail is handicap accessible and is ideal for strollers and wheelchairs.
Oak Point Farm – Boothbay
(shown above)
This spectacular 32-acre preserve with mowed fields has a protected cove, with a pond and apple orchards and beautiful views all around. With more than 2,000 feet of coastline, this undeveloped salt water farm is now the headquarters of the Boothbay Region Land Trust. You can do two easy, flat loops with lots of views of a tidal cove and its nooks, crannies, and wildlife. A short but stunning wheelchair-accessible trail crosses a meadow to a dock and float with sparkling views. There are beautiful surroundings to be seen from many vistas. Oak Point Farm is a perfect spot for birders and the 2-acre freshwater pond is perfect for wildlife viewing.
