Walking & hiking is an exercise in natural beauty in South Coast Region

Maine > South Coast > Outdoor Activities > Walking and Hiking

Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge Trails

321 Port Road Wells, ME Phone: 207-646-9226

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was created to protect coastal habitats of birds and other wildlife. The refuge has many walking and hiking trails. Trail map
Read a detailed description, including information on hours and admission, at our Maine science and nature page.

Wells National Estuarine Reserve Walking Trails

342 Laudholm Farm Road Wells, ME Phone: 207-646-1555

Seven miles of hiking and cross-country skiing trails provide access to woodlands, fields, wetlands, beach, and dunes. Spectacular views and diverse habitats make the reserve an especially popular destination for nature photographers and birdwatchers. Learn about walking trails. Trail map.
See a full description on our science and nature page.

Marginal Way

Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach Ogunquit, ME Phone: 207-641-2200

This one-and-a-half mile foot path runs along the shoreline, offering spectacular water views. The south end is Jackie's To Restaurants on Perkins Cove Road and the north end is Beach Street and River Road at Ogunquit Beach. You can enter the path at Perkins Cove or the Marginal Way Lighthouse or at the Sparhawk.
Two municipal parking lots serve the Marginal Way. One lot is at Perkins Cove, at the south end of the Marginal Way. Obed's Lot is at the north end of the Marginal Way, and can be entered from Cottage Street. Marginal Way Trail Map.

Mount Agamenticus

Mount Agamenticus Road York, ME Phone: 207-361-1102

Mount Agamenticus on Agamenticus Road is 10,000 acres undeveloped forest land. The region is known for its rich plant and animal life and unique trail system. There is an intermediate trail from the summit, following Witch Hazel to Ring Trail to Horse Trail and another trail from Mountain Road to Ring Trail.
Driving directions. Trail descriptions.

Cascade Falls Trail

Off Cascade Road (Route 98) Saco, ME Phone:

This 0.3-mile trail is easy-to-moderate hiking, and also wheelchair accessible. The area includes the Trout Pond Loop and views of Cascade Falls. Dogs are allowed on leash. is a gently sloping trail surfaced with stone dust that allows easy access for wheelchairs, elderly and children. There is no use fee.
The Trout Pond Loop is a gently sloping trail paved with stone dust. It follows Cascade Brook; watch for signs to Cascade Falls. Please leave no trace and carry out human trash and dog waste. In spring, summer, and fall, prepare with ticks and other biting insects.
Parking: There is a large parking lot with a map kiosk by the trailhead. See map. Google map:

Bradbury Mountain State Park

528 Hallowell Road Pownal, ME, 04069 Phone: 207-688-4712

Great views from top of Mount Bradbury; lots for trails for walking, mountain biking, horseback

Lots of multi-use trails on the mountainside park allow walking, mountain biking, horseback riding. See full description of Bradbury Mountain State Park

Vaughn Woods State Park

28 Oldfields Road South Berwick, ME, 03908 Phone: 207-384-5160

This park encompasses 250 acres for forested land along the Salmon Falls River. The park has several hiking trails through stands of pine and hemlock. The trails make up a large loop of three miles in all. Shorter loops may be used. There are locations for picnicking.
Trail information.

Timber Point Trail of the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge

end of Granite Point Road Biddeford (Wells), ME, 04090 Phone: 207-646-9226

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, named for the pioneering environmentalist, was established to protect coastal habitats of birds and other wildlife. It includes 11 parcels of land along the Maine coast between Kittery and Cape Elizabeth, and it is headquartered in Wells. The refuge welcomes visitors for walking and hiking, fishing, hunting, kayaking and canoeing, and wildlife photography and observation. Information: www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson/opportunities.html#trails
The trail passes a fresh water wetland and has beautiful salt marsh, river and ocean views. A wheelchair-accessible trail ends at an observation platform overlooking the mouth of the Little River. At the end of the trail, Timber Island is accessible by a land bridge at low tide, only. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset. No pets are allowed on the trail. Foot traffic only. Trail map.

Saco Heath Preserve

off Route 112 / Buxton Road Saco, ME Phone:

You can find and explore a real peat heath much nearer to home than the novels of Victorian England. The Saco Heath Preserve formed when ponds filled with decaying plant material grew together to form a raised coalesced bog. The preserve offers a self-guided hike along a woodland trail to a boardwalk through the heath’s varied peatland communities. In the spring, the heathland plants bloom, spreading a carpet of lavender, pink and white across the heath. To get there: Take Exit 36 off I-95/Maine Turnpike. Take the first exit after the tollbooth and turn left onto Industrial Park Road. Turn right onto Route 112, Buxton Road. Follow Route 112 about two miles. The parking lot for the preserve will be on the right in a wooded area.

Saco Heath Preserve Brochure (PDF) -- Trail map (PDF)

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