Hiking and Picnicking
Harpswell Heritage Trails (check the laminated chart in the cottage) offers many excellent hiking trails including The The Cliff Trail; Devils Back Trail, and Wilson’s Cove Trail. Visit www.harpswell.maine.gov
A few hiking spots we can recommend:
Potts Point – sheltered pebble beach at the end of the private dirt road. It is now owned by the Harpswell Land Conservancy, and is open to all on foot. Excellent tide pool exploration!
There is a 5 mile hiking/biking trail between Brunswick and Topsham. Much of this trail runs along the Androscoggin River. Find the entrance and parking just beyond the Daniel Stone Inn.
Giant Staircase… Driving out onto bailey Island, just after Cook’s and before you reach Land’s End you can turn left onto Washington and follow small signs to the Giant’s Staircase, a natural formation of giant boulders on the water. There’s a small community hall with parking, then you walk the rest of the way to the Staircase. No cost involved.
Eagle Island (Summer home of Admiral Robert Peary, also documents his trips to the North Pole)… the Island is visible looking Southwest from the end of Pott’s Point. Eagle Island has a museum of Peary’s adventures, and is also a great place to picnic and hike around for an afternoon. There is a cash “donation” required to visit the island & museum… typically ~$6 per person. Visit Website
Note: two suggested ways to get to the island…
- Motor or sail your own boat and moor it off the dock on the Northwest side of the island.
- It’s also possible to have someone from the Dolphin Marina (noted above) motor you over to Eagle Island, then come to get you at a pre-determined time. For a fee, of course.
Physical Activity
Tennis courts are open to the public near the Kellogg Church. Sign up in advance.
Mitchell Field for walking, jogging or kite flying (dogs on leashes are allowed. Beautiful view of Middle Bay. 1.5-1.75 miles for a complete circuit. From the cottages, travel back along 123 until you see the fire station on your left. Just after the fire station, turn left into the parking area near the guard house.
Sea kayaking – you can go to H20 Outfitters on Orrs Island near the Cribstone bridge to get lessons and rent kayaks. 833-5257
Golf – Brunswick Naval Air Station offers a nine hole course open to the public. Entrance is off Rte. 123 near Dyer’s Nursery. Brunswick Golf Club is open to the public. Entrance is on River Rd, which runs off Pleasant St. near the Starfish Grill.
Giant Staircase – scenic hike along the shore on the East (open ocean) side of Bailey Island. Entrance on the left side driving South past the Cribstone Bridge, which connects Orr’s and bailey Islands.
The Dolphin Marina rents boats for half or full day. (call Bill’s Boat Rentals (207) 798-0445). See direction sot the Dolphin Marina under Destimations/Excursions… about 5 minute drive from the cottage.
Skeet Shooting, Archery, Fly Fishing, and Kayaking for beginners… LL Bean Store (Freeport, ME) offers short 1-2 hour instructional adventures to try these activities. Sign up in-person at the LL Bean store in Freeport.
White Water Rafting – Kennebec, Penobscot, and Dead River daily rafting tours… about 3-4 hours drive from Harpswell. Visit Website
