Harpswell Guide to Outdoor Recreation
View from the Giant’s Stairs Trail (Ed Robinson photo) Table of Contents
1. Walking trails, beaches, picnic areas and other places to enjoy the outdoors • Bowdoin College Coastal Studies Center...... 1 • Cliff Trail...... 2 • Curtis Farm Preserve...... 3 • Devil’s Back Trail...... 4 • Giant’s Stairs and McIntosh Lot Preserve...... 5 • Hackett and Minot Trails...... 6 • Houghton Graves Park...... 7 • Johnson Field Preserve and Mackerel Cove Lot...... 8 • Long Reach Preserve...... 9 • Mitchell Field...... 10 • Pott’s Point Preserve...... 11 2. Harpswell Map...... 12-13 3. More walking trails, beaches, picnic areas and other places to enjoy the outdoors • Skolfield Shores Preserve...... 14 • Stover’s Point Preserve...... 15 • Widgeon Cove Trail...... 16 • Wilson’s Cove Trail...... 17 4. Harpswell’s Islands...... 18 5. Historic Landmarks...... 19 6. Town Landings...... 20 7. Areas for Play...... 22 8. Bicycling Areas...... 23 9. Pump Out Stations...... 24 10. Resources for more Information...... 25
How to use this guide
• Check the map on pages 12-13 for locations of all the public access resources. • On each page, look for the letters that correspond to the map. • Enjoy! Bowdoin Coastal Studies Center A
HIKING
DOGS ALLOWED
WATER ACCESS
SCENIC VIEW
GREAT FOR KIDS SNOWSHOEING
Directions: From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Bowdoin College’s Coastal Studies Center on Orr’s Rt 24 south for 10.7 Island provides lovely coastal walking trails. A miles. Take a right fine old farm with 2.5 miles of coastline, 3.6 miles on Bayview Rd. of trails and a variety of habitats, it offers great Continue for approx. views of Long Cove and Harpswell Sound and one mile until you opportunities to view wildlife or just take a quiet see a kiosk on the walk in the woods. right.
Visitor Guidelines only (no bicycles or motorized vehicles) • Park at the kiosk and do not drive • The trails are open dawn to dusk further into the property • Dogs must be on a leash and stay on the • Stay on the designated trails main trails. Please carry out any waste • Many ongoing research projects left by pets occur at CSC, please respect any flags, • Hunting is strictly forbidden markings, or other scientific equipment • No camping, smoking, or fires allowed • Do not collect anything on the property • These trails are designed for foot traffic 1 Cliff Trail V COBBH Town of Harpswell N HBKO C
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TK Bridge Fairy House SCENIC VIEW Zone
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.5 miles GREAT FOR KIDS BIKE RACK This rugged trail includes a shore walk along tidal Strawberry Creek and spectacular views from 150-foot BATHROOMS cliffs overlooking Long Reach. Fairy house zones provide SNOWSHOEING children with a place for play and creativity. Unbroken, preserved forests stretch to the east and south of Long Reach. The reach itself is a submerged valley that is now tidal mudflats. Across the Reach is the 90-acre Long Reach Preserve.
Directions: The trailhead is at the far corner of the back parking lot at the Harpswell Town Office, 263 Mountain Road.
Visitor Guidelines • Pets must be under owners’ control. • No Overnight Parking • Pet owners must clean up any fecal • Carry In-Carry Out trash disposal policy deposits left by their pets. • No Fires • Please report any damage to the Town • Intoxicating beverages are not allowed. of Harpswell. • Do not pick or dig any living thing. • Please respect private landowners’ 2 property CR Q 123) Curtis Farm Preserve OQ FP CL Harpswell Heritage Land Trust GLLPB LBADB >A (R F SB RL RL >A CROQFP CLSB
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WFIIF>JP FFBIA P B>PFK CLSB DOGS ALLOWED Legend TEB “PB??IB” P Parking Scenic Views B>PFK PLFKQ RL WATER ACCESS Water Access Curtis Farm Preserve >A >A Trails: 1.25 mi, 1.5 hrs, Bog moderate >PE PLFKQ RL SCENIC VIEW
.25 miles
Curtis Farm Preserve has much to offer. The 1.25-mile trail system takes visitors through field, forest and to coastal GREAT FOR bays, with scenic views along the way. The Preserve includes KIDS nearly 2,000 feet of shoreline on both Curtis Cove and Basin SNOWSHOEING Cove, gravel beaches, a freshwater pond, forested freshwater wetlands and 15 acres of intertidal mud flats for shellfish and wildlife nursery areas. On a clear day, the views across Middle Bay as far west as Mt. Washington are impressive.
Directions: There are two access points to the preserve. For the upland access, from the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south for 11.4 miles. The parking lot is in a field on the right. For the shore access, follow Rt 123 south another .2 miles and then turn right on Ash Point Rd. Take your first right on Basin Point Rd and drive .5 miles to a parking lot on the right.
Visitor Guidelines orange and take appropriate safety • Carry in, carry out. precautions during hunting season. • No open fires. • Trapping is allowed with written • No dogs off leash during bird nesting permission from HHLT. season, April 15-July 31. Dogs must be • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and under voice control the rest of the year. other users. • Carry out all dog waste. • Power driven mobility devices are not • Hunting is allowed. Wear blaze allowed. 3 Devil’s Back Trail Town of Harpswell G
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The Devil’s Back Trail winds through mixed forest, including everything from old growth pines to a few hardy apple trees. The easy loop trail descends to Long Cove, providing numerous views of the water and crossing a rocky hump called the Devil’s Back. Be on the lookout for osprey nestled in large “stick nests,” or soaring over the cove searching for fish to eat. The trail drops down to the rocky shore, and is a great place for an afternoon getaway.
Directions: From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Rt 24 south for 9.4 miles. Soon after crossing onto Orr’s Island, look for a parking area on the left. The trail begins across the street from the parking.
Visitor Guidelines • Pet owners must clean up any fecal • No Overnight Parking deposits left by their pets. • Carry In-Carry Out trash disposal policy • Please report any damage to the Town of • No Fires Harpswell. • Intoxicating beverages are not allowed. • Please respect private landowners’ • Do not pick or dig any living thing. property • Pets must be under owners’ control. 4 QL H>OMPTBII IPI>KAP RL>A (RQ. 24) Giant’s Stairs P O@B>K S Town of Harpswell QOBBQ I
McIntosh Lot Preserve Harpswell Heritage BKRB Land Trust AS HIKING LK
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Parking (at P Episcopal DOGS ALLOWED Chapel) Entire GF>KQ’P SQ>FOP Trail is Scenic Bench McIntosh SCENIC VIEW Lot Preserve C>P@L B>V Town Property Trail: .5 mi, 15 minutes, GREAT FOR N easy TERKABO HLIB KIDS .2 miles WHEEL CHAIR For dramatic coastal scenery in Harpswell, nothing beats the ACCESSIBLE Giant’s Stairs. Named for its interesting geologic history, the BIKE RACK Giant’s Stairs trail follows the rocky coastline with gorgeous views of eastern Casco Bay, often with crashing waves glinting in the sunlight. On any given day you might see rafts of ducks, foraging harbor seals or a lobster boat hauling traps below your feet. The Giant’s Stairs Trail is managed by the Town of Harpswell, while Harpswell Heritage Land Trust’s McIntosh Lot Preserve Trail completes the short and easy loop. Directions: From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Rt 24 south for 14.5 miles, crossing the Cribstone Bridge. Turn left on Washington Ave. Park at the Episcopal Chapel (except during services) or carefully along the street so as not to block traffic or emergency vehicles. Walk to the end of Ocean St or south along Washington Ave. Signs are posted at either end of the trail.
Visitor Guidelines the Preserve. • Carry in, carry out. • Carry out all dog waste. • Pedestrian use only. • No hunting or discharge of firearms. • No open fires. • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and • No camping. other users. • Dogs must be under owner’s control • Power driven mobility devices are not to avoid interfering with wildlife, the allowed. neighbors, or other users’ enjoyment of 5 MFAAIB B>V Hackett and Minot Trails Harpswell Heritage Land Trust M
H>OMPTBII NB@H RL>A (RQ 123)
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The Hackett and Minot Trails take visitors through a verdant, mossy forest with numerous lichen and club-moss glades, as well as a vernal pool. It’s a great place for a quiet woods walk. Visible to the west of Harpswell Neck Rd (Rt 123), this property complements Harpswell’s historic center, which includes the 1757 Old Meeting House, the 1842 Elijah Kellogg Church, the 1876 Centennial Hall and the 1783 Tarr- Eaton House, which is protected with a historic preservation easement.
Directions: From the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south for 8.4 mi. Please park at the Harpswell Historical Society building on the left. Cross the road and walk down the private Littlefield Road until you see signs for the trail.
Visitor Guidelines • Carry out all dog waste. • Carry in, carry out. • Hunting is allowed. Wear blaze orange • Pedestrian use only. and take appropriate safety precautions • No open fires. during hunting season. • No camping. • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and • No dogs off leash during bird nesting other users. season, April 15-July 31. Dogs must be • Power driven mobility devices are not under voice control the rest of the year. allowed. 6 Houghton Graves Park Harpswell Heritage Land Trust N Q
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Q 24) P Parking A (R L> Scenic View Picnic Table WATER ACCESS Water Access H>OMPTBII IPI>KAP R Marsh Houghton Graves Park OOO’P IPI>KA Trail: .25 mi, SCENIC VIEW PLPQ OCCF@B 15 minutes, easy
.1 miles GREAT FOR Located in the middle of Orr’s Island village, Houghton KIDS Graves Park provides visitors a breath of fresh air. Mowed grassy paths lead to picnic tables, views of beautiful Beal’s Cove on Harpswell Sound and access to the shore. This PICNIC SPOT three-acre “pocket park” is a great place to spend a few SNOWSHOEING minutes, or a few hours. Given to the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust by Russell Houghton and Patty and Allan Graves in 2007, this park will forever be available for the enjoyment of both residents and visitors.
Directions: From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Rt 24 south for 11.9 miles. The Park is on the right, opposite Lowell’s Cove Road. Please park by the side of the road and follow the trail between the rail fence and the marsh.
Visitor Guidelines neighbors, or other users’ enjoyment of • Open dawn to dusk only. the Preserve. • Carry in, carry out. • Carry out all dog waste. • Pedestrian use only. • No hunting or discharge of firearms. • No open fires. • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and • No camping. other users. • Dogs must be under owner’s control • Power driven mobility devices are to avoid interfering with wildlife, the allowed on the mowed trails. 7 Johnson Field Preserve H>OMPTBII IPI>KAP Harpswell Heritage Land Trust R
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The open field at the head of Mackerel Cove has been a Bailey Island landmark for generations. Overlooking one of PICNIC SPOT Maine’s most scenic working harbors, Johnson Field offers visitors a place for family picnics, wintertime sledding, quiet moments of reflection, access to the beach and spectacular views. This is a great place to launch a kayak or SWIMMING canoe. The Town-owned Mackerel Cove Lot, located next WHEELCHAIR to Johnson Field, also offers gorgeous views, public access ACCESSIBLE to the waterfront and a hedge of fragrant roses. Fishermen use part of the lot for seasonal storage.
Directions: From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Rt 24 south for 14.2 miles. The field comes into view at the intersection with Abner Point Rd. Turn right on Abner Point Rd and immediately left into a parking lot.
Visitor Guidelines neighbors, or other users’ enjoyment of • Carry in, carry out. the Preserve. • Pedestrian use only. • Carry out all dog waste. • No overnight parking. • No hunting or discharge of firearms. • Park in designated area. • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and • No open fires. other users. • No camping. • Power driven mobility devices are • Dogs must be under owner’s control allowed on mowed areas. to avoid interfering with wildlife, the 8 wwwwww Long Reach Preserve Harpswell Heritage Land Trust Q 24) T A (R
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H>OMPTBII IPI>KAP R LLKD RB>@E HIKING LLLM
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BLD Bridge P Water Access WATER ACCESS Bog TORC>KQ-SRJJBOQLK B>IICFBIA Long Reach N Preserve
Trail: 1.5 mi, PFKHE>J 1Bog hour, PLFKQ RA challenging SCENIC VIEW .25 miles SNOWSHOEING This spectacular 95-acre preserve provides one of the longest hiking trails in Harpswell. A challenging 1.5-mile loop trail winds through several different forest types, passes a peat bog nestled between two prominent bedrock ridges and finally descends to the shores of Long Reach. This area is a prime example of Harpswell’s folded bedrock geology. Long steep ridges run parallel to the shore and trap water to form peaty wetlands. Long Reach itself is a submerged valley, and at low water, tidal mudflats. From the shore, visitors can look across to dramatic cliffs of weathered bedrock, at the top of which is the Cliff Trail.
Directions: From Cook’s Corner in Brunswick, follow Rt 24 south for 6.8 mi. The Preserve shares a parking lot with the Trufant-Summerton Ball Field, which will be on your right. The trailhead is to the right as you enter the parking lot.
Visitor Guidelines • Hunting is allowed. Wear blaze orange • Carry in, carry out. and take appropriate safety precautions • Pedestrian use only. during hunting season. • No camping. • Trapping is allowed with written • No open fires. permission from HHLT. • No dogs off leash during bird nesting • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and season, April 15-July 31. Dogs must be other users. under voice control the rest of the year. • Power driven mobility devices are not • Carry out all dog waste. 9 allowed. Mitchell Field Town of Harpswell V
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Q 123) HIKING H>OMPTBII>A (R NB@H B>KAPQ>KA RL
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.1 miles GREAT FOR KIDS
For a variety of recreational offerings, Mitchell Field can’t be beat. This 120-acre former U.S. Navy fuel depot is owned by the town of Harpswell and boasts PICNIC SPOT several miles of paved and gravel paths, a sandy beach, a bandstand that hosts outdoor concerts and the Harpswell Community Garden. It’s a great place for SWIMMING walking, bicycling, swimming, cross-country skiing, SNOWSHOEING picnicking and so much more. On clear days, you can see Mount Washington 80 miles to the west. WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Directions: From the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south for 11 miles. Look for a sign on the right.
Visitor Guidelines • Pets must be under owners’ control. • No Overnight Parking • Pet owners must clean up any fecal • Carry In-Carry Out trash disposal deposits left by their pets. policy • Please report any damage to the Town of • No Fires Harpswell. • Intoxicating beverages are not allowed. • Please respect private landowners’ • Do not pick or dig any living thing. property 10 H>OMPTBII NB@H RL>A (RQ 123) Pott’s Point Preserve P Harpswell Heritage Land Trust W
PLQQ’P H>O?LO ) QB S> DOGS ALLOWED
PLQQ’P PLFKQ RA (POF Legend WATER ACCESS P Parking MBOOF@LKB>D SLRKA (roadside) Entire Preserve is Scenic Water Access SCENIC VIEW Swimming Pott’s Point Preserve Parking to Preserve: N .25 mi, 15 PICNIC SPOT min, easy
.1 miles If you love exploring the ocean shoreline, this tiny preserve GREAT FOR has just about everything you could want. There are extensive KIDS tide pools to explore, a gravel beach and dramatic views of Casco Bay. Standing at the southern tip of the preserve, you can enjoy an unparalleled view of a number of the islands that make Casco Bay so special, including: Haskell, Pinkham, Bailey, SWIMMING Upper Flag, Thrumcap, and Eagle Islands. Tide pools along the shoreline teem with life. You might be able to spot barnacles, oysters, crabs, shrimp, periwinkles, hermit crabs, star fish, sea urchins and the occasional lobster or squid.
Directions: From the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south 13.9 miles to the end of Rt 123. Park by the side of the road, but please do not block the pier or Town Landing. Walk along private Pott’s Point Rd to the Preserve. You may also walk along the shore below the high tide line.
Visitor Guidelines the Preserve. • Carry in, carry out. • Carry out all dog waste. • Pedestrian use only. • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and • No open fires. other users. • No camping. • No trap, float or boat storage. • Dogs must be under owner’s control • Power driven mobility devices are not to avoid interfering with wildlife, the allowed. neighbors, or other users’ enjoyment of 11 Z E
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W R X AA I S H
A: Bowdoin Coastal Studies J: Garrison Cove Landing S: Lobsterman Statue Landing Center K: Graveyard Point Landing T: Long Reach Preserve CC: Stover’s Island B: Bethel’s Point Landing L: The Goslings U: Lookout Point Landing DD: Stover’s Point Preserve C: Cliff Trail M: Hackett and Minot Trails V: Mitchell Field EE: Wharf Road Landing D: Cribstone Bridge N: Harpswell Historical W: Pott’s Point Landing FF: Whaleboat Island E: Crow Island Society Museum X: Pott’s Point Preserve GG: Tide Mill/ Grist Mill F: Curtis Farm Preserve O: Hildreth Road Landing Y: Old Meeting House Landing G: Devil’s Back Trail P: Holbrook Street Landing Z: Skolfield Shores Preserve HH: Widgeon Cove Trail H: Eagle Island Q: Houghton Graves Park AA: Steamboat Wharf Lane II: Wilson’s Cove Trail I: Giant’s Stairs and McIntosh R: Johnson Field Preserve Landing JJ: York’s Landing/ Lot and Mackerel Cove Lot BB: Stover’s Cove Road Steamboat Road SkolLield Shores Preserve Harpswell Heritage Land Trust S>IQ M>OPE Z
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SH LICFBIA PI Salt Marsh SNOWSHOEING SkolLield H>OMPTBII NB@H R Shores Preserve >@
B Trail: 1 mi, 30 minutes, P moderate N .25 miles
With fields, saltwater marsh and more than 4,000 feet of shoreline on Middle Bay Cove, Skolfield is well-suited for walking with friends or family or spotting a wide range of birds, from meadowlarks to terns. Two trail loops, for a total of a mile, wind through varied forest habitat and provide views of the cove, the saltwater marsh separating Brunswick and Harpswell and the fields of historic Merrucoonegan Farm. A spur trail leads to an old stone ferry wharf and a turn of the century boathouse along the shore.
Directions: From the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south for 4.6 mi. Turn right into Skolfield Place and then take an immediate left into the parking lot for the preserve.
Visitor Guidelines • Hunting is allowed. Wear blaze orange • Carry in, Carry out. and take appropriate safety precautions • Pedestrian use only. during hunting season. • No overnight parking. • Trapping is allowed with written • No open fires. permission from HHLT. • No camping. • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and • No dogs allowed. other users. 14 Stover’s Point Preserve Harpswell Heritage Land Trust DD P P
H>OMPTBII H>O?LO P DOGS ALLOWED
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KAPLO( LAFO>KB Salt Marsh WF Stover’s Point N Preserve SQLSBO’P PLFKQ RA GREAT FOR .1 Miles KIDS If you are looking for a beach day with friends or family, Stover’s Point is the place to go. With the convenience of being able to drive right on the gravel beach, this is a great place to spend a summer day exploring. The beach, tidal PICNIC SPOT creek and salt marsh provide great swimming, crabs to catch and views across Harpswell Sound to the unique Cribstone Bridge connecting Orr’s and Bailey islands. SWIMMING Directions: From the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south for 12.2 mi. Turn left on Stover’s Cove Rd. Take your first right on Stover’s Point Rd. Veer left. Stay straight on Windsor Rd. Follow the road as it curves to the right then take a left on a gravel road. Being very careful of the undercarriage of your car, drive right out onto the beach. Once on the beach, please park on gravel surfaces only.
Visitor Guidelines neighbors, or other users’ enjoyment of the • Carry in, carry out. Preserve. • No overnight parking. • Carry out all dog waste. • Motorized vehicles restricted to • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and other designated areas. users. • No open fires. • The preserve is available for events, with • No camping. HHLT permission. • Dogs must be under owner’s control • No trap, float or boat storage. to avoid interfering with wildlife, the • Power driven mobility devices are allowed 15 on gravel areas. WFIPLK’P CLSB TO>FI P>OHFKD LLQ P Widgeon Cove Trail Harpswell Heritage Land Trust HH
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CRQ H>OMPTBII NB@H R N DOGS ALLOWED Legend
P Parking Scenic View Bench
SB LLLM Bridge SCENIC VIEW Conservation
ADBLK CL Easement SNOWSHOEING WF Trail: .6 mi, 30 minutes, moderate
WFADBLK CLSB .1 miles
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 out all dog waste. • Carry in, carry out. • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and • Pedestrian use only. other users. • No overnight parking. • This trail is on private property. Please • No open fires. respect the owner’s privacy. • No camping. • Power driven mobility devices are not • Dogs must be on a leash. allowed. 16 Wilson’s Cove Trail Harpswell Heritage Land Trust II
WFIPLK’P CLSB
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P N DOGS ALLOWED H>OMPTBII NB@H R
Legend P Parking P Scenic View WFADBLK CLSB Conservation SCENIC VIEW TO>FI P>OHFKD Easement LLQ Trail: .25 mi, SNOWSHOEING 15 minutes, easy
.25 miles
This short out-and-back trail brings hikers to a dramatic cliff overlooking Wilson’s Cove. The views up and down Middle Bay and across to Birch Island are spectacular. The end of the trail provides a quiet place to sit beneath the red oaks and take in the water, land and sky. On a still day, the reflection along the shore shimmers on the water and the retreating tide reveals seaweed-covered rocks for roosting gulls and cormorants. The Wilson’s Cove Trail is on privately owned land that is protected forever by a conservation easement.
Directions: From the intersection of Rt 123 and Bath Rd at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, follow Rt 123 south for 7.4 mi. Look for a small parking lot and sign on the right.
Visitor Guidelines • Carry out all dog waste. • Open dawn to dusk only. • No hunting or discharge of firearms. • Carry in, carry out. • Please respect wildlife, neighbors and • Pedestrian use only. other users. • Stay on the trail. • This trail is on private property. Please • No overnight parking. respect the owner’s privacy. • No open fires. • Power driven mobility devices are not • No camping. allowed. • Dogs must be on the leash. 17 Harpswell’s Islands
E: Crow Island Preserve, Harpswell Heritage Land Trust Crow Island Preserve in upper Middle Bay is accessible by small boat at half tide or higher. The island is open for camping and is part of the Maine Island Trail.
L: The Goslings, Maine Coast Heritage Trust The Goslings are owned by Maine Coast Heritage Trust and are available for day use and camping.
CC: Stover’s Island, Town of Harpswell The two-acre Stover’s Island marks the entrance to Strawberry Creek at the nortnern end of Harpswell Sound. Also know as Strawberry Creek Island, Stover’s Island is part of the Maine Island Trail.
FF: Whaleboat Island, Maine Coast Heritage Trust Whaleboat Island is the largest undeveloped island in Casco Bay. It is owned by Maine Coast Heritage Trust and is available for day use and camping.
Town-Owned Islands The Elm Islands, Uncle Zeke Island, Flash Island and Jenny Island are designated as habitat for migratory birds. Visitors are welcome to explore these islands between August 15 and March 15.
State-Owned Islands Haskell Island South, Mark Island, Mouse Island, Pond Island, Flag Island and Little Birch Island are all managed by the State. They provide important habitat for migratory and sea birds. Visitors are welcome to explore these islands between August 15 and March 15.
Federally-Owned Islands Ram Island and Upper Flag Island provide seabird nesting habitat. Visitors are welcome to explore these islands between August 15 and March 15.
18 Historic Landmarks
H: Admiral Robert E. Peary’s Home, Eagle Island, Casco Bay Admiral Peary, accompanied by Matthew Henson and four Inuit natives, planted the American flag at the North Pole. They were the first humans to reach the northernmost point on our globe. Eagle Island was home to Admiral Peary for many years. The Island is open to visitors between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from June 15 through Labor Day.
D: Cribstone Bridge, Bailey Island The Cribstone Bridge, built in 1927-28 is 1,150 feet long and spans the area known as Will’s Gut between Orr’s and Bailey Islands. The granite was brought in from local quarries and the open crib work allows for the ebb and flow of tides. Extensive repair work was completed in 2010. The bridge is recognized as an historic civil engineering landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
N: Harpswell Historical Society Museum, Harpswell Neck The Museum is home to displays featuring each of Harpswell’s unique communities, the town’s fishing and ship building industry, a rotating art exhibit, a 20th Century kitchen, antique farming equipment and old military uniforms.
S: Lobsterman Statue, Bailey Island The Lobsterman Statue, erected in 1976, is of H. Elroy Johnson. The original statue was displayed in the World’s Fair in 1939 and 1940. It is now displayed prominently at Land’s End on Bailey Island. The statue is owned by the Harpswell Historical Society.
Y: Old Meeting House, Harpswell Neck Completed in 1759, this historic building served the town as a meeting house, school house, place of worship and administrative offices for more than two centuries. Although owned by the Town, the Historical Society now maintains the building and the Town’s original cemetery, adjacent to the Hall. Tours may be arranged by contacting the Harpswell Historical Society.
19 Town Landings
Small Trailered Boat Boat Launch Launch
B: Bethel’s Point, Cundy’s Harbor X X N 43.79092/W 69.91183
Bethel’s Point serves as public and commercial boat launch, however, there is no public parking available. There is limited permit parking issued by the town as well as ample parking in the nearby commercial lot, which requires a small fee.
J: Garrison Cove, Bailey Island N 43.74771/W 69.99186 X X
This paved landing provides excellent access and has a great beach for swimming and walking. The beach and landing look north up Harpswell Sound. Limited parking is available at the top of the beach.
K: Graveyard Point, Harpswell Neck X N 43.74058/W 70.01530
Located at the end of the Graveyard Point Road on Harpswell Neck, this is an attractive gravel beach to launch a canoe or kayak or jump in the ocean to cool off. Parking for up to four cars along the road.
O: Hildreth Road, Harpswell Neck X X N 43.82138/W 69.95183
The public access point is off Mountain Rd west of Ewing Narrows Bridge. There is very limited parking on Hildreth Rd. The traditionally used launch point is down the gravel road. There is no public beach access. Please respect the private owners rights at the end of the gravel road.
P: Holbrook Street Landing, Cundy’s Harbor X X N 43.79929/W 69.88821
Located off the east side of Cundy’s Harbor Road, this gently sloped boat launch includes limited parking for three cars. 20 Town Landings
Small Trailered Boat Boat Launch Launch
U: Lookout Point, Harpwell Neck X X N 43.80825/W 69.99354
This is one of the best large boat launching places in Harpswell, for both commercial and recreational uses. Even by car, Lookout Point is worth a visit. The view of the undeveloped islands of Casco Bay is excellent. There is parking for up to six cars. Other use considerations are posted at the landing.
R: Mackerel Cove, Bailey Island X X N 43.73142/W 69.99837
This heavily-used landing provides recreational and commercial access to the busy harbor on Mackerel Cove. Parking is available for up to 15 cars in the neighboring lot. The landing is next to Johnson Field Preserve and Mackerel Cove Lot.
W: Pott’s Point Landing & Town Wharf, Harpswell Neck X X N 43.73681/W 70.00642
The Town Wharf allows skiffs and dinghies to tie up for 30 minutes. Parking for three cars.
AA: Steamboat Wharf Lane, Bailey Island N 43.72781/W 69.99842
This landing has limited use, mainly for monitoring boats and beach access. Very limited parking. Good views of a working harbor.
BB: Stover’s Cove Road, Harpswell Neck X X N 43.75470/W 70.00642 Located on Harpswell Harbor, this well-paved, low angle boat launch is a great way to access the harbor during high tide. Parking is limited.
21 Town Landings
Small Trailered Boat Boat Launch Launch
EE: Tide Mill/ Grist Mill Road, Harpswell Neck X N 43.74830/W 70.03297
Former site of the George Trues Grist Mill, built in 1867, which operated through use of tidal power. The remains of the dam which used to power the mill have created a reversing falls effect. Parking for four cars.
GG: Wharf Road, Harpswell Neck X
Located on Ewing Narrows with very limited parking.
JJ: York’s Landing/Steamboat Road, Bailey Island N 43.74771/W 69.99186
No parking. Pedestrian right of way to the shore. Areas for Play
Harpswell Community School, Great Island A playground is available outside of school hours.
Harpswell Coastal Academy, Harpswell Neck A playground is available outside of school hours.
Trufant- Summerton Baseball Field, Great Island Available for use anytime, unless Town activities are being conducted.
Harpswell Neck Physical Education Association, Harpswell Neck For information on facilities, contact Deborah Cornish at [email protected].
22 Bicycling Areas
Allen Point Road - Harpswell Neck
Parking at Scout Hall across the road from Allen Point Road. 1.6 mile road and loop back up using Harpswell Neck Road (1 mile) or Allen Point.
Basin Point Road/ Ash Point Road - Harpswell Neck
Park at Harpswell Coastal Academy (when school is not in session). To Dolphin Marina is 2.7 miles. Ash Point Road is 1.2 miles. Ash Point Road to Tide Mills is 1.3 miles.
Stover’s Point Road - Harpswell Neck
Park at Harpswell Coastal Academy (when school is not in session). From lot to Stover’s Point Preserve is 1.2 miles.
Pott’s Point - Harpswell Neck
Park at Harpswell Coastal Academy (when school is not in session). To Pott’s Point Landing and Town Wharf is 2.4 miles.
Mitchell Field - Harpswell Neck
Paved (2 miles), gravel and woods roads. Bike rack located on waterfront.
23 Pump Out Stations
New Meadows River - Cundy’s Harbor
Harpswell has a seasonal self-service pump-out float moored in Cundy’s Harbor. This facility contributes to cleaning up the New Meadows River and is monitored by the Holbrook Community Foundation. There is no fee to use this facility, donations can be sent to the Town of Harpswell, PO Box 39, Harpswell, ME 04079. Questions or comments should be directed to the Town’s Harbormaster, Jim Hays, at 751-9298.
Dolphin Marina - Pott’s Harbor
The pumpout station is located on the lower Western side of Pott’s Harbor. The pumpout station is owned by the marina and is a public pumpout station costing no more than $5. For more information, visit www. dolphinmarinaandrestaurant.com or contact the marina at (207) 833-5343.
Great Island Boatyard - Quahog Bay
The Boatyard is located at the very top of Quahog Bay on the Western side. This pump out station is owned by the Boatyard, is a dockside service and is a public pumpout station costing no more than $5. For more information, visit www.greatislandboatyard.com or call the marina at (207) 729-1639.
Q.B. Conservation LLC - Quahog Bay
This is a privately owned, free, boat-side service in Quahog Bay. Call Dave at (207) 522-1105 for service and more information.
24 Resources for More Information
Town of Harpswell www.harpswell.maine.gov
Harpswell Heritage Land Trust www.hhltmaine.org
Access Health www.accesshealthme.org
American Hiking Society www.americanhiking.org
Bicycle Coalition of Maine www.bikemaine.org
East Coast Greenway www.greenway.org
Friends of Peary’s Eagle Island www.pearyeagleisland.org
Healthy Maine Walks www.healthymainewalks.com
Leave No Trace Principles www.lnt.org
Maine Coast Heritage Trust www.mcht.org
Maine Island Trail Association www.mita.org
25 This guide was created by:
Town of Harpswell Recreation Department Recreation Committee Town Lands Committee Harbor and Waterfront Committee www.harpswell.maine.gov
and Harpswell Heritage Land Trust www.hhltmaine.org
Updated May 2015