We have not long returned from a trip back to the States, and are still fighting to get over jet-lag. The motivation was of course to visit family, but also to introduce the other half to parts of New England he had not yet visited. While we have done plenty of exploring around Marblehead, Boston, and Hanover NH, I wanted him to get a feel for the coast of Maine and the White Mountains, and so we planned a circuit that would cover both in just a few days. It was far from in-depth, but it was a start, and a return for me to areas I had spent a good deal of time in as a child.
Our first stop was Freeport, Maine. Yes, to visit LL Bean (my family has a tendency to give out vouchers for Christmas) – but also to see a bit more of the town and the local area. This walk was recommended by a friend who knows the area much better than we do, and it was a fantastic option – only about 10 minutes from Freeport by car, and with a range of trails that could be a day’s adventure or only that of an hour. The paths are well-kept and wander along the gorgeous coastline as well as what I would consider ‘standard’ New England forest – lots of pine, birch and maple.
One caveat, there is a daily parking fee of about $6, but it is well worth it if it keeps the trails in this good shape.
We chose to try the Casco Bay Trail, as we had been in the car for a few hours and wanted to stretch our legs, but also had a time-limit to check into our Inn.
There is a large picnic area just beyond the parking lot, and I could easily see how this could be a great day trip for families, while more serious hikers could follow the loops of trails for a longer walk.
Almost immediately, we found ourselves facing the glorious Maine coastline. I am an absolute sucker for any view of trees leading right down to the rocky shore, and the scent of the dry pine needles on the forest floor sent me right back to my childhood summers in Canada.
The angled slate rocks here also reminded me strongly of the coast of Scotland, though paler and a bit less jagged. Along the water there were a number of view points over the bay and coastline. We then turned up the hill at the edge of the park and after a short – and relatively steep – climb, cut across to walk through the forest, where what I am relatively sure are blueberry bushes were abundant.
It was almost painfully windy, but the sun and blue sky made for an absolutely stunning day and walk. I also love that Bureau of Parks and Lands has put up information plaques along the way, telling visitors about the islands, flora and fauna of the area – perfect for kids and families, and those not familiar with the area.
I actually wish that we had more time to explore, and would definitely return here armed with a picnic. Both Scotland and New England are wealths of opportunity for walks and hikes that allow you to explore in a way you never could from a car, and it is particularly nice to find a walk so close to a place to which I know we will return – our love of all things LL Bean is too strong to ignore!
The Wandering Medievalist 
2 responses to “Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park walk – Maine”
Gorgeous photos, Beth! Just gorgeous!! Do full justice to Maine’s magnificent coastline! Pam Moriarty ________________________________
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