Take a hike by the ocean this month

Spring hiking is likely to offer a muddy experience on inland trails after the winter we’ve had. But lucky for us there are a lot of coastal hikes in the state that offer drier conditions. Plus, visiting the shore at this time of year is an opportunity for the kids to make their first toe-dipping foray into the ocean after a long winter.

I offer a few hiking location suggestions based on places my family has enjoyed that are paved and/or packed gravel. These trails offer a less muddy trail experience in the spring.
It’s also a great time for some quiet time by the ocean before the crowds arrive.

MARGINAL WAY CLIFF WALK IN OGUNQUIT

THE COASTAL VIEWS along this paved trail offer plenty of photographic opportunities. Kids will like this easy trail that offers plenty of options for climbing down the rocks to the shoreline for more exploration. There are also benches to take a break and have a snack while enjoying the view.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The trail is about a mile long with fairly level terrain so it’s an easy walk for younger kids. We also enjoyed looking at the homes along the trail with various outdoor accoutrements to keep us looking not only at the ocean but toward the inland landscape as well. My teens liked the option to window shop in Perkins Cove after our hike.
TRAIL MAP: ht.ly/4xPTJ (my family’s map of the trail)
LENGTH: Approximately 1 mile one way
FEE: None
LOCATION: 22 Wharf Lane, Ogunquit
BATHROOM: Yes, in Perkins Cove
DOG FRIENDLY: No
OTHER: It’s best to get to the trailhead early in the day because the parking lot fills up fast. The traditional summer tourists make it a challenge to find parking so add this destination to your May calendar, before Memorial Day.

Cliff Walk on Marginal Way at EveryTrail



RACHEL CARSON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE in WELLS

THIS WELL-MARKED trail is mostly level with packed gravel that is short and easy for young hikers.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Maps at the trailhead include information about each numbered station that can help visitors identify the ecology and wildlife of the area. The numbers give kids something to get excited about finding. We also love the benches that are strategically placed to enjoy the varied views on the trail.
TRAIL MAP: www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson
LENGTH: 1 mile loop
FEE: None
LOCATION: 321 Port Road, Wells
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash
OTHER: This is a marsh area and does not have a sandy beach option but the views and bird watching opportunities are wonderful.

FERRY BEACH STATE PARK IN SACO

THIS STATE PARK is open for the season and offers wooded trail hikes with some interpretive kiosks to explain the area. Raised boardwalks along parts of the trail system make it a nice, less muddy hike in the spring.
LENGTH: Just under 2 miles of wooded hiking trails
TRAIL MAP: www.sacobaytrails.org/fbsp.shtml
FEE: For Maine residents $4/adults, $1/5-11 years old, free/under 5
LOCATION: 95 Bayview Road, Saco
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG FRIENDLY: Yes on the trails with a leash. No dogs permitted on the beach.
OTHER: Be sure to bring along a towel to dry off the kids’ feet because they won’t be able to resist taking off their shoes for a quick dip of their toes in the ocean.

Spring Hike at Ferry Beach State Park at EveryTrail



MACKWORTH ISLAND IN FALMOUTH

THIS TRAIL around the small island is a little over a mile and the easy, flat terrain works well for strollers. Shells found along the beach, the fairy house village and a pet cemetery give kids plenty to explore.
WHY WE LIKE IT: My daughters have been building fairy houses on the island since they were preschoolers. My animal-loving 15-year-old still enjoys a stop at Gov. Percival Baxter’s pet cemetery to read the stone markers, while my 13-year-old cannot resist building in the fairy village.
TRAIL MAP: www.trails.org
LENGTH: 1.25 mile loop
FEE: None
LOCATION: Mackworth Island, Falmouth (follow the Gov. Baxter School for the Deaf signs)
BATHROOM: Yes
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, on a leash
OTHER: Parking is limited on the island so it’s best to arrive early.

Hiking on Mackworth Island in Casco Bay at EveryTrail



MORSE MOUNTAIN IN PHIPPSBURG

THIS TWO-MILE HIKE (one way) at the Bates-Morse Mountain Conservation Area is on a mostly paved trail (there are some areas of hard-packed gravel) and is stroller-friendly. With a total elevation gain of about 100 feet there’s a bit of up and down on this trail, but nothing too strenuous for those with an average fitness level. The little ones can claim a summit visit about a mile in. And if that isn’t enough incentive for young hikers, exploring the ocean at Sewall Beach at the end of the trail will make it worth the effort.
WHY WE LIKE IT: You can feel a sense of accomplishment at reaching a mountain summit that is very doable for younger kids. Having a picnic at the summit is a nice halfway stop on the trail, and the view is one you won’t be eager to leave.
TRAIL MAP: tinyurl.com/kvh5rd (my family’s map of the trail)
LENGTH: 2 miles, one way
FEE: None
LOCATION: Morse Mountain Road, Phippsburg (approximately 400 feet on left after turning off Route 216)
BATHROOM: No
DOG-FRIENDLY: No
OTHER: Parking is limited so best to arrive early to secure a spot. This also tends to be a buggy place as the temperatures get warmer so be sure to pack some bug spray.

Morse Mountain at EveryTrail



Originally published in Raising Maine Magazine, May 2011 edition.